10/16/2026 Megan Altmyer
Pavan Kumar Hanumolu, Chandra Radhakrishnan, and Olga Mironenko received undergraduate teaching awards for their excellency in the classroom.
Written by Megan Altmyer
ECE Professor Pavan Kumar Hanumolu, Teaching Associate Professor Chandrasekhar Radhakrishnan, and Teaching Associate Professor Olga Mironenko were recently selected as recipients of departmental teaching awards.
Ronald W. Pratt Outstanding Teaching Award
The Ronald W. Pratt Outstanding Teaching Award recognizes exceptional teaching through nominations from current and former students, supported by recommendations from ECE faculty, colleagues, and former students who have gone on to graduate studies or careers in industry. This year, Pavan Kumar Hanumolu and Chandrasekhar Radhakrishnan were the recipients.
Hanumolu earned his Ph.D. from Oregon State University in 2006. His research focuses on analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, and he teaches courses in electronic circuits and analog integrated circuit design.
"This award means a great deal to me," Hanumolu said. "Teaching is what I care about most, and being recognized by my students makes this honor especially meaningful."
Radhakrishnan earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 2011. His research interests include signal processing techniques for circuit design, bio-inspired algorithms, and circuit architectures for nanoscale integrated systems.
"It is an honor to receive this award," Radhakrishnan shared. "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with wonderful students and be supported by outstanding colleagues, course TAs, graders, and administrative staff. Their support and contributions have made my teaching experience deeply rewarding.
George Anner Excellence in Undergrad Teaching Award
The George Anner Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award honors the late professor’s pioneering contributions to semiconductor fabrication education and his vision for advancing solid-state electronics at Illinois. The award recognizes faculty who carry forward his legacy through undergraduate teaching and mentorship. Olga Mironenko is the 2026 recipient.
Mironenko completed her Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Delaware in 2020, following a degree in physics from Omsk F. M. Dostoevsky State University in Russia in 2009. Her work spans power and energy systems and engineering education, with interests in innovative teaching approaches and mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in ECE.
"This recognition is very meaningful to me because it goes beyond excellence in teaching alone," Mironenko said. "It also recognizes the importance of mentoring students and fostering strong communication and meaningful connections between faculty and students. In addition to supporting students' academic growth, it is very important to me to help them build confidence, overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and ultimately inspire the next generation of engineers. I am truly honored to be recognized by both my students and my colleagues for my efforts, and this award inspires me to continue making a positive impact on the lives of our students."