Prof Tim Woo of Electronic and Computer Engineering has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the Michael G Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching at HKUST for his passion, dedication and ability to create an innovative learning environment in which students can thrive and achieve their educational goals. This is the highest recognition for teaching at HKUST and is awarded to one member of academic staff each year. The award will be presented by the President at the Congregation on 20 November.

Prof Woo received his PhD in Electronic Engineering from HKUST in 2005 and joined the University as a Demonstrator. He has been a strong advocate of engineering education. He has adopted an inquiry-based approach, placing students at the center of learning, encouraging them to explore the world and to be proactive in solving problems. An innovator, Prof Woo introduces many in-course project work, as well as final year projects, to foster student development in the School of Engineering.

Prof Woo has established a very successful program for experiential learning through robotics competitions, nurturing a unique HKUST Robotics Team composed of students from culturally and academically diverse backgrounds. Since 2007, students under his supervision have won more than 130 prizes and awards in robotics and engineering-design competitions, business-plan competitions, research competitions, and student-paper and final-year-project contests. He actively shares his experience and is always eager to engage his colleagues in both formal and informal settings, seeking to motivate younger faculty members to tap into their innovative spirit on experiential learning across disciplines.

He has opened up new community-service opportunities for students and colleagues through the development of advanced applications to assist the hearing-impaired and partially sighted. This service to the community has been a vehicle for students’ achievement in a range of critical, career-relevant skills. He is also the Founding Director of the Center for Global & Community Engagement of the School of Engineering since 2011.

The breadth of Prof Woo’s contribution has been complemented by the high quality of his performance in all aspects of his work. He has been recently honored with the 2015 UGC Teaching Award, which was launched by the UGC in recognition of outstanding academics in the UGC-funded institutions. Only two or three awards are made each year. He also won the School of Engineering’s Teaching Excellence Appreciation Award in 2009-10.

The Michael G Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching was established by the University Council in 1994 to commemorate the late Founding Council Member, Mr Michael G Gale, for his distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the development of the University. The Medal is awarded each year at the University’s Congregation to a member of the academic staff who best exemplifies continued pursuit of excellence, devotion to teaching, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Related link:

• Citation of Prof Tim Woo