Biostatistics might not seem like the most exciting subject, but in Dr. Jingwei Wu’s classroom, it becomes a fascinating and engaging experience.

Wu, an associate professor of instruction in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Temple University’s College of Public Health, has been awarded the Teaching Excellence Award for a University Educator, ASA Philadelphia Chapter, 2024–2025. He is the first Temple faculty member to receive the award since the 2019–2020 academic year. This regional recognition honors one college or university educator each year for inspiring a love of statistics in their students.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized,” said Wu. “Teaching is a passion of mine, and knowing that my effort makes a positive impact on my students is truly fulfilling. This award is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the supportive environment at Temple.”

Wu’s approach to teaching is centered on three core principles:

• Real-world relevance. “I try to make biostatistics tangible and relatable by connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications. For example, I always use public health case studies, clinical trials, and biomedical research. My hope is that this helps students grasp the material while showing how their work can positively impact the lives of others.”
• Active learning. “Instead of solely lecturing, I incorporate a lot of activity—like group discussions and problem-solving exercises—to engage students in the material and encourage deeper understanding.”
• Focus on inclusivity. “I’m dedicated to creating an inclusive teaching and learning environment where every student feels supported and empowered to collaborate, learn from each other, and succeed.”

His students have gone on to publish research, win awards, and pursue careers in academia and public health. “Dr. Wu's teaching methods are nothing short of outstanding,” said former student Patrick Augello. “He consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to convey complex ideas with clarity, conciseness, and engagement.”

Wu is also known for updating and tailoring course content, like switching from SAS, a traditional industry tool, to R, a free and increasingly popular programming language used in modern data science and public health research. He has developed three graduate-level courses and taught 29 sections since joining Temple in 2015. 

“Dr. Wu has consistently shown exceptional sustained commitment to the profession of teaching statistics and demonstrated meaningful impact on his students,” said Dr. Resa M. Jones, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

Looking ahead, Wu is excited about the future of the epidemiology and biostatistics programs at Temple. “I envision a program that equips our students with cutting-edge technology skills and prepares them to address the most pressing public health challenges of our time,” he said. “My greatest hope is that our students leave Temple with the technical skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to be lifelong learners who use data to drive meaningful change.”

Wu will be formally presented with the Teaching Excellence Award at a ceremony on May 24th.