Leon Liebenberg

Leon Liebenberg holds the position of Teaching Professor within the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Leon leads the Master of Engineering in Energy Systems program at the UIUC. He also serves as a faculty fellow at several institutions including UIUC’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL), the Center for Global Studies (CGS), and the Siebel Center for Design (SCD). His research endeavors encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from industrial energy-efficient technologies to cancer therapies, alongside innovative approaches to engineering education.

Within UIUC, Leon initiated the campus-wide ENGINE (ENGagement In eNgineering Education) program, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and co-founded the Reimagine our Future sustainability competition for undergraduates. His instructional portfolio spans a diverse array of subjects, spanning from Energy Conversion Systems to Innovation.

Leon’s dedication to teaching excellence has garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Rose Award for Teaching Excellence, Two-Year Alumni Teaching Awards, and the Illinois Student Council Award for Teaching Excellence. Notably, he has been recognized consistently since 2018, with his name appearing 18 times on the Teachers Ranked as Excellent list.

In April 2024, Wiley published Leon’s groundbreaking textbook on energy systems, showcasing some of his engaging pedagogical approaches and exemplifying his unwavering commitment to advancing education. His academic journey is underscored by degrees from the University of London, Imperial College London, and the University of Johannesburg.