Valparaiso University professor receives teaching award following student nominations

The Michael V. Carano Teacher Excellence Award from the IPC Education Foundation has been awarded to Dan White, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Valparaiso University. The award includes a prize of $1,000 and access to the IPC Education Foundation’s online learning platform. 

According to an article on Valparaiso University’s website, White was quoted as saying of his win, “I appreciate the students putting in the nomination. I will find any opportunity to get them resources or opportunities for them to learn and do things that are an advantage to them. When they put that in the nomination text, it’s very satisfying to see that recognized.” 

The award recognizes White for his commitment to teaching and to his students. Having nominated him, his students recognize the value of having an instructor who is dedicated to their success. In addition to his teaching duties, White also contributes to the Libre Space Foundation, a member of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) education committee, and leads the Wireless Research and Electronic Discovery (!WIRED) Lab at Valparaiso University. The Lab is a hands-on practice space for engineering students to learn and get help.

“The point of the lab is for students to work on projects. If they want to do a main project or something just on the side, I’ll support them. I’ll take anybody. As you keep doing stuff, I’ll always be ahead, clearing the path,” said White.

In addition, White is the Dale E. Kempf Professor of Emerging Technology at Valparaiso. He is using his position to help provide students with more hands-on learning opportunities and is currently working on a CubeSat project, which is a small satellite that he is helping students design and build.

Doug Tougaw ’05 MBA, Ph.D., P.E., who is the dean of the College of Engineering, said of White and his award win, “We’re very pleased that Professor White’s excellent work has been recognized by IPC. He brings a remarkable level of expertise and passion to the college, and his students’ lives are changed by the work they do with him.”

For more information about Valparaiso University, visit the school’s website.