SIIP and Share Podcast

Dr. Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis, Senior Lecturer and Research Scientist in Civil and Environmental Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss her SIIP project focused on integrating computational thinking across the civil and environmental engineering curriculum. She shares how her team introduced tools like R and Python into 200- and 300-level courses, redesigned assignments to reflect real-world...

Dr. Marci Pool, Assistant Director of Education at the Cancer Center at Illinois and Teaching Associate Professor in Bioengineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss the Cancer Scholars program, a long-running SIIP initiative designed to engage students in cancer research from their first year. She shares how the program integrates research, mentorship, and interdisciplinary coursework to build stu...

Dr. Abdu Alawini, Teaching Associate Professor in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, joins SIIP and Share to discuss his SIIP project exploring generative AI in engineering and computing education. He shares how AI-powered tools, such as personalized feedback systems, knowledge graphs, and Illinois Chat, support learning at scale while preserving meaningful instructor -student connec...

Dr. John Popovics, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss his SIIP work on improving technical writing in engineering education. He shares how collaboration between engineering and writing studies faculty led to practical strategies for teaching communication, supporting TAs, and helping students learn through writing. The episode highlights faculty devel...

Dr. Craig Zilles, Professor of Computer Science, joins SIIP and Share to discuss the development and impact of Illinois’s Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF), which began as a SIIP project. He shares how CBTF enables flexible, secure, and scalable assessment for large-enrollment courses, supports frequent low-stakes testing, and addresses academic integrity challenges in the age of generative A...

Dr. Yuting Wu Chen, Teaching Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss her SIIP project, which focuses on modernizing the ECE curriculum by introducing parallel computing concepts earlier in students’ academic journey. She shares how her team developed scalable, modular learning experiences, integrated through flipped classroom techniques and suppo...

In this episode of SIIP and Share , host Dr. Ashleigh Wright talks with Dr. Mariana Silva , Teaching Associate Professor and Education Innovation Fellow in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Silva shares how her early work in mechanical engineering evolved into large-scale innovations in computer-based learning, group collaboration,...

In this episode of SIIP and Share , host Holly Golecki talks with Dr. Ali Ansari, Teaching Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, about his creative approach to teaching through play. Dr. Ansari shares how he uses games—from MATLAB challenges to smoothie-themed puzzles—to make complex engineering concepts more approachable and fun. He also discusses his plans for a future SIIP project focused on b...

In this episode of SIIP and Share , host Holly Golecki talks with Dr. Hongye Liu, Teaching Assistant Professor in the School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Liu shares her journey from mechanical engineering and bioinformatics to teaching computer science and designing learning environments. She discusses her SIIP projects focused on Universal Desi...

On this episode of SIIP and Share, Professor Chuck Tucker discusses the origins and impact of the Strategic Instructional Innovations Program, which has transformed Illinois engineering education since 2012. Tucker shares insights on improving foundational engineering courses, the evolution of specialized faculty roles, and the power of community-building among educators. Learn how SIIP is driving...

Professor Brian Bailey explores the science of teamwork in engineering education at the University of Illinois, sharingfindings from his SIIP project on team-based learning and effective team formation. He discusses the use of tools like CatMe and his own data-driven system to optimize collaboration among students in large classes. Learn howthis work is revolutionizing peer evaluations, providing...

In this episode of SIIP and Share, Dr. Jenny Amos shares herjourney as a bioengineering educator, delving into curriculum development, accreditation challenges, and her SIIP project, creating a global healthcare technology certificate to prepare students for engineering careers with an international perspective. Dr. Amos also reflects on how her passion for running keeps her grounded, offering par...

Dr. Brian Woodard discusses his work on the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, a SIIP initiative that expands global learning opportunities for engineering students. Woodard shares how COIL develops international collaboration, enhances cultural competencies, and prepares students for the global workforce—such as aerospace engineering partnerships in Brazil. Tune into SIIP...

Professor Dallas Trinkle speaks to SIIP and Share about his work integrating computational tools like MATLAB, Python, and finite element methods into materials science courses. He has insights on aligning engineering curricula with industry needs, training faculty and computational TAs, and fostering sustainable educational innovation. Trinkle also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his unexpected...

Dr. Tom Golecki, PE, SE, joins SIIP & Share to discuss a new SIIP project focused on creating connections among courses in the Grainger College of Engineering. A professor in large mechanical engineering courses, Dr. Golecki and his team aim to help students connect course contents to enhance their educational pathway at Illinois.  Learn how this initiative is enhancing student learning, stren...

Professor Mariana Kersh joins SIIP and Share to discuss her team’s innovative work developing open educational resources for fundamental mechanics courses. Kersh shares how interactive, web-based tools are boosting student engagement, improving accessibility for transfer students, and making complex engineering concepts more relatable. Learn how these digital resources are reshaping engineering le...

The Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education’s  Jay Mann and Chris Migotsky offer a behind-the-scenes view of the Strategic Instructional Innovations Program (SIIP) in the Grainger College of Engineering. They discuss how SIIP supports faculty-led educational innovations, from TA training programs to the development of the PrairieLearn assessment system. Discover how shared leadership, data...