黑料网

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 16, 2025

黑料网 associate professor Amin Esmaeili has received the 2025 John L. Imhoff Global Excellence Award for Industrial Engineering Education, a national honor recognizing his innovative, hands-on approach to preparing students for careers in manufacturing and energy systems.

Esmaeili, who teaches industrial and systems engineering in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET), was selected by the American Society for Engineering Education for his leadership in applied learning and workforce development.

Since 2021, Esmaeili has led KSU鈥檚 Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), established through a five-year U.S. Department of Energy grant. In recent years, the IAC has partnered with over 35 manufacturers across Georgia to conduct energy and productivity assessments. Students gain hands-on experience during these visits, analyzing real production systems and offering improvement strategies.

鈥淒r. Esmaeili鈥檚 passion for teaching and dedication to student success are evident in his work,鈥� SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman said. 鈥淗e not only equips students with the tools to succeed, but he gives them confidence and opportunities to lead. We鈥檙e proud to have him represent SPCEET and Kennesaw State on the national stage.鈥�

Esmaeili joined KSU in 2016 as an adjunct professor before elevating to a full-time associate professor in 2018. Originally from Iran, he earned bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees there before completing another master鈥檚 degree and a Ph.D. at Wichita State University. His six years in industry before entering academia strongly influence his teaching approach.

He also credits KSU鈥檚 commitment to practical engineering education.

鈥淭his award highlights the value of experiential learning and reinforces how important it is to get our students out of the classroom and into real-world environments,鈥� Esmaeili said. 鈥淜SU has incredible talent. I believe this is just one of many opportunities we should be seizing to show what our faculty and students are accomplishing.鈥�

Esmaeili鈥檚 teaching philosophy centers on bridging theory and practice. His courses in systems and industrial engineering emphasize the skills employers seek. Many of his students land jobs due to the experience and confidence they gain through his mentorship. In some cases, students have even been hired directly by the manufacturers they have assisted as part of the IAC program.

Beyond the classroom, Esmaeili has also launched an undergraduate research conference that gives students across the country a chance to present applied projects.

鈥淲hat sets us apart at 黑料网, specifically SPCEET, is that we鈥檙e producing engineers who are ready on Day 1,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 only possible when students are exposed to real engineering environments during their education.鈥�

鈥� Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo by Judith Pishnery

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.