uc davis materials science engineering distinguished professor james shackelford asm teaching award

James Shackelford wins Distinguished Teaching Award from ASM International

Distinguished Professor Emeritus James Shackelford has been named the recipient of ASM International’s 2019 Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award.

The Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award, established in 1960 and named after ASM founding member and president Albert Easton White, recognizes long and devoted service in teaching and accomplishments in the field of materials science and engineering. Recipients have “an unusual ability to inspire and impart enthusiasm to students,” says ASM’s press release.

Shackelford is one of two MSE faculty members being recognized for excellence in teaching at the 2019 Materials Science and Technology (MS&T) conference on October 1. His colleague, Assistant Professor of Teaching Materials Science and Engineering Susan Gentry, is receiving the Bradly Stoughton Award for Young Teachers, the early-career equivalent of Shackelford’s award.

“I am very honored to receive this award from ASMI,” said Shackelford. “I am especially happy to be receiving this honor at the same time my colleague, Susan Gentry, is receiving the Bradley Stoughton Award. I believe our dual honors are a fitting testament to the value that UC Davis consistently places on teaching, along with its first-class research."

Shackelford received his B.S. and M.S. in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle and his Ph.D. In Materials Science and Engineering from UC Berkeley before joining UC Davis in the mid-1970s. He is renowned for his teaching and his research on glass, in particular understanding how gas atoms permeate glass and what causes glass to crystalize.

The award is one of many recognitions for excellence in teaching for Shackelford. He received the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Outstanding Educator Award in 1996, the Distinguished Teaching Award from the UC Davis Academic Senate in 2003 and the Outstanding Contributions to Materials Education Award from North American Materials Education Symposium (NAMES) 2016. He has also received the Outstanding Service Award from UC Davis Extension and is a fellow of ACerS and ASM International.

ASM International is the world’s largest professional association of materials scientists and engineers. It connects materials professionals and supports the community through resources, education, data sharing and international events.

Read more about Shackelford, Gentry and their ASM awards.

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