Dr. Karan Watson, Regents Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University, was awarded the 2021 ASEE Lifetime Achievement Award in Engineering Education. Watson was recognized for her pioneering leadership and sustained contributions to education in the fields of engineering and engineering technology.
This prestigious award recognizes individuals with significant contributions in teaching, education, research, administration or educational programs, professional service, or any combination thereof.
‘’While I can mention many mentors, who have helped me throughout my career, and even more students who have taught me as much or more than I taught them, I especially want to recognize Carl Erdman who introduced me to engineering education as an important research area for engineering. Thank you to all who were involved in the nomination, and to all my colleagues at Texas A&M University and around the world “, said Watson.
In the past, Watson was the recipient the following awards: IEEE Fellow, ASEE Fellow, U.S. President’s Award for Mentoring Minorities and Women in Science and Technology, The American Association for the Advancement of Science mentoring award, IEEE International Undergraduate Teaching Award and the Texas A&M University College of Engineering Crawford Teaching Award. Watson holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Her research interests include engineering education, organizational change and computer systems.
Dr. Tracy Hammond, Director, Institute for Engineering Education and Innovation says ‘’Karan Watson’s accomplishments in teaching and mentoring students and faculty, her academic leadership, professional service and her contributions to engineering education are outstanding. She has served as a mentor to myself and countless others, always driving us to become better educators and citizens of the world‘’.