AUS professor receives Earle J. Fennell Award for contributions to surveying and mapping education

In recognition of his distinguished contributions to surveying and mapping education, Dr. Tarig Ali, Professor of Civil Engineering at American University of Sharjah (AUS), has been recently honored with the Earle J. Fennell Award by the United States National Society of Professional Surveyors. 

This recognition, established by the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), celebrates  outstanding contributions to surveying and mapping education, in honor of Earle J. Fennell, ACSM President 1966-1967 and ACSM Executive Director 1968-1971. The Earle J. Fennell Award is bestowed upon individuals with a sustained record of excellence in surveying and mapping education, spanning over a decade at the local, state or national level. 

“Receiving the Earle J. Fennell Award is a significant milestone in my career. It reaffirms the value of innovative education in surveying and mapping, and I am excited to continue inspiring the next generation of professionals in this field,” Dr. Ali said.

Dr. Ali's journey began as an assistant professor in the Surveying and Mapping Science program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2003. His impact at ETSU  played a pivotal role in developing the Geographic Information System and Mapping track within the bachelor of science degree program. 

 "My passion for teaching and shaping future surveyors and civil engineers motivated me to create innovative courses that bridge theory and practical application. This award is a testament to the importance of hands-on education," Dr. Ali said.

In 2006, Dr. Ali joined the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, where he continued to advance surveying and mapping education. "At UCF, I had the privilege of developing the geomatics concentration and introducing pioneering courses. These experiences allowed me to push the boundaries of education, and I'm grateful for the support and recognition that come with this award," he said

Since joining the Department of Civil Engineering at AUS in 2009, Dr. Ali has continued to be a beacon of innovation in surveying and mapping education. He introduced the first Geographic Information System course at AUS as part of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and championed the elementary surveying course. Additionally, he pioneered the first satellite remote sensing course at AUS, enhancing the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program.

Dr. Ali's impressive scholarly contributions encompass over 84 journal papers, 47 conference papers and 3 book chapters. His dedication to the field has garnered numerous awards and honors, including the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Award for Best Scientific Paper in Geographic Information Systems in 2006, the ETSU Faculty Excellence Award in 2005, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association's Murrough Brien Education Award in 2004 and the Ohio State University Duane C. Brown Jr. Award in 2003.

To learn more about the College of Engineering and its distinguished faculty, visit www.aus.edu/cen.