Engineering professor honored with ASEE’s national Fahien Award

Dr. Jacqueline Gartner was named the recipient of American Society for Engineering Education's Ray W. Fahien Award, given each year to engineering professors who demonstrate outstanding teaching effectiveness and who have made significant contributions to chemical engineering education beyond their institution.

Gartner is an associate professor in Campbell University's School of Engineering. She's a member of the founding faculty for the school, which opened its doors in 2016, and was the first chemical engineer hired by founding dean Dr. Jenna Carpenter. Her research has focused on designing, implementing and assessing interventions in the undergraduate engineering classroom, helping form a foundational culture of collaboration and faculty support for student success at Campbell.

Earlier this month, Gartner served as faculty advisor for Campbell's Chem-E car team that advanced to nationals after placing in the Top 3 at the regional AIChE Conference competition held in Atlanta.

She said she is "deeply honored" to be named this year's award recipient.

"This recognition reflects the incredible opportunities I've had to build something meaningful at Campbell University and learn alongside brilliant students every day," Gartner said. "However, my greatest teachers have been my own children - they remind me daily why curiosity, patience and wonder matter in every classroom. I am grateful to my students, colleagues, mentors and family for shaping who I am as an educator."

The award is given each year by ASEE in honor of Ray Fahien, the founding father of the Chemical Engineering Education Journal. Fahien was the editor of the Journal from 1967-1995 and established it as a premier publication vehicle in the field of chemical engineering education.

According to ASEE, Fahien "selflessly gave his time and talents to advance pedagogical scholarship - particularly in the careers of young educators - through his dedication to the journal and the profession. This award is presented annually to an educator who has shown evidence of vision and contribution to chemical engineering education.

Created in 1997, the award has been given to professors from Clemson, NC State (twice), Alabama, and Rowan University (five times), among other schools with top engineering programs. Carpenter said Gartner's inclusion on that list is big news for Campbell's growing engineering program.

"This honor is a testament to the innovation of our engineering program at Campbell and Dr. Gartner's leadership and work in advancing that vision of chemical engineering education for the 21st century both here and around the country," Carpenter said. "We are most proud that her work is being recognized."