Ahmad Esmaili, senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and undergraduate program director for Information Systems, has been selected for the 2025 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award acknowledges Esmaili's well-earned reputation as an exceptional educator who transforms student learning through innovative, data-driven approaches.

Year after year, Esmaili has earned outstanding praise from students across his popular courses, including CSE 114 (Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming), ISE 311 (Systems Administration), and CSE 214 (Data Structures and Algorithms). In course evaluations, students consistently remark on his ability to make complex programming concepts accessible while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Students particularly appreciate his integration of real-world industry projects and his use of learning analytics to personalize instruction and improve outcomes.

Since joining Stony Brook in 2014, Esmaili has revolutionized cornerstone computer science courses by implementing industry-aligned projects, collaborative problem-solving exercises, and real-time assessment analytics. His data-driven approach to curriculum development has resulted in improved student retention rates and better preparation for professional careers in technology. This innovative teaching methodology earned him the Excellence in Educational Effectiveness Award in 2024 for his commitment to assessment-driven instruction.

Esmaili also serves as the ISE Undergraduate Program Director, overseeing one of the fastest-growing technology programs at Stony Brook. He is the primary departmental contact for students interested in Information Systems and plays a crucial role in curriculum development and program accreditation. His leadership extends beyond the classroom through mentoring undergraduate research teams and partnering with campus organizations to host coding workshops and career development panels.

Congratulations to Ahmad Esmaili on this well-deserved recognition by SUNY for his outstanding contributions to computer science education and his dedication to student success at Stony Brook University.