Each year, the AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology awards recognize educators who have employed technology in innovative ways to enhance the learning experience. This year the awards were held at the Kellogg center on Thursday, April 10. The 2025 awards spotlight three exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields and the education community at large. We are proud to announce this year’s honorees: Dr. Andrea Bierema, Zhiying Li, and Bill Marsland. You can watch the AT&T Awards ceremony at https://attawards.msu.edu.
Dr. Andrea Bierema: Applications of Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Andrea Bierema used MSU-supported technology tools and open educational resources to deliver an excellent and integrated experience while mitigating student costs. Her dedication to fostering student engagement through digital platforms has not only enriched the educational experience but also set a benchmark for future educators. Dr. Bierema’s efforts exemplify the spirit of the AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology awards, spotlighting her role as a trailblazer in modern education.
Zhiying Li: Mobile Application Development
Zhiying Li’s open-ended, project-based approach allows students to develop personalized mobile apps by integrating emerging technologies and cutting-edge AI skills. His priority is enhancing student engagement and performance, and his contribution to education extends beyond the classroom, impacting the realm of research with his adept use of technological tools. His collaborative projects and innovative methodologies have facilitated significant advancements in research, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Zhiying Li’s work resonates with the mission of the AT&T awards, demonstrating the transformative power of technology in academia.
Bill Marsland: Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators
Bill Marsland has been instrumental in expanding educational outreach through technology. His use of MSU-supported technologies was selected to align with the goals of engaging learners via accessible, concrete, and connected pedagogical strategies and resources. His initiatives have enabled greater accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that education is within reach for diverse communities. Marsland’s dedication to using technology to enhance outreach efforts embodies the values celebrated by the AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology awards, highlighting his commitment to education for all.
The 2025 AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology awards celebrate the innovative, dedicated, and impactful work of Dr. Andrea Bierema, Zhiying Li, and Bill Marsland. These educators have harnessed the potential of technology to transform the educational experience, making significant strides in interactive learning, research, and outreach. Their achievements inspire the education community and set a standard for future endeavors. Join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals as they continue to shape the future of education through technology.
We look forward to seeing more advancements and breakthroughs in the coming years, driven by the passion and creativity of educators like Dr. Bierema, Zhiying Li, and Bill Marsland.
Nominations for the 2026 AT&T awards will open this Fall, visit attawards.msu.edu to learn more.
