Dipankar Mitra receives 2026 Eagle Teaching Excellence Award

Posted 9 a.m. Thursday , June 4 , 2026

Dipankar Mitra receives 2026 Eagle Teaching Excellence Award

At UW-La Crosse, outstanding instructors shape students' lives inside and outside the classroom.

This year, UWL's Provost Office received nearly 500 nominations from students hoping to recognize faculty who have had a meaningful impact on their college experience. From these nominations, a university committee selected six faculty to receive 2026 Eagle Teaching Excellence Awards.

They are:

This is the second of six stories highlighting the award recipients.

Dipankar Mitra, Computer Science & Computer Engineering

Started at UWL: 2021

Courses: I primarily teach courses in computer engineering, computer architecture, digital logic design, embedded systems, computer organization and low-level programming. My teaching also includes topics related to digital circuit design, C programming, assembly programming and hardware-software integration. In addition to teaching, I actively mentor undergraduate student researchers in areas such as wireless communications, machine learning applications, RF systems and embedded technologies.

Background: Before joining UWL, I completed my Ph.D. and master's degrees in electrical and computer engineering at North Dakota State University. During my time there, I worked as a graduate research assistant, instructor and teaching assistant in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. My research focused on RF and microwave engineering, antennas, metamaterials, wearable electronics and wireless systems. I also collaborated with researchers from industry, government laboratories and medical institutions on interdisciplinary engineering projects.

Favorite part of teaching: My favorite part of teaching is helping students connect theoretical concepts to real-world engineering and computing problems. I especially enjoy seeing students gain confidence as they move from learning fundamentals in the classroom to building and designing their own systems and projects. Mentoring students in research and hands-on design activities is particularly rewarding because I get to watch them grow into independent thinkers and problem-solvers. I also enjoy creating an engaging classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and developing curiosity about technology and innovation.