Vasconcelos receives national accolade for excellence in teaching

Vasconcelos

Jose Vasconcelos, assistant professor of civil engineering, has received the 2014 James M. Robbins National Excellence in Teaching Award from Chi Epsilon, the national civil engineering honor society. Chi Epsilon aims to honor engineers who have exemplified the principles of scholarship, character, practicality and sociability throughout the engineering profession.

Vasconcelos was nominated in recognition of his teaching from Auburn University’s chapter of Chi Epsilon. He was selected as the Southeast district winner before being chosen from a larger pool of all district winners from across the country.

“I believe the mission of an educator is possibly one of the most important in a society, and it is a privilege for me to serve as a civil engineering professor here at Auburn University,” said Vasconcelos. “I believe that the role of a professor is decisive to the effectiveness of the learning process, creating an environment and conditions where students feel engaged, as well aware of their potential.”

Vasconcelos earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Brasilia in 1995 and 2000, respectively. He obtained his doctorate in civil engineering in 2005 from the University of Michigan and has been a member of the Auburn University faculty as an assistant professor since 2010. 

Contributed by Valerie Cashin