Dr. Michael Johnson was recently recognized with two awards from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He received both the Frederick J. Berger Award and the prestigious National Engineering Technology Teaching Award.
Having received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johnson has called Texas A&M University his home since August 2007.
In addition to a passion for education, Johnson, professor and associate department head for undergraduate studies in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution, conducts research on computer-aided design methodology and cost modeling and analysis of product development and manufacturing systems. His multitude of honors, awards and publications stand in testament to his dedication for furthering education and engineering technology.
Named in honor of the long-time executive director and sponsor of the City University of New York’s Tau Alpha Pi branch, the Frederick J. Berger Award recognizes both programmatic and individual excellence in engineering technology education – celebrating both the accomplishments of the department and individual recipient.
“I was the advisor for the Texas Gamma chapter of Tau Alpha Pi and served as Tau Alpha Pi national president,” Johnson said. “I really appreciate the legacy of Frederick Berger and what he has meant to the engineering technology community.”
Established to identify the nation’s more influential educators in the applied engineering and/or engineering technology education, the National Engineering Technology Teaching Award honors leaders in education who have demonstrated enhanced learning experiences that have enabled students to excel. Its goal is to celebrate individuals whose love of teaching has inspired them to go above and beyond what is expected of faculty, in and out of the classroom, to motivate students to strive to better themselves and make the world a better place.
“I am honored to win a national teaching award in engineering technology where there are so many dedicated and excellent teachers,” Johnson said. “I would like to thank Dr. Reza Langari for nominating me, the Engineering Technology Council, the Engineering Technology Division and the Journal of Engineering Technology, who funds the award. I would also like to thank my colleagues and students who wrote support letters for me.”