Schaumburg man earns Northern Illinois University mentorship award for guiding student research

Setting clear expectations. Nurturing creative freedom. Keeping an open mind.

These ingredients all describe Northern Illinois University professor Ziteng Wang, according to undergraduate students he’s mentored. Last month, those strengths were cited as the Schaumburg man was selected for the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) Faculty Mentor of the Year.

The honor puts the spotlight on faculty who guide undergraduate students through meaningful, hands-on research experiences, which often serve as catalysts for confidence, curiosity and academic growth.

An associate professor in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Wang’s accessibility and encouragement shined through in student’s remarks.

“Through his mentorship and open-mindedness, I was able to approach him with new ideas and creative solutions; this helped boost my confidence with problem-solving and independent research,” said ISYE senior Jack Rissman.

Angelica Sanyal, a sophomore ISYE major, praised Wang for helping her technical and communication skills development.

“He has provided opportunities for professional growth, and his mentorship has helped me see how my skills as an engineer can contribute to meaningful research and real-world impact,” Sanyal said.

The Undergraduate Research Mentorship Awards are a key part of NIU’s broader effort to elevate undergraduate research, recognizing faculty who balance technical expertise with a genuine investment in student success.

For Wang, the recognition is less about individual achievement and more about the students themselves. “I am honored to receive this award and more importantly, to have worked with so many talented students,” Wang said. “It’s really their curiosity and persistence that drive the work. I’m just glad to play a small role in helping them take the next step.”

Wang joined the NIU faculty in 2016. He and his wife, Amy, have resided in Schaumburg since 2018. They have two young children.

A year ago, Wang received the largest grant at an event that’s akin to TED talks called Huskie Trek Talks: Ideas in Motion: $15,000 to develop and launch an app for parents to have their child’s walking pattern analyzed for early autism detection.

That work continues, and Wang expects a formal launch of the app in Fall 2026. Wang and his research team also received $100,000 from the National Institute of Health’s AIM-AHEAD program to establish the AI-LEADS lab for advancing AI for health research.

NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) provides affordable access to a world-class engineering education. Its fully accredited programs emphasize hands-on experience, with small classes taught by experienced, dedicated faculty that help a diverse array of students explore and ignite their passions in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Learn more by visiting the CEET website.