Enrico Martinez

Davidson School of Chemical Engineering

Incorporating technology into his instructional practices are some changes that Enrico N. Martinez, professor of engineering practice, and a Davidson School of Chemical Engineering 2021 Murphy nominee added to engage better with students facing the challenges of the pandemic.  

Martinez also works with undergraduate assistants who act as peer mentors to his students as they work through team activities and structured time to work on problems in class. These types of activities motivate him to continually look for more ways to support student-centered learning environments. 

Students respond well to these efforts to keep them engaged. In recommending Martinez for the Murphy, one student wrote: “He is always available for his students, and it is evident that he knows extensively about the topics. I really enjoy how helpful Professor Martinez is in office hours; he is willing to go over homework problems that students are struggling with, and he goes over how to solve it with you.” 

Martinez says his teaching was influenced by participation in Purdue’s IMPACT program and by the work of Drs. Brent and Felder in STEM teaching and learning. 

How has your teaching evolved over the last five years? 

My teaching has evolved from using typical lectures to active learning, having the students at the center of the learning process.

What changes to your teaching during the pandemic did you take with you going forward?

The year 2020 was challenging because it included in-person student participation and remote student participation. I have been video recording my lectures for the last six or seven years so this was good for the remote students. The additional challenge was to conduct office hours via Zoom, and this required extra efforts to communicate equations and problem solutions orally.

What suggestions do you have to Purdue instructors who want to improve their teaching and/or their students’ learning?

First of all, take the IMPACT program and apply what they learn to redesign their courses. Additionally, the College of Engineering offers an annual seminar by Professor Richard Felder from North Carolina State University on active learning.

What motivates you to do your best work in a student-centered learning environment?

The enthusiasm of the students to learn when they feel they are active participants in the class, as well as the interaction and continuous desire to improve and apply their knowledge to solve engineering problems.

The Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award is Purdue West Lafayette’s highest undergraduate teaching honor and awarded annually in the spring semester. Each College selects and advances its own nominee the previous fall as a model in excellent undergraduate education and includes input from its students. For other nominee interviews, see the Insights webpage. Further details on the award and selection procedure and university awardees are available on the Office of the Provost website.