Indian American Professors Honored With Carolina Teaching Awards

Gaikwad is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science. He focuses on machine learning and artificial intelligence, and his teaching has been praised for making complex technical concepts accessible to students. Singh, a professor in the same department, specializes in embedded systems and real-time computing. He has taught at UNC for over two decades and is known for his rigorous yet engaging courses.

The Tanner Award is one of the university's highest teaching honors. It was established in 1953 by William and Sarah Graham Kenan Jr. to celebrate faculty who have a profound impact on undergraduate education. Recipients are chosen based on student evaluations, peer recommendations, and a record of sustained teaching excellence.

Both professors will be recognized at a campus ceremony later this spring. The award includes a cash prize and a permanent place on the university's list of distinguished educators.

Gaikwad and Singh join a long line of faculty who have received the Tanner Award. Their selection highlights the growing contribution of Indian American academics to American higher education.