It’s one thing to get the right answer on the test. It’s another thing entirely to be able to understand a complex calculation and use it in everyday life. For students in classes with Mengmeng Zhu, assistant professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, this is exactly what they walk away doing. 

It’s just one of the reasons why Zhu has been chosen for the Outstanding Teacher Award. The award, which recognizes excellence in teaching, is bestowed following a thorough nomination and selection process. Educators must show flexibility, creativity, responsibility and compassion. 

“I view teaching not simply as the transmission of knowledge, but as the creation of learning environments where students build confidence, cultivate curiosity, and develop a sense of professional identity,” Zhu wrote in her teaching statement. She has been a faculty member at NC State University since 2019. 

Zhu has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Nanjing University of Technology. Her master’s degree in industrial systems and engineering, master’s degree in statistics and Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering are all from Rutgers University.

Her lectures include a mixture of group discussions and activities to promote active learning and engagement among students. While her approachable nature sets the tone and guides the class, she continues to instill the proper technical terms and ensures students have a comprehensive understanding of the material. Ultimately, these students will go on to professional environments, and she wants them to be prepared to communicate effectively. 

“It is rare to find a professor who blends expertise, humor, compassion and an unwavering commitment to her students so seamlessly,” wrote Abby Carr, a former student of hers, in a letter of support. “Dr. Zhu not only strengthened my knowledge of quality and process management in the textile industry, but also inspired me through her example of what it means to be a dedicated educator.” 

Clear communication that goes both ways 

Zhu believes in giving clear expectations and communication for her students. She provides mid-semester evaluations, allowing her to pivot as needed for students and adapt her instruction in real time based on the feedback and communication she receives. 

“Effectiveness, to me, is measured not only by how students master course content, but also how students experience learning in the classroom,” Zhu wrote.

Not only are students expected to communicate with her, but Zhu also wants students to collaborate and communicate well with each other, too. 

“Her use of peer-to-peer teaching to work through problem sets forces the students not just to try to solve the problems but also to explain their reasoning to classmates, which combines mastery of the subject with additional communication skills,” wrote Professor Philip Bradford, textile engineering program director, in his peer letter of support. 

Building confidence through rigor and support

“Fundamentally, my teaching philosophy is about empowering students through rigor, relevance and reflection,” Zhu wrote. “My goal is not only to prepare them for academic success but also to equip them with the judgment, adaptability and confidence required to excel in professional and research careers.” 

To allow students to rise to the occasion, she challenges and inspires them while providing them with the support they need. 

“Dr. Zhu creates a classroom climate of respect and approachability. Students feel comfortable asking questions, forming study groups and engaging with her directly,” Associate Professor Eunkyoung Shim wrote in her peer support letter. “By walking among desks during exercises and checking in individually, she demonstrates that every student’s learning matters. It is no surprise that students describe her as both highly effective and deeply supportive.”

Textile technology student Naomi Southerland noted, “She believed in us and wanted us to see the value of what we were learning, and that made such a difference.”