Dr. Patrick A. Frantom, Dr. Sriram Aaleti, Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes and Dr. Kagendo Mutua.
Dr. Sriram Aaleti, professor and associate department head for graduate studies in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental engineering, was named one of four recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award.
Presented annually by the National Alumni Association, the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award is the University’s highest honor for teaching. The award highlights exceptional faculty members’ commitment to education and impact on students.
“Receiving this award is both humbling and deeply rewarding. Teaching has always been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career, and this recognition reaffirms the value of creating a classroom environment where curiosity, engagement and critical thinking thrive,” Aaleti said.
Aaleti’s research focuses on improving the safety and resilience of infrastructure and evaluating alterations to structures after exposure to natural and human-made hazards. Aaleti has been recognized multiple times for excellence in graduate and undergraduate instruction.
Aaleti believes research and teaching complement each other. Research challenges Aaleti to lead in innovation, while teaching reminds him to explain with clarity and purpose. Aaleti regularly brings real-world case studies and current research findings into the classroom to demonstrate how engineering theory translates into practical designs that save lives.
“I hope to motivate students to question conventional thinking and consider graduate studies or research careers that address the evolving needs of our infrastructure systems,” Aaleti said.
Tu Luong, a graduate research assistant who nominated Aaleti, said he has and continues to make a lasting impact on engineering students.
“Dr. Aaleti fosters a strong foundation in engineering ethics and technical competency in students. Through Dr. Aaleti, I have developed a deep appreciation for the civil engineering profession and a clear understanding of our responsibility as engineers to ensure public safety,” Luong said.
Luong worked with Aaleti as an undergraduate student and is now advised by Aaleti in his doctoral program. Luong said Aaleti treats every student, graduate or undergraduate, with the same respect and attitude.
Aaleti’s teaching philosophy is guided by ideas that extend beyond the transfer of knowledge.
“A good teacher covers the subject; a creative teacher uncovers it, and why and how are more important than what,” Aaleti said.
Aaleti said the award is a shared achievement that celebrates a collective commitment to excellence in engineering education.
“I hope students leave my classes with curiosity, confidence and the belief that no problem is too difficult to tackle. I want them to see that engineering challenges aren’t something to be feared. They can be deconstructed into manageable parts and solved step by step,” Aaleti said.
Learn more about the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award.