Souheil Zekri, an associate professor and director of senior capstone courses in the University of South Florida's Medical Engineering Department, has been honored with the 2023-24 USF Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Professor Zekri prioritizes the student experience, acknowledging that individuals come from diverse backgrounds and possess varying learning styles and challenges. He adapts his teaching methods to meet these needs, fostering trust and open communication to create an inclusive learning environment where students feel supported, empowered to succeed, and part of a community.
The goal of the USF Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award program (https://www.usf.edu/provost/faculty-success/professional-development/guidelines-outa-teaching.aspx) is to encourage excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. The University intends to ensure that the foundation courses of the undergraduate curriculum receive the proper emphasis in preparing students for work in the major, as well as providing the proper foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills.
Zekri's teaching philosophy is rooted in an ethical framework of care, empathy, and inclusivity. He prioritizes student experiences, recognizing the diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and challenges each individual brings to the classroom. To meet these varying needs, he adapts his teaching methods and fosters an environment of trust and open communication, where students feel supported, empowered, and part of a community.
Associate Professor Zekri’s Student Impact
In his courses, students engage in teamwork to support one another while tackling the rigorous curriculum. Zekri’s accessibility reinforces his genuine investment in their success, and his approach has yielded remarkable results. Many of the devices his students have developed have earned awards, gained national recognition, and attracted interest from corporate partners for further development. For example, the Eucovent device [https://lnkd.in/eznRiG4r] has drawn significant attention.
"Teaching students how to use the Stanford Biodesign model to take an idea from concept to a life-improving device is a difficult yet rewarding process," Zekri said.
Committed to continuous improvement, Zekri integrates research-based best practices into his courses to stay current with pedagogical advancements. "In my programming courses, I’ve implemented the interleaving approach, which helps students not only understand but retain complex concepts by mixing different topics throughout the course, rather than teaching them in isolated blocks. This strategy has proven effective in enhancing long-term retention and deep learning," he explained.
Zekri also emphasizes the importance of feedback. "At the start of each course, I ask students to share their personal goals and expectations. At the end of the semester, I revisit this feedback to assess whether those goals were met. This iterative process allows me to adjust my teaching methods in real time, ensuring I meet the evolving needs of each cohort," he said.
Learn more about Associate Professor Zekri
Souheil Zekri holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering with a concentration in nano-bio-materials, along with master’s degrees in mechanical and biomedical engineering. With more than 16 years of experience, he has developed expertise in both academic and professional settings.’
Recognizing the need to bridge the gap between undergraduate education, graduate research, and industry, Zekri spearheaded an industry liaison program that allows capstone students to intern while completing their final design projects. His affiliation with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the University of South Florida underscores his commitment to mentoring and advancing the Medical Engineering Department.
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