Civil Engineering Professor Named Educator of the Year

Byungik Chang, Ph.D., P.E., MBA believes, in addition to being knowledgeable, educators must be patient, compassionate, and committed. These are all qualities he strives to embody in and out of the classroom.

This dedication to his students has led to Dr. Chang being named the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers’ Educator of the Year. He also received an Achievement in Civil Engineering award from the organization.

“I was ecstatic when I saw my name on the list of award recipients,” said Dr. Chang, an associate professor of civil engineering and chair of the University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “I am very proud to be a professor at the University of New Haven.”

The CSCE praised Dr. Chang’s hard work and dedication to civil engineering, applauding his commitment to his students’ success and the growth of the University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The organization also commended his contributions to his community and the state of Connecticut, as well as his ability to inspire students to become the leaders of the future.

“Dr. Chang’s contributions to everyone and everything in his community and state has made him flourish among other scholars,” the organization wrote.

Award recipients are typically honored at a ceremony each year. Due to the coronavirus global pandemic the newest honorees will be recognized at next year’s ACE Awards dinner.

"My philosophy on teaching is to stand in my students’ shoes."Byungik Chang, Ph.D., P.E., MBA

“My philosophy on teaching is to stand in my students’ shoes,” said Dr. Chang, who serves as an editorial board member of the peer-reviewed journals Renewable Energy and Sustainability. “I always teach my students based on my own experiences. I still look at my notes, exams, and homework from when I was a student to better understand my own learning process.”

In addition to teaching four courses this semester, Dr. Chang, who earned his Ph.D. in civil engineering at Iowa State, is conducting research with two graduate students, focusing on wind turbine erection analysis and the design of concrete cut-out abutments for safety.

As an educator, Dr. Chang strives to bring his passion for engineering into the classroom and to be available to students outside of the classroom. His students have recognized his enthusiasm, accessibility, and responsiveness.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is when alumni contact me after they get a job,” he said. “I want my students to have confidence that they will contribute meaningfully to society after graduating.”