UTSA’s Abu-Lail honored by UT System for teaching excellence

"It is an honor to be recognized with the Regent's award," Abu-Lail said. "This is a validation of my approach to teaching which emphasizes providing a safe and inclusive classroom environment that accounts for the diverse ways students learn."

Since joining UTSA in 2018, Abu-Lail has been instrumental in building the university's chemical engineering program. She has developed and delivers core chemical engineering courses primarily for upper division students and serves as a faculty mentor for independent study and research courses.

Student comments from recent course evaluations highlight Abu-Lail's passion for ensuring her students will be successful beyond the classroom or lab. Using engaging lectures and various active learning methods, she helps students connect the difficult topics they are learning with real-world applications. Students also point out that she always makes herself available to help her students in and outside of class.

"This award is so well-deserved," said Heather Shipley, UTSA interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "Dr. Abu-Lail has made outstanding contributions to UTSA and to her field. She is a role model for her students and her colleagues, demonstrating a passion for engineering, teaching and research. Her commitment and dedication are prime examples of why our faculty are at the center of UTSA's success."

With more than 20 years of experience teaching at the college level, Abu-Lail has mentored more than 90 undergraduate student researchers. She has also been the primary advisor for 17 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom now enjoy successful careers in academia and research.

Abu-Lail serves as PI or co-PI on several grant-funded projects aimed at incorporating culturally responsive and culturally relevant pedagogies to empower diverse students and increase their success.

Prior to this award, Abu-Lail received the Klesse College Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022 and the Chemical Engineering Excellence in Teaching award in 2021.