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Two Indian American scholars win Carolina teaching awards
Aug 05, 2026
📍 Philadelphia, PA, USA
**Two Indian American Professors Honored with UNC’s Prestigious Teaching Awards**
Two Indian American educators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have earned one of the institution’s highest teaching honors for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.
Snehalkumar “Neil” S. Gaikwad and Montek Singh were named recipients of the **2026 Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching**, recognizing their dedication to classroom instruction, student mentorship, and academic excellence.
The university selected this year’s honorees from more than 1,000 nominations submitted across its academic departments, highlighting the competitive nature of the award.
Gaikwad, an assistant professor in the School of Data Science and Society and the Department of Computer Science, leads research at the Society-Centered AI Lab. His work explores human-centered artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithmic fairness, and the responsible development of emerging technologies.
With an international academic journey spanning India, Singapore, and the United States, Gaikwad has become a leading voice in the intersection of AI and society, preparing students to build technology that serves people responsibly.
Singh, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, has been a member of the UNC faculty for more than two decades. His research focuses on computer architecture, digital circuit design, asynchronous systems, and advanced microelectronics.
Known for his engaging teaching style and commitment to student success, Singh has helped mentor generations of computer science students pursuing careers in research and technology.
The recognition of both professors reflects the growing impact of Indian American scholars in U.S. higher education, where they continue to advance innovation through research while inspiring future scientists, engineers, and technology leaders.
Their achievements also reinforce UNC Chapel Hill’s commitment to excellence in teaching, recognizing educators whose influence extends well beyond the classroom through mentorship, discovery, and academic leadership.
Two Indian American educators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have earned one of the institution’s highest teaching honors for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.
Snehalkumar “Neil” S. Gaikwad and Montek Singh were named recipients of the **2026 Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching**, recognizing their dedication to classroom instruction, student mentorship, and academic excellence.
The university selected this year’s honorees from more than 1,000 nominations submitted across its academic departments, highlighting the competitive nature of the award.
Gaikwad, an assistant professor in the School of Data Science and Society and the Department of Computer Science, leads research at the Society-Centered AI Lab. His work explores human-centered artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithmic fairness, and the responsible development of emerging technologies.
With an international academic journey spanning India, Singapore, and the United States, Gaikwad has become a leading voice in the intersection of AI and society, preparing students to build technology that serves people responsibly.
Singh, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, has been a member of the UNC faculty for more than two decades. His research focuses on computer architecture, digital circuit design, asynchronous systems, and advanced microelectronics.
Known for his engaging teaching style and commitment to student success, Singh has helped mentor generations of computer science students pursuing careers in research and technology.
The recognition of both professors reflects the growing impact of Indian American scholars in U.S. higher education, where they continue to advance innovation through research while inspiring future scientists, engineers, and technology leaders.
Their achievements also reinforce UNC Chapel Hill’s commitment to excellence in teaching, recognizing educators whose influence extends well beyond the classroom through mentorship, discovery, and academic leadership.
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