College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management

Faculty Selected for Professional Achievement Honors

Greg Watkins (MMEM) and DingXin Cheng (CIVL) honored for 2016-17

Congratulations to Dr. Gregory Watkins (MMEM) and Dr. DingXin Cheng(CIVL) on their selection for the 2016–17 Professional Achievement Honors. We are so pleased that two of the six recipients campus-wide are from the College of ECC. This honor recognizes Dr. Watkins and Dr. Cheng as impactful teachers and scholars during the past three years. Please join the College of ECC in congratulating these outstanding faculty members who work so diligently every day to ensure our students' success. The University will honor them at a reception on Thursday, April 20 during Inspired '17.

Excerpts from President Hutchinson's Announcement:

Dr. Gregory Watkins, professor of mechanical and mechatronic engineering, has research interests in computer-based simulation tools and their application to complex problems in solid mechanics, thermal systems, and fluid flow. He also has studied and published on the pedagogy of teaching these tools at the undergraduate level. He is an excellent role model for younger professors seeking tenure and promotion. Dr. Watkins has presented at numerous conferences and has published in many engineering journals, including the Computers in Education Journal and the International Journal of Engineering Education. He has mentored younger faculty members and helped them submit technical papers to conferences. Dr. Watkins has developed a strong relationship with numerous industrial partners that provide funding and support for the Capstone Design Program in mechanical and mechatronic engineering. The relationships provide real-world, hands-on experiences for senior engineering students and also create the potential for internships and full-time employment after graduation.

Dr. DingXin Cheng, professor of civil engineering and 2017–2019 John F. O'Connell Endowed Chair, has excelled in research and externally funded projects since his arrival at Chico State. In just three years, he is the primary investigator or co-principal investigator on grant projects totaling more than $2 million. Through his active research, he has established a national and international reputation in the areas of pavement preservation and pavement materials. He has authored or coauthored more than 100 technical reports, conference papers, and journal articles. In addition to his scholarly works, he has mentored many student research assistants, giving them valuable experience in both the field and lab settings. He is currently writing a textbook to compile his knowledge and research experience and apply it to the practice of transportation engineering. He previously won the Outstanding Research Mentor Award and Outstanding Project Director Award in 2013 and 2011, respectively.