Osama Ettouney, chair and professor of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, has been named Miami’s 2008-2009 Alumni Association Effective Educator.

“He wants to see all his students and alumni succeed and he expects them to ‘work hard, have fun, and learn something new’” said Leon Chartrand ‘95, about Ettouney.

His motto – have fun and learn something new – was remembered by many students in their nomination letters, as was his “infectious enthusiasm about learning” described by Troy Kimmel ‘95, “that gave me the impetus to excel rather than just keep up.”

The title of Effective Educator is given annually to one faculty or staff member in honor of his or her influence “in profound ways” on students. The selection is made based on the number and quality of nominations submitted by alumni who graduated five years previously, along with nomination letters submitted in past years.

Having taught at Miami for 22 years, Ettouney feels “fortunate to be at such a wonderful learning community as Miami … the students, faculty and staff make it such an inviting and exciting place to work. And I always tell this to my students: ‘You enrich our lives by being here with us’; they truly make teaching fun and a highly rewarding experience for me.”

His research interests focus on three areas: in engineering, his interest focuses on computer integrated manufacturing systems; in teaching, it focuses on classroom pedagogy, learning technologies and lab design and professional ethics, among others; and in the history of technology, it focuses on the impact of engineering on society or vice versa, especially in Egypt.

“His teaching style challenges students to solve problems on their own,” explained Chartrand. “This … breeds initiative and the will to learn. In short, his teaching style produces life-long learners.”

Ettouney “was the instructor who excited me the most when I started in engineering,” said David Poole ‘97. “I think he truly epitomizes what Miami is all about.” Jessica Irons ‘04, explained, “He brought excitement to the department and his classes … I truly believe that my experience at Miami would not have been as wonderful as it was if it weren’t for Dr. Ettouney.”