Congratulations to Dr. Amir Hessami, Dr. Hua Li and Ms. Debra Beltran for winning the awards for Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Research and for being an outstanding staff, respectively for the academic year 2019-2020. 

Excellence in Teaching – Dr. Amir Hessami

Dr. Hessami joined TAMUK as an Assistant Professor of Construction Engineering and Management in the Department of Civil & Architectural Engineering in the Spring of 2016. He received his PhD in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a member of the Transportation Research Board’s Strategic Management Committee and Maintenance Operations Committee. Dr. Hessami is an OSHA authorized construction trainer, a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas and holds a project management professional certificate from the Project Management Institute. He is constantly seeking innovative options to reach out to students. In the Fall of 2016, he developed and offered a graduate level construction management course that was the largest distance learning course taught at TAMUK. He has also developed a course in Project Estimation, Planning and Control. He attends training sessions to continuously improve the courses he teaches.

Excellence in Research - Dr. Hua Li

Dr. Li joined TAMUK as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering in Fall 2008. His research expertise includes renewable energy, especially in wind and wave energy. His research also specializes in simulation, optimization and engineering education. He has received more than $1.6M in new external grants as Project Investigator and more than $4.8M in external grants as Co-Project Investigator. Dr. Li has published more than 50 high quality peer-reviewed journal and conference papers. He is an editorial board member in two high impact journals as well as organized special issues. He has graduated two PhD students and more than 25 MS Thesis students.

Ms. Beltran joined TAMUK as an administrative associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in August 2015. She is an exceptional administrative associate and co-worker who is always helpful and friendly. Along with her regular departmental administrative duties, Ms. Beltran is often helping students with advising and making sure any other necessary paperwork is completed and turned in. She is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the job is completed. According to her chair, “She makes the EECS department a better place for everyone.” It is my pleasure to present the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Staff to Ms. Debra Beltran.