Valparaiso University Engineering Professor Nationally Recognized for Teaching Excellence

Dan White Ph.D., associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Valparaiso University has been named the recipient of the Michael V. Carano Teacher Excellence Award from the IPC Education Foundation. The annual, student-nominated award comes with a $1,000 cash prize and a one-year membership to IPC Edge, the institution’s online learning platform. This award also exemplifies Professor White’s dedication to learning and thriving, two pillars of the Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward five-year strategic plan.

“I appreciate the students putting in the nomination,” Professor White said. “I will find any opportunity to get them resources or opportunities for them to learn and do things that are an advantage to them. When they put that in the nomination text, it’s very satisfying to see that recognized.” 

In addition to teaching, Professor White operates the University’s Wireless Research and Electronic Discovery (!WIRED) Lab, which serves as a space for students to receive hands-on project experience in radio, satellite, microchip, and other engineering projects. He is also a founding member of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) education committee and a core contributor to the Libre Space Foundation. 

“We’re very pleased that Professor White’s excellent work has been recognized by IPC,” said Dean of the College of Engineering Doug Tougaw ’05 MBA, Ph.D., P.E. “He brings a remarkable level of expertise and passion to the college, and his students’ lives are changed by the work they do with him.”

Professor White is also the current Dale E. Kempf Professor of Emerging Technology, a position he is using to further student opportunities for engineering experience through the design and construction of a small satellite called a CubeSat. Whether it’s a large project like the CubeSat or exploring a personal passion, Professor White is committed to enhancing the Valparaiso University engineering experience through hands-on work.

“The point of the lab is for students to work on projects. If they want to do a main project or something just on the side, I’ll support them. I’ll take anybody,” Professor White says. “As you keep doing stuff, I’ll always be ahead, clearing the path.” 

A branch of the international electronics manufacturing standards organization IPC, the Education Foundation creates awareness of the careers the electronics manufacturing industry has to offer and promote opportunities to students by providing them access to knowledge and content and connections with people and companies. Learn more about the organization here. 
Learn more about the exciting events, changes and opportunities happening at the Valparaiso University College of Engineering here.