MxCC Professor Recognized as Best in Connecticut Community College System

Dr. Lin Lin, assistant professor and coordinator of the Computer Engineering Technology program and the Engineering Science Program at Middlesex Community College has received the Teaching Award for MxCC as well as the System-wide Teaching Award for all 12 community colleges in the state.  The awards, which recognize outstanding teachers who also contribute significantly to improving their programs or departments, were presented during the April 15 meeting of the Board of Regents for Higher Education for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. 

Dr. Lin was nominated for these annual awards by Dr. Mary Rayappan, director of MxCC’s School of Allied Health, Business, and STEM academic division; Dr. Steven Minkler, MxCC’s dean of academic affairs; and Dr. Anna Wasescha, MxCC president. Faculty members Landi Hou and Ziqiao Liu, along with MxCC student David Elmkies, wrote letters of recommendation. The Board of Regents evaluates each nomination and awards one top faculty member from each college and university in the system.  From these winners, they select one teacher who stands out from the rest as the “system-wide” honoree.

Since joining MxCC in 2010, Dr. Lin has created a new Computer Engineering Technology program, developed a number of new courses, expanded course offerings for Engineering Science program, and significantly increased student enrollment in these programs. Dr. Lin is also an award-winning engineer, researcher, and author.  Prior to joining the Community College system, she worked as a senior engineer at the United Technologies Research Center.  While at UTC, she helped design and develop the Next Generation Digital Video and other leading-edge projects, and co-authored six patents.  Additionally, her writing and research has appeared in professional and technical publications on subjects including multi-target tracking.  She earned her Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut.

“I feel honored and extremely grateful that my work in the past years at Middlesex Community College has been recognized,” Dr. Lin said.  “This College has provided me the opportunity to best utilize my knowledge and skills. I believe I can’t achieve anything without the guidance and continued support of my colleagues. I am humbled as I know many great dedicated teachers in our community college system work just as hard.”

“Dr. Lin’s dedication and constant attention to student success – along with her contributions toward MxCC’s engineering and technology programs – have been remarkable,” Dr. Rayappan said. “She has always exhibited tremendous passion for teaching, incorporating the latest technological innovations in her courses. She is gentle, technologically savvy, and is a positive role model. This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of Dr. Lin’s service to our college and our students.”