Research

Together with undergraduate and graduate students, I have conducted research in computational complexity theory, ethics in engineering and computing, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and engineering education. We have developed optimal on-line simulations between computational models, designed the first distributed election algorithm on complete networks, analyzed fault-tolerant consensus protocols for shared memory systems, introduced informed consent into the theory of privacy, categorized students’ misconceptions in digital logic, and assessed the outcomes of ethics instruction and peer-led team learning. Recently we have we have identified special responsibilities of developers and users of computational models in research, we have measured the effect of structured pairing in laboratories on students’ confidence and attitudes, and we have proposed a new model of research mentoring. Currently we are investigating the role of grit in the persistence of engineering students, and we are studying the emotions that students experience in an introductory computer programming course.

Research interests

  • Computational complexity theory
  • Ethics in engineering and computing
  • Scholarship of teaching and learning
  • Engineering education research

Current and recent projects

Current thesis and project students

  • Olubunmi Babajide (co-advisor: W. Oakes)
  • Dayoung Kim (co-advisor: B. Jesiek)

Recent thesis and project students

Research laboratories and groups