Dr. Xiaoguang Ma Named Recipient of EMS Excellence in Teaching Award

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science proudly announces that Dr. Xiaoguang Ma, associate professor, of electrical and computer engineering, has been selected as the 2025-2026 recipient of the EMS Excellence in Teaching Award. This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. Ma's exceptional effectiveness in the classroom, unwavering dedication to student success, and nationally recognized innovations in engineering education.

Since joining UW-Platteville in 2018, Dr. Ma has transformed the educational experience for engineering students through a dynamic, student-centered approach grounded in his TEACH Framework-Taxonomy, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Active Learning, Connection, and Holistic Engineering. His work emphasizes building a coherent engineering identity for students by connecting foundational concepts with real-world applications across a vertically integrated curriculum.

Dr. Ma's teaching effectiveness is demonstrated through both student outcomes and external validation. In his networking courses, students achieved a 100% pass rate on industry-standard Cisco CCNA certification exams, providing clear, independent evidence of mastery. His redesign of core courses has also significantly improved internal outcomes, including a 96% pass rate in Logic and Digital Design, and strong gains in student engagement, performance, and academic integrity. Student evaluations consistently highlight his clarity, real-world integration, and engaging teaching style, with top ratings across multiple courses and frequent praise for hands-on projects and interactive learning environments.

Central to Dr. Ma's success is his remarkable dedication to students and curriculum development. He has created three interconnected learning pipelines that span multiple courses: a hardware-to-AI progression, a comprehensive networking curriculum aligned with industry certifications, and a research-to-classroom model that integrates undergraduate research directly into instruction. These pipelines provide students with continuous, scaffolded learning experiences from their first year through graduation.

Dr. Ma's commitment extends far beyond the classroom. He spends extensive time mentoring students in laboratories, guiding undergraduate research, and providing individualized support. He has mentored more than a dozen undergraduate researchers and has secured over $300,000 in grants, equipment, and industry support to build cutting-edge teaching laboratories and learning infrastructure. His courses frequently incorporate partnerships with industry leaders, giving students exposure to authentic engineering tools, systems, and professional practices.

A nationally recognized innovator in engineering education, Dr. Ma has developed and published influential teaching frameworks, including PROTECT (for maintaining academic integrity in AI-driven environments) and POSED (for AI-assisted curriculum design). His scholarship-featured in venues such as ASEE and IEEE Frontiers in Education-has helped shape how educators integrate artificial intelligence and project-based learning into engineering curricula. In the classroom, these innovations translate into cutting-edge experiences, such as AI-enabled workflows, cybersecurity-focused capstone projects, and the widely praised Robocar project, in which students design, build, and compete with autonomous vehicles.

Dr. Ma's contributions also include the creation of new courses, such as Introduction to AI Applications, which is continuously updated to reflect rapid technological advancements. His ability to rapidly integrate emerging tools and concepts ensures that students graduate prepared for the evolving demands of the engineering profession.

Colleagues describe Dr. Ma as a transformative educator whose work has strengthened curriculum coherence, enhanced student engagement, and advanced teaching practices across departments. Students consistently credit him with inspiring their academic and career paths, citing his enthusiasm, mentorship, and ability to make complex concepts both accessible and exciting.

"Dr. Ma exemplifies the qualities this award recognizes-sustained teaching excellence, deep commitment to student learning, and meaningful innovation with lasting impact," noted a department leader in his nomination.

The EMS Excellence in Teaching Award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding instructional ability, commitment to continuous improvement, and leadership in advancing education. Dr. Ma's work not only elevates the student experience at UW-Platteville but also contributes to the broader field of engineering education.