Loui Family

name
Michael C. Loui
parents
Wallace Loui, Florence Chinn Loui
spouse
Cindy Loui
children
Eric Loui, Jeremy Loui
siblings
Warren Loui, William Loui, Ronald Loui, Terrence Loui
occupation
Professor of Engineering Education, Computer Scientist
religion
Unitarian Universalist
notes
Eldest son of Florence Chinn Loui, distinguished professor at Purdue University, MIT PhD, Fellow of IEEE and ASEE, expert in engineering education and computational complexity
sources
Michael Loui Purdue Profile

Michael C. Loui

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Vital Information

Academic Career

Current Position (2014-Present)

  • Adjunct Professor, School of Engineering Education, Purdue University (2020-Present)
  • Dale and Suzi Gallagher Professor of Engineering Education, Purdue University (2014-2019)

Previous Positions - University of Illinois

  • Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (1991-2014)
  • Associate Dean, Graduate College (1996-2000)
  • Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (1987-1991)
  • Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (1981-1987)

National Science Foundation

  • Program Director, Theory of Computing (1990-1991)

Education

  • Ph.D., Computer Science, MIT (1980)
  • S.M., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT (1977)
  • B.S., Mathematics and Computer Science, Yale University (1975)

Research and Expertise

Research Areas

Michael’s work spans multiple disciplines:

  • Computational Complexity Theory - Mathematical analysis of algorithm efficiency
  • Ethics in Engineering and Computing - Professional responsibility and moral reasoning
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning - Evidence-based educational practices
  • Engineering Education Research - Student learning, persistence, and success

Recent Research Focus

  • Grit and resilience in engineering student persistence
  • Emotional experiences in introductory programming courses
  • Effective pedagogical practices in engineering education

Professional Recognition and Honors

Fellowships

  • Fellow, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) (2018)
  • Fellow, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) (2006)

Teaching and Education Awards

  • Carnegie Scholar (2003) - Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
  • University Distinguished Teacher-Scholar, University of Illinois (2001)
  • Luckman Undergraduate Teaching Award, University of Illinois (1995)
  • Dow Outstanding Young Faculty Award, ASEE (1985)

Editorial Leadership

Major Editorial Roles

  • Editor, Journal of Engineering Education (2012-2017)
    • Premier publication in engineering education research
  • Executive Editor, College Teaching (2006-2012)
    • Leading journal on higher education pedagogy

Community Service

Religious Community

  • Director of Children’s Choir, Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign (2002-2014)
    • Twelve years of volunteer leadership with children

Timeline

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Sources

Notes

Distinguished Academic Career

Michael C. Loui followed in his mother’s footsteps of breaking barriers and achieving academic excellence. Like Florence who overcame discrimination to become a physician, Michael built a distinguished career bridging multiple fields:

  • Pure computer science (MIT PhD)
  • Electrical engineering
  • Ethics and professional responsibility
  • Engineering education research

Academic Leadership

Michael’s career demonstrates exceptional leadership:

  • Administrative: Associate Dean at major research university
  • Editorial: Editor of field’s premier journal
  • National service: NSF program director
  • Recognition: Fellow of two major professional societies

Teaching Excellence

Michael’s teaching awards span his entire career:

  • Early career: Dow Outstanding Young Faculty Award (1985)
  • Mid-career: Luckman Undergraduate Teaching Award (1995)
  • Senior career: University Distinguished Teacher-Scholar (2001)
  • National recognition: Carnegie Scholar (2003)

This sustained excellence over decades is rare in academia.

Research Impact

Michael’s work in engineering education has helped shape how engineering is taught nationwide. His research on:

  • Student persistence and grit
  • Emotional experiences in learning
  • Ethics in engineering

…has influenced curriculum design and teaching practices across engineering schools.

Family Pattern of Achievement

Michael represents the eldest of Florence’s five sons, all of whom achieved professional success:

  1. Michael - Engineering education professor, Purdue/Illinois
  2. Warren - Attorney, winemaker, USC Law professor
  3. William - Oncologist/hematologist
  4. Ronald - Computer Science professor, AI researcher
  5. Terry - IT specialist (overcame childhood brain tumor)

Parallels with Mother Florence

  • Both broke barriers in their fields (Florence: woman physician; Michael: engineering education pioneer)
  • Both committed to teaching and mentoring next generation
  • Both achieved highest professional recognition (Florence: pioneer status; Michael: dual fellowships)
  • Both demonstrated sustained excellence over decades
  • Both contributed to professional ethics and advocacy

Community Engagement

Like his mother who volunteered extensively, Michael directed a children’s choir for 12 years, demonstrating commitment to community beyond academic work.

Research Needed

  • Exact birth date
  • Birth location (likely California or Hawaii)
  • Marriage/family status (spouse, children)
  • Current residence
  • Complete publication list
  • Ph.D. dissertation topic
  • When family moved to Illinois
  • Relationship with brothers and extended family
  • Any involvement with mother’s medical career or scholarship

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