Professor Cassie Castorena wins the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Award
Professor Cassie Castorena received the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Award as part of the NC State 2023-24 University Teaching Awards ceremony.
The award, sponsored by the NC State Alumni Association, is one of the most prestigious awards given on campus to recognize excellence in undergraduate education. Up to six recipients receive this recognition each year and retain the title for the duration of their career as an NC State faculty member. Each recipient also receives a cash award.
Castorena joined CCEE in August 2012 and teaches CE 332: Civil Engineering Materials. She has received several accolades including NC State’s Outstanding Teacher Award and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Transportation and Development Institute’s Outstanding Young Member Award.
CCEE Professor and Director of the Institute for Transportation Research and Education Billy Williams said he cannot imagine a more deserving candidate for the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Award.
“Cassie began her faculty career by immediately establishing herself as an excellent classroom teacher, exceeding the department average on the student evaluation assessment of teacher effectiveness in her first offering of CE 332 and achieving a perfect score in her second offering. It is clear from her teaching record that she has consistently been one of the most effective, appreciated and respected teachers in our department across her many years in the classroom.”
In 2016, Castorena received a Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) Critical Path Course Redesign Grant from NC State to redevelop CE 332, implementing recorded Lightboard videos, lab demonstration videos, virtual laboratory exercises, and an expanded curriculum.
Professor Rudi Seracino said that she has contributed to the continuous development of the course ever since with the “aim of improving learning and teaching by successfully implementing innovative pedagogical methods.
“Dr. Castorena has a sustained record of accomplishment in the development of a critical laboratory intensive course in our department that has led to an improved student experience and mastery of complex material. She cares about her students and their success. Her instructional materials are used by faculty worldwide providing positive exposure to our program at NC State University.”
CCEE graduate student Makayla Thornhill, who took CE 332 in Spring 2023 as an undergraduate, said that the course quickly became one of her favorites of the semester because of Castorena’s teaching.
“I excelled in her course not only because of my interest in the course content, but most importantly, because of her dedication to providing quality instruction. Her enthusiasm and excitement regarding the course material was quite apparent and allowed for engaging lectures. … Her contribution to the education of CCEE undergraduate students is outstanding and should be formally recognized.”