Three faculty members from Cal Poly’s College of Engineering have been named annual Faculty and Staff Award winners, recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching, scholarship and hands-on learning. In a touching gesture, one recipient dedicated her award to the memory of the late Professor Joseph Callenes-Sloan, honoring his lasting impact on the university community.
The awards were presented during Cal Poly’s convocation ceremony, where Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore praised the 13 winners as “exemplary members of our campus community” in her remarks.
Distinguished Scholarship Award: Bing Qu
Bing Qu, professor and chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, received the Distinguished Scholarship Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to earthquake engineering. Since joining Cal Poly in 2008, Qu has established himself as a leading expert in the field, with a prolific body of work that includes 65 refereed journal articles and 32 refereed conference papers, amassing over 2,400 citations.
He is one of only five engineers worldwide whose first-authored publications are extensively cited in the American Institute of Steel Construction’s “Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings,” a critical guide for practicing engineers. His research on building bridges across earthquake fault ruptures led to the development of CSiBridge, a software program used by thousands of engineering firms in over 160 countries.
Qu’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Moisseiff Award and the College of Engineering’s Raytheon Excellence in Teaching and Applied Research Award. His work has secured over $500,000 in funding from organizations including the National Science Foundation, the National Collegiate Inventors and Inventors Alliance, and Caltrans.
Beyond his research, Qu has been recognized for his dedication to student mentorship and diversity in engineering education. In 2013, he received Cal Poly’s Faculty Staff Appreciation Award for outstanding support of the Multicultural Engineering Program.
“He is committed to mentorship and involving students in his publications, particularly first-generation college students, students from a variety of backgrounds and women in engineering,” Jackson-Elmoore said.
Distinguished Teaching Award: Professor Katharina “Kat” Gillen
Katharina Gillen, professor of physics and affiliate of the Computer Engineering Department, was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award for her exceptional dedication to student success and innovative teaching methods.
Known affectionately as “Professor Kat,” she continually refines her teaching by observing students during work time and attending professional development workshops to stay up to date on the latest techniques.
Students praised her for fostering a welcoming and engaging learning environment. One student highlighted her compassionate teaching style: “What makes Professor Kat unique is how she effectively addresses students who are struggling by approaching them with empathy and respect.”
In a heartfelt gesture, Gillen dedicated her award to the memory of her late colleague, Joseph Callenes-Sloan, an associate professor in the Computer Engineering Department. Callenes-Sloan was renowned for his unwavering dedication to his students and his ability to make complex concepts accessible.
“He made a profound impact on his students and colleagues through his kindness, empathy and passion for teaching,” said Jackson-Elmoore. She added that by celebrating the lives of those we’ve lost, we honor their legacy and carry it forward.
The Professor Joseph Callenes-Sloan Memorial Scholarship, established by his family and colleagues, embodies this commitment, empowering future leaders in computer engineering.
Learn by Doing Scholar Award: Skip the Grid Team
An interdisciplinary team comprising professors Jacques Belanger (mechanical engineering), Joseph Cleary (construction management) and Jeong Woo (construction management) received the Learn by Doing Scholar Award for their project, Skip the Grid. This initiative brings off-grid solar energy solutions to families in the Navajo Nation who live without electricity.
Now in its third year, Skip the Grid has evolved into a model of experiential learning. Since its inception, 54 students from five of Cal Poly’s six colleges, supported by five dedicated faculty members, have organized, planned, designed and installed reliable solar photovoltaic systems. To date, students have brought dependable energy to 62 homes.
The project immerses students in real-world challenges, leadership opportunities and hands-on experiences that define a Cal Poly education. Students participate in extensive training, including cultural sensitivity instruction and comprehensive technical preparation. They learn every step of the process — from understanding optimal solar orientation to inspecting roofs and connecting the systems.
Each year, the project builds on the lessons from previous installations, leading to greater efficiency, deeper understanding and more impactful outcomes. By partnering with SOLV Energy, industry leaders, community supporters and the nonprofit Heart of America, Skip the Grid exemplifies the professional coordination expected in the renewable energy industry.
“Students participating in this project are acquiring the skills, confidence and interdisciplinary perspective that will set them apart as they enter their careers,” Jackson-Elmoore said. “They are truly learning by doing and as a result, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
By Emily Slater
