The Faculty of Engineering was well represented at the 2025 McMaster Student Union (MSU) Teaching Awards on April 2.
Three professors and two teaching assistants were honoured with awards for their outstanding efforts in teaching, student support, innovation and service to communities.
“Our Faculty champions excellence in teaching and learning, as a foundational element of delivering an unparalleled student experience – one of our core priorities,” says Dean Heather Sheardown. “I’m so proud that five people from our faculty are being recognized by the MSU in their awards program.”
Here are this year’s MSU Teaching Award recipients:
The Excellence in Teaching Award
Shahrukh Athar
Assistant Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Nominated by students, the Excellence in Teaching award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by a faculty member.
Shahrukh Athar, Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering, is widely praised for his exceptional dedication and care by his students. Known for his kindness and commitment to student success, he goes above and beyond to provide extra support, such as holding late-hour tutorials before exams and being highly responsive to students’ needs, even outside of regular hours. His teaching style is highly effective, breaking down complex material into easily understandable steps, and his well-organized, handwritten lecture notes are invaluable to students.
Athar’s passion for teaching shines through in his energy and approachability, ensuring that students not only grasp the content but also enjoy the learning process. His students appreciate how he adapts lessons based on feedback and always strives to create a positive, engaging classroom environment. Athar has made a significant impact on the Electrical and Computer Engineering department, earning deep admiration for his genuine care and commitment to his students’ academic and personal growth.
MSU Award of Distinction
Michael Justason
Assistant Professor, W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
The MSU Award of Distinction recognizes instructors who have made contributions to communities outside of McMaster that align with McMaster’s Principles of Community Engagement locally, nationally and internationally.
Michael Justason, Assistant Professor in the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, has earned widespread recognition for his exceptional contributions to teaching and his dedication to the academic and professional growth of his students. In his first year at McMaster, he was nominated for the MSU Teaching Award and subsequently placed on the Dean’s Teaching Honour Roll for six consecutive years, reflecting his standing as one of the top instructors in the Faculty of Engineering.
His dedication culminated in winning the prestigious President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning in 2019. Justason has also played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and academic pathways, including helping to establish an Accelerated MBA pathway and contributing to the ACBSP Accreditation for the B.Tech. 4-Year Programs. His commitment to enhancing the student experience continued through the challenges of COVID-19, where he innovated with lightboard technology for live teaching and shared his techniques with educators across Ontario.
Justason’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, as he regularly supports student clubs, organizes key events like the M-Factor Competition, and mentors students long after they graduate. In 2022, he was named a fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, further cementing his status as a dedicated educator and influential figure in the field. His work continues to impact students, teachers, and the broader engineering community.
Innovation Award
Fei Geng
Associate Professor, W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
The Innovation Award is presented to members of the McMaster community who have demonstrated the spirit of innovation in their teaching, partnerships or research.
Fei Geng, Associate Professor in the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, is a transformative figure in education and innovation at McMaster. As the Program Chair of the Biotechnology Undergraduate Program and Program Lead of the Biomanufacturing Master’s Program, he created Canada’s first Biomanufacturing Master’s Program, filling a critical gap in workforce training and enhancing McMaster’s leadership in biomanufacturing education. His focus on integrating experiential learning, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge curriculum has provided students with real-world skills and hands-on experiences.
Geng’s commitment to student engagement is reflected in the dynamic and inclusive learning environments he fosters, which inspire and empower students. His innovative teaching strategies, alongside his interdisciplinary initiatives and collaboration with industry partners like Cultivated B, enrich the educational experience and improve workforce readiness. Geng continues to impact both education and healthcare, as evidenced by his 2024 Lung Ambition Award for his work in improving lung cancer screening. Geng’s continuous reflection on teaching effectiveness and dedication to tangible course improvements demonstrate his outstanding leadership.
Teaching Assistant Merit Award
Nikita Holyev and Majdi Flah
Nikita Holyev from mechanical engineering and Majdi Flah from civil engineering received Teaching Assistant Awards in recognition of their superb performance in supporting student learning, delivering high-quality teaching material and communication.