Excellence in Teaching, 2023
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
May-Win Thein is a scholar in the field of system dynamics and control. Her ultimate goal is to develop a collaborative ecosystem of autonomous robots bridging space, air, ground and sea. Her science fiction-worthy ambition coupled with her unfaltering commitment to student success and well-being have resulted in a dedicated and enthusiastic swarm of CEPS students who perennially sing praises for her work inside and outside of the classroom.
May-Win has continuously adapted her demeanor and approach to teaching and mentoring to meet the needs of our students. She invests time in her students, learning their names and prioritizing answering their questions. She is regularly referred to as the best professor in CEPS due to her ability to explain difficult concepts and her genuine care for students. She is strongly committed to the retention and advancement of women in STEM as evidenced by her enduring role as the beloved advisor for the college chapter of the Society of Women Engineers.
May-Win’s impact on our students extends well beyond the classroom, as she sets a high bar for developing and leading experiential learning opportunities, including senior capstone projects, undergraduate research and student design competitions. She advises dozens of students on interdisciplinary projects each year, involving national and international competitions and engaging with national defense agencies. Several of these projects have been converted to student organizations, providing longstanding and transformative opportunities in robotics and engineering for our students.
May-Win’s dedication to fostering a love for learning is an inspiration to all in the field of education.
About this Award
Each year, the University selects a small number of its outstanding faculty for special recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service. Awards for Excellence in Teaching are given in each college and school, and University-wide awards recognize public service, research, teaching, and engagement.
