Nachtmann Awarded the 2007-08 College of Engineering Outstanding Advisor Award
Dr. Heather Nachtmann from the Department of Industrial Engineering was honored by the Academic Advising Council and the Office of the Provost as the 2007-2008 College of Engineering Outstanding Academic Advising Award Recipient.
Dr. Heather Nachtmann received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering (IE) from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and directs the Mack Blackwell Rural Transportation Center. Heather serves as faculty advisor to three engineering student groups; Alpha Pi Mu (the IE honor society), Society of Women Engineers, and Women in Engineering. In addition to this year’s Outstanding Advisor Award for the College of Engineering, Heather has received awards for her research, teaching and service to students.
Dr. Nachtmann stated, “I am an advocate for advising. I believe that being a dedicated advisor benefits me in all aspects of my career including research and teaching. In my research, the supervision of undergraduate and graduate researchers allows me to learn from creative and innovative students, add to new knowledge in my field through our graduates and inspire students toward graduate education and lifelong learning. Advising also enhances my teaching performance by providing me with better knowledge about our students’ interests, skills and professional goals. From this knowledge, I recognized that an important aspect of my teaching is emphasizing professionalism, communication and teamwork. I believe these skills are at least as important as the technical knowledge of my courses and work hard to be a professional role model for all our students.”
Some of Dr. Nactmann's advisees stated:
“Her constant support and encouragement showed me the impact that a professor could have on the life of a student. It was from this attitude that I decided to pursue a Ph.D. and enter into the academic realm myself.”
“[Dr. Nachtmann] has all the qualities of an excellent … advisor- giving praise for a job well done, offering constructive criticism when needed, and meeting the needs of the students.”
“[Dr. Nachtmann] was a great guide for me during my college life, …and even now, I know that if I have a professional question she will be there to help me.”
Congratulations, Dr. Nachtmann!
