Northwestern University has named Aravindan Vijayaraghavan, an associate professor of computer science, among the recipients of its 2026 University Teaching Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in undergraduate education.
Vijayaraghavan received the Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence award, which honors tenured faculty members for their contributions to undergraduate teaching.
The Indian-origin computer scientist was one of seven faculty members selected for this year’s awards conferred annually by Northwestern’s Office of the Provost. Vijayaraghavan said his teaching philosophy has evolved alongside changes within the computer science discipline.
“As Aravindan Vijayaraghavan, associate professor of computer science, has witnessed the computer science discipline ‘become more interdisciplinary and data-centric,’ his teaching philosophy has evolved,” Northwestern stated.
Vijayaraghavan said he enjoys developing and teaching new courses that reflect advances in the field while continuing to emphasize core concepts.
“I enjoy creating and teaching new courses; students are also excited about taking courses that cover new scientific advances in computer science,” he said. He also added that his focus remains on ensuring students are “exposed to foundational ideas that underlie these major developments.”
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Samir Khuller, chair of Northwestern’s computer science department, praised Vijayaraghavan’s contributions to both research and teaching.
“Academia thrives on a few overachievers doing the work, not just to advance their own research, but also to enable those around them to succeed,” Khuller said in remarks published by Northwestern. “Vijayaraghavan is one of those overachievers.”
Students also commended Vijayaraghavan’s teaching style and communication skills. One student quoted by Northwestern said he has “complete command over the subject matter he teaches” and is “exceptionally skilled in communicating it.” Another described him as kind and enthusiastic in the classroom despite extensive research responsibilities.
The University Teaching Awards were first established in 1992 and recognize faculty members whose dedication to teaching strengthens undergraduate learning at Northwestern. Award recipients also become Distinguished Fellows of the university’s Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching.