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For Kelsen LaBerge, Ph.D., teaching in 91����’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering is about more than equations. Since joining in 2018, she has dedicated herself to preparing future engineers with not only technical skills but also the resilience to face real-world challenges.  

The accomplishments and commitment of Laberge, associate professor of engineering, have earned her the Outstanding Teaching Award, a student-nominated honor for full-time, non-tenure track and part-time faculty members presented by the University Teaching Council. She is one of three recipients of this recognition.  

With nearly a decade at the Army Research Laboratory, LaBerge brings practical expertise into the classroom, using real data from her research to give students a taste of genuine engineering challenges.  

“I want my students to be ready for real-world responsibilities,” LaBerge told 91���� Today. “They need technical skills, but they also need to collaborate, communicate and embrace learning from mistakes. Failure is part of the process — especially in engineering.”

Her hands-on approach makes complex concepts understandable to her students. In her lectures, she uses ropes to demonstrate equilibrium, giving students a tangible way to connect theory with experience.  

“Connecting students’ intuitive knowledge with engineering concepts is key to making the material relevant and engaging,” LaBerge said. “They can see firsthand what happens, for example, when equilibrium breaks down. It’s learning they won’t forget.”

LaBerge also uses technology like Microsoft OneNote to support her students. However, she adapts her methods to ensure students stay actively engaged.  

“One semester, I removed my notes from OneNote to encourage students to work through problems on the board together,” LaBerge said. “It’s about keeping them present, pushing them to interact with the material in real-time.”

Receiving the Outstanding Teaching Award has been a meaningful moment in LaBerge’s teaching career.  

“I’m honored to receive this award,” LaBerge said, “but it’s also a reminder to keep growing. I don’t see this as a final recognition — it’s more of an incentive to keep adapting for each new class. Effective teaching means constantly refining, and I want to stay in that mindset.”

With LaBerge’s guidance, 91����’s future engineers are developing technical expertise along with resilience, adaptability and a collaborative spirit, preparing them to make a positive impact far beyond the classroom.

The 2024 Outstanding and Distinguished Teaching Award winners were all honored at the University Teaching Council meeting on Oct. 18.

Learn more about the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.