Friesen named Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar
Dr. Rebecca Friesen has been selected as a 2026–27 Montague–Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar for her dedication to teaching and enriching students’ learning experiences.
Dr. Rebecca Friesen received the 2026–27 Montague–Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Scholar award, which recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of lifelong learning and student success. An assistant professor in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, she is one of nine faculty members at Texas A&M University selected for this honor.
Named after the late Kenneth Montague ’37, this award celebrates his legacy and supports early-career faculty who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to undergraduate education at Texas A&M.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the award, which recognizes tenure-track assistant professors who show exceptional passion and early success in teaching. Friesen will receive a $6,500 grant to support her research and development of innovative teaching techniques.
Dr. Rebecca Friesen
“This award is especially meaningful as it affirms the time and care I invest in supporting students,” she said. “It provides both encouragement and resources to continue developing engaging classroom methods. I’m excited to use this opportunity to further integrate hands-on learning into my courses and share what I learn with colleagues across the university.”
During her four years at Texas A&M, Friesen has built a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers at the Friesen Haptics Laboratory. Her research investigates how haptic interfaces and tactile signal design can enhance human perception, dexterous manipulation and human-machine interaction.
She previously received the James J. Cain ’51 Faculty Graduate Teaching Award and the Society of Women Engineers Trailblazer Award.
“I’ve tried to approach teaching with the same curiosity that drives my research by continually refining my courses, incorporating active learning and studying how students learn engineering concepts most effectively,” Friesen said. “Those efforts, together with mentoring students through hands-on research in the lab, have shaped my approach as an educator.”
CTE supports Texas A&M’s educational mission by forging partnerships to inspire and sustain faculty, student and organizational transformation through an innovative, dynamic and supportive learning environment guided by evidence-based practices. It provides pedagogical support and development for faculty of all titles and ranks.
“Dr. Friesen’s recognition as a Montague–Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar reflects the exceptional dedication, creativity and care she brings to the classroom,” said Dr. Guillermo Aguilar, mechanical engineering department head and J.M. Forsyth Chair. “Her commitment to engaging students through innovative, hands-on learning and mentorship exemplifies the very best of our department’s mission. We are proud to see this well-deserved honor recognize both her impact on students and her contributions to engineering education.”
Friesen will be formally recognized with this award by Dr. Alan Sams, Texas A&M executive vice president and provost, this coming fall.
