Goldstein Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award Winners for 2024–2025
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is proud to announce that Yusra Farhat Ullah and Zak Kujala have been selected as the 2024–2025 recipients of the Goldstein Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award. This prestigious honor recognizes graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate exceptional dedication, teaching excellence, and a significant impact on student learning.
Each awardee receives a $3,500 honorarium, a certificate, and permanent recognition on a plaque displayed in the Student Services Office alongside past recipients.
Each year, the department collects student evaluations and instructor nominations from both fall and spring semesters. A committee of program directors and managers from both undergraduate and graduate studies selects the winners based on demonstrated excellence in teaching and student support.
Meet the Awardees:
Yusra Farhat Ullah
A fifth-year PhD student, Yusra serves as a teaching assistant while conducting research in the Medical Robotics and Devices Lab under Professor Tim Kowalewski, where she focuses on the performance evaluation of collaborative handheld medical robots.
Her course instructor described her as:
“Yusra was absolutely fantastic. She initiated and utilized a communication tool that helped address problems and provide solutions for students in almost real time.”
One student reflected on Yusra’s patience and support:
“She was very patient, and every time I asked for help, she was there.”
Yusra’s teaching philosophy emphasizes that all students deserve the best opportunity to learn and succeed. She is committed to creating inclusive, structured learning environments that empower students. Outside of research, she enjoys houseplants, hiking, reading epic fantasy and nonfiction, and playing the Rabab.
Zak Kujala
A sixth-year PhD student, Zak conducts research on droplet dynamics and microfluidics in Professor Sungyon Lee’s group. Known for his approachability and dedication, Zak’s impact on students has been consistently recognized.
His course instructor described him as:
“One of the best TAs I have had. Always up for a challenge.”
One student reflected on Zak’s dedication and supportive nature:
“[Zak] would stay late to help me with things I didn't understand. He didn't make me feel stupid for understanding things.”
Zak is passionate about teaching and helping students succeed. Outside of his academic work, he enjoys cross-country skiing, playing the violin, and reading.