Doug Klein, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the First-Year Engineering (FYE) program in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, is one of 10 winners to receive the University of Kentucky’s 2022-23 Outstanding Teaching Awards.
These awards identify and recognize individuals who demonstrate special dedication to student achievement and who are successful in their teaching. Recipients were selected via nomination and reviewed by a selection committee based in the UK Provost’s Office for Faculty Advancement and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
“The students in the College of Engineering are some of the most unique and talented young people in our Commonwealth,” said Klein. “I truly enjoy being a part of a great team that starts them on their academic success in the College of Engineering. It is a privilege to be recognized by the university for my role in impacting and providing opportunities to these impressive young people.”
Since 2018, Klein has served as a lecturer in the college's FYE program, which is required of all incoming engineering students. Klein teaches courses including engineering exploration, which introduces students to the innovation, design and problem solving involved in engineering and computer science. Klein helps students explore different paths within engineering and discover what works best for their individual learning styles and personality types.
Through the FYE program, engineering students also get hands-on learning experiences, including access to the College of Engineering’s Innovation Center, which is also directed by Klein. The Innovation Center is a makerspace that offers tools to help students bring their designs to life for class assignments, team competitions and even their own businesses.
Klein, a well-known educator within the Kentucky public school system, also directs the Transition to Engineering Program (T2E) with Kentucky high schools. T2E takes the FYE program and applies it at the high school level.
This year’s Outstanding Teaching Awards were given to seven faculty members and three graduate teaching assistants. Each winner received an award certificate, a commemorative engraved gift and a cash award in recognition of their teaching excellence.