The International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) has presented Dr. Daniel B. Oerther, a professor of environmental health engineering at Missouri S&T, with the Duncan Fraser Global Award for Excellence in Engineering Education.
“I try to approach my work with students in the same way that Professor Fraser did, as he was passionate about empowering students through his teaching,” Oerther explains. It is the duty of engineering educators to prepare and motivate students from a variety of backgrounds to tackle global issues.
“While I am honored to receive this award, it is important to acknowledge that without the thousands of amazing students I have had the honor of teaching and mentoring throughout my career, this would not be possible.”
 
This award is given to teachers “who have made innovative and meritorious contributions with a significant impact on the advancement of engineering education,” according to the website of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies.

The award was given to Oerther at the World Engineering Education Forum in Sydney, Australia, in early December. Barney, his adolescent son, attended the ceremony with him.

Dr. Duncan Fraser, an emeritus professor of chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, is honored with the award. Prior to his death in 2014, he was slated to serve as president of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies.
 

The American Society for Engineering Education nominated Oerther, who has won the Robert G. Quinn Award for excellence in laboratory instruction and experimentation and the Environmental Engineering Division’s Best Paper Award twice.

“Dan is a dynamo,” stated Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri System, in a letter endorsing the nomination. He scans the future for research opportunities and shares these with his students so they can find answers in the lab, in the classroom, and outside of the institution’s community-based presence.