Apratim Chakraborty, recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, 2019

Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

Apratim Chakraborty, a PhD candidate in the department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, is recognized by students and faculty members for his “never-give-up mentality, above-and-beyond learning attitude, and excellent communication skills” in teaching. Chakraborty was always available to his students and engaged in their learning. He was also willing to help his students with other course material that may not be his own, signifying that he cared about his students and prioritized student learning. A student remarked that Chakraborty had made “several profound impacts on [their] learning and the way [they] approach difficult problems."  When asked what made Chakraborty an exceptional teacher, a student replied that “humility, kindness and diligence really set [Apratim] apart as a teaching assistant, but what sets him above is his compassion and care for the students he helps.” A faculty member commented that Chakraborty has “the potential to become an excellent university-level instructor in the near future.”

Chakraborty has been a teaching assistant for ECE 209, ME 115, ME 235, ME 596, and MTE 203.