David Willis
Visiting Assistant Professor
David Willis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has enjoyed teaching a variety of courses since starting at UML in 2008, including: Intro. to Mechanical Engineering, Introduction to Aerospace, Fluid Mechanics, Math Methods for MEs, Capstone Design, Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics, and Numerical Methods for PDEs. His research interests include computational and experimental aerodynamics (tool development, bio-inspired flight, and parachute systems), renewable energy (wind energy/hydrogen storage), and STEM/engineering education (hands-on learning, motivation, and recently, adult development). He’s a resident of Medford MA with his wife, two children, and our small dog with a big personality (a chiweenie).
Kathryn E. Schulte Grahame
Visiting Teaching Professor
Dr. Kathryn E. Schulte Grahame is a Teaching Professor and Associate Director of First Year Engineering at Northeastern University’s College of Engineering, where she specializes in engineering education with a focus on service-learning, asset-based community design, and K-12 partnerships. Her pedagogical approach integrates mindfulness practices, project-based learning, and value-sensitive design to enhance student engagement. She currently serves as FYEE Program Chair for the American Society for Engineering Education.
Sandra Huffman
Postdoctoral Scholar
Sandy is a postdoctoral scholar working with Merredith Portsmore and Milo Koretsky to better understand undergraduate behavior in moments of confusion, ambiguity, and uncertainty, and how students do or do not use AI to navigate these moments. She is excited to join the CEEO and learn more about the many projects and initiatives! Broadly, Sandy’s is interested in student modeling practices and sense-making activities in technical undergraduate engineering courses. She often looks at the ways traditional classroom contexts influence student problem-solving methodologies, and ways task design and facilitation strategies can help students practice authentic engineering.
Sibeli Schneider
Doctoral Student in Mechanical Engineering
Sibeli is a first-year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. She is interested in undergraduate engineering education, how students learn and how to support both students and instructors in teaching and learning within mathematics-based engineering courses. Currently, Sibeli works as Teaching Assistant for ME 30 – Electronics & Controls, learning and working with Dr. Kristen Wendell in a project-based course. Outside of work, she enjoys reading novels and fantasy, playing soccer and any other team sports, going to the movies for popcorn, and spending time outdoors.
