CS graduating seniors have chosen Professor Phill Conrad as “Outstanding Faculty Member.” Phill Conrad joined the faculty of the CS Department in January 2008, and in July 2012 was promoted to Lecturer (SOE), a career-oriented position focusing on undergraduate education.  Dr. Conrad's focus is the lower-division curriculum, and he is the faculty undergraduate advisor for CS majors. Professor Conrad received the “Faculty Senate Distinguished Teaching Award” in 2011 and has twice before, in 2012 and 2013, been chosen “Outstanding Faculty Member” by graduating seniors.

Several students remarked on Professor Conrad’s dedication and inspirational teaching. YunSuk Chang noted, “Phill Conrad is a caring professor whose lectures are entertaining.”

Jacob Kaddoura stated, “Professor Conrad is a huge reason why I decided to become a Computer Science major after taking CS8 and CS16 with him. I am now enrolled in his CS32 course, which means this will be my third course with him. Not many people can say that they've taken three courses with the same professor, I'm lucky enough to say that I've taken three courses with the BEST professor.”

Yamen Alghrer offered, “Professor Conrad goes above and beyond to ensure that his students learn valuable lessons from the courses he teaches. He interned at Appfolio last summer so that he could update his software development knowledge with that of a modern day successful company in order to use that knowledge in his course this year to better prepare his students. Professor Conrad is amazing and he definitely deserves this award considering all the time he dedicates toward his position here.”

Austin Phillips stated, “Phill Conrad was not only one of the best professors I have ever had, he helped guide me through my class schedules, his efforts made it possible to study abroad at a university few UCSB students have ever attended, and he was there for me when a close friend was murdered in the May shootings last year.  He alone makes me grateful that I attended this university, and he has changed my life far more than he will ever know.”

Tom Craig remarked, "Conrad inspired me to continue pursuing my major in computer science during my sophomore year when I was considering leaving the school. He is one of the best professors I have ever had, and has an amazing ability to make any topic interesting. What I like most about this school is professors who are earnest and effective, and Conard goes above and beyond in these regards. I have taken three classes taught by Conard, and he is incredibly invested in making sure all of his students understand the material. He has faith in and respect for all of his students this is apparent. I could not have asked for more in a professor."

Alex Allen noted, "Phil Conrad has made Computer Science at UCSB an amazing experience. With his encouragement and mentorship I found myself doing research at the front lines of the field. Professor Conrad is the reason I am in the Computer Science major and his enthusiasm and care has made me into the student I am today. His advising and his teaching are a tier above what any student could expect from a single person, and his dedication to all students within the major makes him a prominent figure to all who have had the privilege to encounter him."

The professor will receive his award at this year’s Senior Sendoff.

To read more about Professor Conrad and his work, visit his CS webpage.