Julie Jessop, associate professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, has won the 2017 President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence in recognition of her years of outstanding teaching.

The award, which is administered by the UI Council on Teaching, was created in 2004 as a university-wide recognition for faculty members who have demonstrated a sustained, high level of teaching excellence.

Jessop is a leader in education innovation, both in course development and delivery. She has introduced successful innovations into many courses, several of which now serve as models for others in the college and university. Her decision to “flip” the introductory chemical engineering course Material and Energy Balances—making lecture materials available to students outside of class and using class time to guide small groups through questions and problems—has led to a 10 percent increase in final exam grades for the course. She also influences students through her roles as academic advisor, student group advisor, and research advisor. Her role as a teacher extends beyond the classroom to numerous outreach activities, including working with local elementary and middle school teachers to bring hands-on science labs into their classrooms and mentoring high school students through Workplace Learning Connection. Her teaching was most recently recognized with the college’s 2016 Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching.