The IEEE Teaching Excellence Hub is dedicated to providing professional development resources for those teaching engineering, computing, and technology at the university level, and is always on the lookout for inspiring stories to share! In this spotlight, we highlight John Cressler, who is a recent recipient of the IEEE Education Society’s Distinguished Lecturer Award!
John D. Cressler received his B.S. from Georgia Tech in 1984, and his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1990. From 1984 to 1992, he was on the research staff at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, and from 1992 to 2002 he served on the faculty at Auburn University. In 2002, he joined the faculty at Georgia Tech, and is currently Schlumberger Chair Professor in Electronics in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The basic thrust of Cressler’s research is to develop novel micro/nanoelectronic devices, circuits and systems for next-generation applications within the global electronics infrastructure. He and his team attempt to break the business-as-usual mold in this field and re-imagine the way electronics in the 21st century can and should be practiced.
The IEEE Teaching Excellence Hub was able to connect with John for an interview, and learn more from his teaching experience, and his advice for future engineers and educators!
What piece of advice do you wish someone shared with you before you became an educator? OR What questions do you wish you had asked during your tenure track faculty interview?
The bedrock for being an effective educator is . . . care and concern for your students.
What, if any, changes have you seen over the years in how students learn? OR Has your teaching style changed over the years, and if so, how?
One important shift is that students today, in aggregate, do not handle the stress associated with the educational journey as well as they used to. The pandemic certainly contributed to this trend, as does the negative impact of smartphone and social media, both of which can be addictive.
What is your favorite class to teach, and why?
My favorite class to teach is IAC 2002, “Science, Engineering, and Religion: An Interfaith Dialogue.” I teach it each spring in the liberal arts college. It’s an intimate class where students form a tight-knit community. The course allows students to explore the intersections of science, engineering, and different religious and secular worldviews in a meaningful way.
What is it that inspired you to become an educator?
I was inspired to become an educator by my deep desire to give back for all that I have received throughout my own educational journey. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some incredible teachers and mentors who challenged me, encouraged my growth, and helped me see the world from new perspectives.
What resources do you use to learn about new teaching strategies? What have you implemented that has been most effective for you?
I consider myself somewhat ‘old-school’ in my approach to teaching. I don’t rely on PowerPoint or other electronic media in the classroom. Instead, I focus on using a whiteboard for visual aids and engage my students in lots of dialogue. I believe that face-to-face conversation fosters deeper understanding of the material and allows students to actively participate in their learning. This has worked very well for me, for a long, long time.
In the era of ChatGPT, how do you feel AI change the Education Landscape?
I’m not a fan of using AI in the classroom, particularly in its current forms. While I recognize that AI has its uses in certain contexts, I believe that education thrives on personal connection, deep discussion, and critical thinking—elements that are difficult for AI to replicate.
How has winning this award impacted your career if any?
I have won both the IEEE Mulligan Education Medal, and the IEEE Kirchmayer Graduate Education Award. It is always great to be recognized for things I hold dear. But that is not the reason I teach and mentor. I care deeply about young people, and their role in fostering the Common Good of humanity. An inspiring education, by teachers and mentors that truly care about the well-being our students, is the key to building a better world.
If you can share one thing about the future of Engineering, what would it be? And why?
Person-centric, care for the good of all (globally).
Thank you to John Cressler for sharing his knowledge and experience with us! To learn more about Dr. Cressler and his work, please visit the following Cressler Credo and Cressler Mentoring Tips.
