Penn Engineering has announced the faculty recipients of the 2025 Student Choice Awards. Each year, the Penn Engineering undergraduate student body selects the recipients of these awards for their dedication in teaching, mentorship and student advocacy.

Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising

Jonathan Smith, the Olga and Alberico Pompa Professor of Computer and Information Science, has been awarded the Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising, which recognizes dedication to helping students realize their educational, career, and personal goals.

Dr. Smith’s students noted that he is very generous with his time and energy as an advisor and mentor, with one student in particular saying, “He spoke with me for an hour about his experiences … and I found our conversation to be highly informative and helpful.”

Dr. Smith’s research is in the creation of useful distributed computing systems. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Boston College in 1981 and a PhD in computer science from Columbia University in 1989.

Reid Warren, Jr. Award

Deep Jariwala, the Peter and Susanne Armstrong Distinguished Scholar and an associate professor in electrical and systems engineering, is this year’s recipient of the S. Reid Warren, Jr. Award. Presented in conjunction with the Penn Engineering Alumni Society, this award recognizes outstanding service in stimulating and guiding the intellectual and professional development of undergraduate students in the school.

Students in Dr. Jariwala’s courses commented on his engaging lectures and his sense of humor, saying, “what makes Professor Jariwala so deserving of this award is his dedication to teaching students. He always emphasized the importance of learning and understanding the material, rather than solely worrying about grades.”

Dr. Jariwala’s research lies at the intersection of solid-state opto-electronics and emerging low-dimensional materials. He received his undergraduate degree in metallurgical engineering from the Indian Institutes of Technology in 2010 and went on to earn a PhD in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University in 2015.

Michael L. Barrett (ENG’89) and Traci Barrett (W’91) Faculty Award for Student Advocacy

Robert Carpick, the John Henry Towne Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, is the 2025 recipient of the Michael L. Barrett (ENG’89) and Traci Barrett (W’91) Faculty Award for Student Advocacy. This award is presented to a member of the faculty by the Underrepresented Students Advisory Board in Engineering (USABE) in recognition of their exceptional support of undergraduate students in Penn Engineering and their outstanding commitment to building community.

Students note Dr. Carpick’s deep dedication to students, with comments such as, “Dr. Carpick’s commitment to student advocacy is without question.” Students also say that he “has been a great mentor and has encouraged and guided me to pursue big goals.”

Dr. Carpick’s research studies the fundamental origins and the important applications of friction, adhesion, wear and lubrication at the nanoscale. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Toronto in 1991, then went on to earn a master’s degree and PhD in physics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award

Russell Composto, the Howell Family Faculty Fellow and a professor of materials science and engineering, has received the Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award. Presented in conjunction with the Penn Engineering Alumni Society, this award recognizes outstanding research mentorship of undergraduate students through the fostering of creativity and independent thought through all facets of academic research, which embodies Penn’s missions of inquiry and discovery.

Students celebrated Dr. Carpick’s efforts in ensuring that all students feel valued and supported, noting that “he fosters an environment where undergraduates have the independence to design their own projects while benefiting from his guidance and extensive network” and that “his commitment to mentorship extends beyond the lab, helping students navigate academia and pursue ambitious goals.”

Dr. Composto’s research spans all facets of polymer science, from polymer physics to biopolymers. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics from Gettysburg College in 1982, then attended Cornell University, where he earned a master’s degree in materials science in 1984 and a PhD in materials science and engineering in 1987.

Hatfield Award for Excellence in Teaching for Faculty in the Lecturer/Practice Professor Track

Dustyn Roberts, a practice associate professor of mechanical engineering and applied mechanics, is the recipient of the Hatfield Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Lecturer and Practice Professor Track. Presented to a lecturer, senior lecturer, or practice professor in Penn Engineering, the award recognizes outstanding teaching ability, dedication to innovative undergraduate instruction, and exemplary service to the school in inspiring students in the engineering and scientific fields.

Dr. Roberts is widely praised by her students, who note that she “brings a unique level of engagement and enthusiasm to her lectures. She has an impressive ability to make complex material accessible and memorable.” Another student said that “her impact on my education is profound, and I am confident that many other students share this sentiment.”

Dr. Roberts is the engineer in residence for Penn Health-Tech, Penn’s hub for health technology innovation. She received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 2003, after which she went on to earn a master’s degree in biomechanics and movement science from the University of Delaware in 2004 and a PhD in mechanical engineering from New York University in 2014.