For Temple electrical and computer engineering assistant professor Li Bai, teaching goes beyond the classroom.

“Good teaching does not have to end when class is over,” said Bai, recipient of the 2010 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. “I think effective teaching has to be delivered both inside and outside the classroom.”

Bai earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Temple in 1996. He attended graduate school at Drexel University, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees, also in electrical engineering.

Bai started to show his promise as a teacher while still a graduate student. In 2000, he was honored with the Best TA Award from Drexel’s College of Engineering. The following year, Bai returned to his alma mater as a dean’s appointment in the College of Engineering.

“I came back to Temple as a faculty member because I have a passion for teaching and being actively involved with students,” he said. “Today’s students need a well-rounded education in order to face the various challenges in their futures.

“Our educational focus does not necessarily need to be in classroom teaching only,” he said. “It goes beyond what students learn in a classroom. We need to put emphasis on research experience for undergraduate students, working with them to develop their research skills, technical skills, as well as their communication skills.”

Bai has recruited many undergraduate students to work in his research laboratory on projects sponsored by ExxonMobil, SEPTA and the Navy surface warfare center. He makes sure they are actively involved with him and learn how to present their project ideas in professional meetings, business competitions and regional competitions.

“Li, as one of our most popular teachers, has devoted his young life to his profession, which is quite evident by the outstanding reviews he constantly receives from his peers and students,” said College of Engineering Dean Keya Sadeghipour.

Bai’s course evaluations for classroom teaching are nearly always above the departmental average, and he has been praised by his students for creating a friendly and helpful learning environment.

But Bai also takes a keen interest in students outside of class. Since 2002, he has served as the faculty advisor for Temple’s student chapter of IEEE, the electrical engineering professional society.

“Another important aspect of teaching is to help our students better understand our professional societies,” he said. “We are the best gateway for our students to establish contacts with industry professionals and national laboratories.”

Under his stewardship, five Temple students active in IEEE have earned $5,000 scholarships from IEEE’s Philadelphia section. He also has encouraged IEEE students to actively participate in competitions and proudly notes that over the past few years, they have won numerous honors and captured more than $3,000 in award money.

“Clearly, teaching does not have to happen only in the classroom,” said Bai. “Good students want teachers they can get involved with.”