Jing Wang, associate teaching professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, has won the 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award in the Notre Dame College of Engineering.
The award honors an engineering faculty member — selected each year by undergraduates in engineering — for excellence in teaching and overall positive influence on student formation.
Wang teaches subjects that develop multi-disciplinary skills, such as CAD/CAM, as well as topics that expand students’ in-depth knowledge of physics and mechanical engineering, including statics, dynamics and mechanics of materials.
“Professor Wang is a phenomenal instructor,” one student commented. “She frequently goes above and beyond the standard curriculum by producing her own comprehensive homework videos, ensuring that every student has the resources needed to succeed.”
Another noted: “Her expertise in SolidWorks is truly incredible; she has a wealth of knowledge and seems to know every trick and shortcut within the software, and more importantly, she possesses the rare ability to teach these complex technical skills with clarity and precision.”
One nomination stated: “Beyond her technical mastery, Professor Wang creates a classroom environment that is both rigorous and deeply engaging. Through her “learning by doing” approach, I have not only gained a high level of technical proficiency but have also developed a genuine passion for the design process.”
Students also commented on her “unique talent for listening,” her great sense of humor, and ability to foster a strong, supportive community that mirrors the collaborative atmosphere in the professional design world.
Wang said she aims to teach students not just what to learn, but how to learn. “I encourage students to take ownership of their learning and develop the ability to learn new things independently,” Wang said. “My goal is to prepare students with the skills and mindset to solve complex problems on their own. Mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process and should not be viewed as setbacks, but as valuable opportunities for growth.”
Since joining the Notre Dame faculty in 2017, Wang has focused on fostering an engaging and creative learning environment. Her dedication has been honored with the 2023-2024 AME Faculty Award, followed by her recognition as the 2026 Canvas Legend.
—Karla Cruise, Notre Dame Engineering. Photos by Wes Evard, Notre Dame Engineering.