Boston University Provost’s Scholar-Teacher of the Year Award: Past Awardees

2025 University Provost’s Scholar-Teacher of the Year Award Winner

Lei Tian, of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering Associate Professor Lei Tian is the recipient of the 2025 Provost’s Scholar-Teacher of the Year Award.

For Dr. Lei Tian, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, being a scholar-teacher means building dynamiclearning environments that deftly integrate cutting-edge research and empower students to be active participants in discovery. By developing curricula that incorporate the latest scientific advancements, applying novel teaching techniques, and encouraging a diversity of perspectives, Professor Tian aims to not only produce skilled engineers, but inspire lifelong learners and innovators who contribute meaningfully to society.

Professor Tian has earned global recognition for pioneering research that combines physical optics with computational algorithms to advance the state-of-the-art in areas such as biomedical imaging, microscopy, and remote sensing. A current Scialog Fellow in Advancing BioImaging, he has received major grants to support his research, including a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative award for creating an imaging platform that leads to new treatments and targets for drug development. His innovations have garnered BU honors as well, including the Hariri Institute for Computing’s Research Incubation Award and the College of Engineering’s Early Career Excellence in Research Award.

Professor Tian’s drive to advance new technologies is rivaled only by his gift for distinctive course design and the care he devotes to mentoring and preparing new engineers. In courses like Computational Optical Imaging and Signals & Systems, students routinely speak of the interactive lectures and hands-on lab components he employs to boost engagement and foster critical thinking. In lieu of traditional final exams, he designs group-based research projects that encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems, mirroring the challenges they will face in their professional careers. The goal: ensuring students feel confident taking risks and enjoy the journey of exploration. Writes one student, “His dedication to ensuring each student grasps the material is evident, and his approachability fosters an environment where questions are encouraged and learning flourishes. Personally, I find Dr. Tian to be one of the best professors I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from.”

Through his exceptional teaching, leading-edge research, and commitment to integrating research and education, Dr. Tian, in the words of his nominator, “exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator, scholar, and mentor” and has profoundly impacted student learning and academic growth at all levels.

2024	Fallou Ngom, of the Department of Anthropology
2023	Grace Kim, of the Department of Psychology & Applied Human Development
2022	Pnina Feldman, of the Department of Operations & Technology Management
2021	Pamela Templer, of the Department of Biology
2020	Matthew Fox, of the Department of Epidemiology
2019	Khiara Bridges, of the School of Law
2018	Robert Margo, of the Department of Economics

* Note: The University Provost’s Scholar Teacher of the Year Award has replaced the United Methodist Scholar-Teacher of the Year Award at Boston University. For a list of past United Methodist award winners, click here.