Andrew Houck, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, received the School of Engineering and Applied Science 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award.

Houck, whose research applies quantum mechanics to engineering, is known as an enthusiastic and engaging teacher and sought-after adviser. He has been a leader in successful efforts to restructure the first-year engineering curriculum to increase interest and retention among students. A recipient of the University’s President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, Houck has been included in the Dean’s Commendation List for Outstanding Teaching 15 times. Sharad Malik, chair of electrical and computer engineering, called Houck an “off-the-scale” teacher.

Students called Houck a “phenomenal instructor” who demonstrated “pure pedagogical mastery.” In presenting the award at the engineering school’s Class Day ceremony, Vice Dean Antoine Kahn called Houck “an amazing faculty member who is having a major impact across the entire spectrum of the department and SEAS’s teaching and mentoring activities.” Dean Andrea Goldsmith said Houck “embodies the fact that you can be an outstanding teacher and an outstanding researcher, and that they are intertwined.”