Houssam Toutanji (left) and Paul Landry, Engineers’ Council Trustee.

Every year, the Engineers’ Council presents the John J. Guarrera Engineering Educator of the Year award to an individual who demonstrates professional qualities and has a top reputation for accomplishments and leadership. California State University, Northridge’s Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), Houssam A. Toutanji, is this year’s recipient.

Toutanji received the honor at the 65^th annual National Engineers Week Honors and Awards Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.

“I am humbled to have been recognized among so many leaders in our engineering and scientific community,” said Toutanji. “The importance of education for our rapidly growing workforce is critical to meet the demands of industry. At CSUN, we are very proud of the diverse and inclusive nature of our programs. Through education, our first-generation students change the trajectory of families. Not only are we creating the workforce of the future, we are also making great strides in improving social mobility for our students.”

Other CECS faculty were also recognized. Crist Khachikian was the recipient of the Distinguished Engineering Educator Award in recognition of his transformative projects that have shaped research and innovation at two universities.

Kyle Dewey, Ruting Jia and Katya Mkrtchyan each received an Outstanding Engineering Achievement Merit Award. Dewey received the award for establishing a research program in automated software testing, Jia for excellence in teaching and mentoring electrical and engineering students, and Mkrtchyan for establishing a research program in computer vision, image processing and data analysis.

The Engineers’ Council, formerly known as the San Fernando Valley Engineers’ Council, is a nonprofit professional society focused on the advancement of science and engineering education while also encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For more on the Engineers’ Council, visit https://engineerscouncil.org/.

College of Engineering and Computer Science, Engineering