Elsje Pienaar

Elsje Pienaar has consistently elevated the teaching experience in the Weldon School through her innovative approaches, including Python and Jupyter notebooks in BME 295 Thermodynamics and project-based, peer-learning strategies. Her courses, including BME 295, BME 695 Multiscale Modeling and BME 401 Biological, Medical and Health Analysis, have received stellar evaluations.

Notably, Pienaar’s BME 401 class has seen increased enrollment over the past three years, becoming a student favorite. Last fall, enrollment reached its cap of 80 students, with a growing waitlist—a testament to her impact.

Beyond her classroom excellence, Pienaar co-developed the undergraduate teaching assistant program, now the BME Resource Center, and has made significant contributions as Director of Undergraduate Programs. Her dedication has profoundly shaped the undergraduate experience.

Asem Aboelzahab

Asem Aboelzahab’s tenure at the Weldon School since 2014 has impacted over 2,500 students across 26 courses. Aboelzahab has played a pivotal role in advancing junior laboratory and design courses, including co-designing the BME 389 Junior Engineering Design course in 2022.

Faculty and student testimonials highlight Aboelzahab’s ability to mentor, innovate, and inspire. His guidance has led to student teams winning prestigious competitions such as the NIH DEBUT award and the Purdue Spark Challenge. Beyond his instructional role, Asem demonstrates extraordinary commitment by pursuing a doctorate in Engineering Education and volunteering as a co-instructor for BME EPICS.

About the Tacker Prize

The Willis A. Tacker Prize is awarded based on student evaluations, feedback, teaching impact, and peer observations. Dr. Willis A. Tacker, a founding member of Purdue’s Biomedical Engineering Program in 1998, was instrumental in establishing the Weldon School. His legacy continues to inspire excellence in teaching and innovation.