Mr Aaron Ameerali --:-- EiTA Winner, 2023

Academic Unit: Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship

Aaron Ameerali joined the University of Trinidad & Tobago in 2005 and is a Senior Instructor in the Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship Unit. Aaron earned his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and his Master of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West Indies. He is also the holder of a Certificate in Tertiary Level (University) teaching.

Aaron is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in the area of 'Measuring perceptions of steelpan music.'

Aaron currently lectures in the courses Introduction to Engineering, Materials & Manufacturing Processes, Engineering Systems Dynamics, Strength of Engineering Materials, and Ergonomics to Undergraduate students. He also supervises industry projects and the International Study Tour at the Postgraduate level while conducting outreach activities for the MME Unit.

Aaron believes that teaching is built around the following main-stays:

1. Imparting knowledge to students through a well-planned curriculum.
2. Challenging students to explore new subject areas.
3. Facilitating the learning process at all levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and
4. Helping to develop confidence and characteristics in students becoming of a well-rounded Professional Engineer or member of society.

Over the years Aaron's teaching philosophy has been refined to one that includes understanding and application of the subject matter rather than regurgitation of learnt principles. It can be summed up in the following lines:

"Tell me, I will forget it / Show me, I will remember it, but / Involve me, and I will understand it."

Mr Ameerali has published 10 journal papers and presented 25 conference papers at both the international and regional levels. Aaron has given of his time in the service of the University, the Engineering Profession and Teaching of the Faith. Beyond academia, his dedication to community service and professional societies is evident through years of voluntary work from Catechism to serving on numerous committees and Boards that shape Engineering Education and Practice.