Cited for his dedication to mentorship and the breadth of knowledge he imparts to his students, Professor George McMechan has been  awarded a School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Outstanding Teaching Award.

McMechan, the Ida Green Professor of Geosciences and director of the Center for Lithospheric Studies, has taught at UT Dallas since 1983. He teaches graduate research workshops and a variety of courses that include reflection seismology, applied geophysics and programming for parallel computers.

He was presented a plaque with a clock from Dr. Myron Salamon, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

“It is important to get students doing science rather than talking about it. The best way to learn and understand is hands-on, not just reading – and it’s more fun that way,” McMechan said.

Outside the classroom, McMechan’s energy and environmental studies focus on 3-D seismic imaging and on ground-penetrating radar studies of the barrier islands off the Texas coast.

“Receiving this award is a nice indication that I’m making a difference in the lives of students, which is one of the main satisfactions in teaching,” McMechan said. “Teaching awards are usually associated with younger, highly energetic faculty; so at my age, it’s especially gratifying to be numbered in that elite group.”