In a field where abstract logic meets real-world application, Sergiu Dascalu, professor of computer science and engineering, has spent more than two decades helping students bridge the gap between concept and creation. From reimagining the senior capstone experience to mentoring hundreds of students through research, awards and industry placements, Dascalu’s influence has shaped the academic and professional trajectories of more than 2,800 91·çÃùÄñ³ª students.
Now, his dedication has been recognized with one of the University’s highest honors: the 2025 Paul and Judy Bible Teaching Excellence Award.
“My students nominated me. It wouldn’t have happened without them,” Descalu said. “And I owe so much to my colleagues and role models, many of whom have helped shape how I teach and mentor."
In one of the nomination letters submitted for the award, a student wrote: “Dr. Dascalu has an exceptional ability to unravel complex concepts in the fields of software engineering and human-computer interaction and present them in an engaging way. He makes them accessible for all students.”
"This award is a confirmation that I am doing something right. My students nominated me and it’s a moment of reflection – keep your feet on the ground and continue to do better."
Dascalu joined the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in 2002, earned tenure in 2008 and became a full professor in 2014. In that time, he has guided students through what have become signature experiences for them in their academic career: launching industry-sponsored projects and sharing their final products through websites, presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Descalu has also developed new courses, including Interaction Design, Data Visualization, Human-Computer Interaction, and Graduate Seminars in Software Engineering.
Between 2002 and 2024, Dascalu’s courses received consistently high student evaluations, with his teaching frequently cited among the best in the College of Engineering. His mentorship extends beyond the classroom: he’s advised 11 Ph.D. and 61 graduate students, supported over 100 undergraduate co-authors on published research and led dozens of students to compete in national entrepreneurship and innovation competitions.
“As a professor, your success is measured by the success of your students,” Descalu said. “This year, one of my students was awarded a Hearst Gold Medal, another was a senior scholar. Another student went to a conference in Georgia and won the best presenter award: these stories make my heart grow.”
Many of Desalu’s former students have gone on to work at companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon, or to pursue graduate studies at institutions like Harvard, Rice and Columbia. Others now serve as professors themselves, including at universities in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
"As a mentor both in and out of the classroom, Dr. Dascalu has changed the lives of myself and countless other CSE graduates."
Current Ph.D. student Vinh Le summed it up simply: “As a mentor both in and out of the classroom, Dr. Dascalu has changed the lives of myself and countless other CSE graduates.”
Dascalu’s innovative teaching methods have drawn national and international attention, leading to invited lectures at universities in France, Japan, the United Kingdom and beyond. He has published widely on education in computer science and is co-investigator on multiple NSF-funded education research projects. His many honors include the University’s Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher Award, the Vada Trimble Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award and the College of Engineering’s Faculty Excellence Award.
“In 2011 when I won the Tibbits Award, I thought that was the peak of my career … Until now!” he said. “This award is a confirmation that I am doing something right. My students nominated me and it’s a moment of reflection – keep your feet on the ground and continue to do better.”
For Dascalu, though, the greatest reward has always been the success of his students. He credits both his colleagues and his students for helping him to achieve this award.
“Students keep in touch even long after they graduate,” he said. “They’ll reach out for advice or just to share their latest achievement. That’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”
We caught up with Descalu to hear a bit more about his teaching style and from where he draws his inspiration.
Q: How and when did you decide to become a professor?
A: My mother was a beloved teacher in Romania. She was calm, wise and deeply understanding. I also had incredible mentors during my education, especially in Bucharest. One of them, my advisor, asked me to consider becoming a professor, and that invitation changed the course of my life. I carry those early influences with me every day in the classroom.
Q: How has your teaching style evolved over the course of your career?
A: When I received the Tibbitts Award back in 2011, I honestly thought that might be the peak of my teaching career. But since then, I’ve continued growing. I’m more organized, more confident, and more disciplined in my approach. I have a personal rule: I arrive at class at least 10 minutes early every time. It gives me space to prepare mentally and greet my students as they arrive.
I used to get butterflies before every class. Now, I’ve come to embrace the feedback I get from students and use it to shape what I do. I look more deeply at how they respond, and I adjust accordingly. Even after more than 30 years of teaching, I see myself as a student for life. That perspective drives me to make concepts as clear and accessible as possible, using examples, scaffolding and active learning. One of my favorite strategies is what I call “I do it, we do it, you do it” — to help students gradually build confidence and independence.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I had decades of in-person experience, but no remote teaching background. Like many of us, I had to adapt quickly. It was challenging, but it pushed me to reexamine and improve my teaching even further.
Q: What do you hope students take away from your classes, beyond the course content?
A: Above all, I want my students to feel inspired. I want them to be excited to come to class—not just for the material, but because they know the learning experience will be meaningful, memorable and impactful. I want them to carry that feeling into their careers and their lives.
I often tell my students at the end of the semester: 'Go out and do well. And do good.' By that, I mean succeed professionally, aim high and go after opportunities that make a difference, but also stay grounded. Use your knowledge and your position as a graduate of the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª to do good for your family and your community.
Q: What does receiving the Bible Teaching Award mean to you?
It’s an incredibly meaningful moment in my career. The Tibbitts Award in 2011 was unforgettable and now the Bible Award feels like a powerful confirmation that I’m still growing and contributing in ways that matter. But the truth is, I’m even more proud of the awards and accomplishments my students have earned.
A: This award also reminds me to stay humble. My students nominated me for it — it wouldn’t have happened without them. And I owe so much to my colleagues and role models, many of whom have helped shape how I teach and mentor. It’s a moment of celebration, but also of reflection. As I tell my students: when you find success, keep your standards high, and keep striving to be even better.
