Congratulations to Dr. Pedro Huebner for receiving the Early Career Teaching Award for 2025 from the University of Utah! This award is given to outstanding young faculty members who have made significant contributions to teaching at the U, including development of new and innovative teaching methods, effectiveness in the curriculum and classroom, as well as commitment to enhancing student learning. Huebner will be recognized at the Commencement ceremonies on May 1st.
Huebner was drawn to academia by exceedingly positive experiences as a student and aspiring researcher. He had opportunities to teach courses as a grad student and that experience pushed him toward a career in higher education.
“Little by little, I began to toy with the idea that I could be that one guy, in front of a classroom, leading and inspiring the minds of future engineers,” said Huebner.
As a teacher, Huebner has pursued the creation of impactful learning experiences for students by fostering inclusive classroom spaces, employing active learning strategies, and innovating curricula to meet the diverse needs of students. In this pursuit, he has focused on three core principles that define his teaching philosophy. First, learning is a two-way exchange. Instructors must foster an environment where knowledge flows both ways. Second, diversity is a strength. Classrooms are enriched by the diversity of identities, backgrounds, and experiences students bring. Third, active learning fosters meaningful engagement. By incorporating project-based learning and active classroom engagement, Huebner aims to make learning practical and inspiring.
“A commitment to inclusive teaching practices is at the core of my educational approach,” said Huebner. “Since joining the U, I have made concerted efforts to ensure that all students feel welcomed and supported in my classrooms and those of my peers.”
As part of these efforts, Huebner also founded the Engineering Teaching Community (ETC) to serve as a platform for discussing effective teaching strategies. ETC has served as a space for faculty to exchange ideas and improve their classroom presence, allowing Huebner to contribute to the professional development of his peers while also reinforcing his own commitment to making excellence in teaching a primary concern for everyone at the U.
On the teaching side, Huebner has been working on both in person teaching, as well as leading efforts to develop innovative online educational programs. He designed and implemented courses for the Master of Science in Systems Engineering and the Master of Engineering Management. On the in-person side, he has worked to empower freshmen through excellence in traditional classroom teaching.
“I repeatedly remind my freshmen students that ‘everyone has a place in Mechanical Engineering,’ my motto while teaching and mentoring the youngest minds in our undergrad program,” said Huebner.
Huebner has received exceptional feedback on his teaching performance, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He consistently receives above-average ratings from students, as well as receiving strong feedback from his peers in the department.
“Dr. Huebner is a model of teaching for our department,” said Dr Bruce Gale, chair of the department of mechanical engineering. “His classes are all very highly rated with extraordinary positive comments, with many students reporting Dr Huebner is their favorite instructor.”
“I feel truly proud,” said Huebner about receiving the award. “This recognizes years of passionate work. Every day, I try to bring my best self to the classroom and play no characters. I introduce students to how exciting a career in engineering can be, because that has been my experience for as long as I have called myself an engineer.”
Huebner’s passion is clearly seen by those working with him in and out of the classroom. We again congratulate Huebner and look forward to continuing to see his work and success in the coming years.
“I would like to wholeheartedly thank and dedicate this award to two individuals,” said Huebner. “They are my mom Emerly and my fiancé and future husband Jared, two loving souls that have unconditionally supported me in the process to achieve my biggest goals and dreams. Life is so good with those two!”