Buswell Wins Outstanding Teaching Award from American Society of Engineering Education

May 28, 2026 - Natascha Buswell, associate professor of teaching in mechanical and aerospace engineering, was recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Award by the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) at the Pacific Southwest Section Conference in April. 

The ASEE is a nonprofit organization that works to further engineering and technology education by showcasing great merit in research, instruction, public service and practice.

The organization also recognized UCI mechanical and aerospace engineering alumna Lili Castillo ‘22 with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University. The award is given to graduate students who demonstrate compelling evidence of commitment to education in engineering-related fields. 

ASEE has supported Buswell throughout her career as an engineering education researcher. She leads the STREAM Research Team: Streamlining Teaching, Researching, Equity, Access, and Mentoring in STEM Education. The team examines ways of improving teaching methods, building community in classrooms and understanding faculty and student experiences.

“Getting to teach is a privilege and a challenge; it’s a very demanding job, but it is also very rewarding,” said Buswell. “Being recognized for all the work I put into the profession helps remind me that it is worth it to me to put my energy into teaching and supporting the next generation.”

– Grace Hefner