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Mark Huerta, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Mark Huerta
354 Goodwin Hall
635 Prices Fork Rd
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Courses Taught

  • Foundations of Engineering I (ENGE 1215)
  • Foundations of Engineering II (ENGE 1216)
  • Create: Ideation for Innovation (ENGE 2094)

Education

Ph.D. Engineering Education Systems & Design, Arizona State University, 2019
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Arizona State University, 2015
B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Arizona State University, 2013

Research Interests

  • STEM learning environments
  • Mental health and well-being
  • Team and group dynamics
  • Graduate student mentorship
  • Faculty development
  • Design education and project-based learning

Research Statement

Dr. Huerta applies qualitative and mixed methods research study designs to explore the experiences of students and faculty in STEM learning environments with the purpose of further understanding STEM culture in various contexts. He leverages these insights to inform efforts that support the professional skills development, mental health, and well-being of students and faculty.

Biography

Dr. Mark Huerta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech (VT). In his role, Dr. Huerta aspires to enhance the culture of engineering education and ensure students develop the professional skills they need to be successful in the future workforce. He was previously a Visiting Assistant Professor at VT before transitioning to his current role. Prior to his time at VT, Dr. Huerta was a Lecturer within the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU) for two years. He was recognized for his teaching efforts with a 2020 Top 5% Teaching Award at ASU. He earned his BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering and PhD in Engineering Education at ASU.

Dr. Huerta also has a passion for humanitarian engineering and serving his community. He serves as Chairman of 33 Buckets, a non-profit organization that he co-founded, which develops sustainable clean water solutions within underserved, rural communities in the Global South. His leadership role in 33 Buckets has led to numerous awards including the Pritzker Prize Top 5 Finalist for Emerging Environmental Genius, and Tempe Sister Cities ‘‘Making a World of Difference’’ Award. In his Lecturer role at ASU, he co-directed the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program and was the lead instructor for the Global Resolve program at ASU. These experiences have helped shaped his teaching philosophy and interest in designing experiential, authentic, and project-based learning experiences.

  • Top 5% Teaching Award, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, 2020
  • Best Paper Award, Multidisciplinary Division, American Society of Engineering Education, 2019
  • Best Research Paper Award, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Division, American Society of Engineering Education, 2018
  • Best Teaching Paper Award, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Division, American Society of Engineering Education, 2017
  • Barrett Early Career Achievement Award, Arizona State University, 2018
  • Pritzker Prize Top 5 Finalist for Emerging Environmental Genius Awards, University
    California, Los Angeles, 2017
  • Tempe Sister Cities ‘‘Making a World of Difference’’ Award, 2017

Huerta, Mark V., London, Jeremi, McKenna, Ann F. (2021). Engineering Deans’ Perspective on Current State of Faculty Development Programs in Engineering Education. International Journal of Engineering Education.

Huerta, Mark V., Carberry, Adam, Pipe, Teri, McKenna, Ann F. (2021). Inner Engineering: Evaluating the utility of mindfulness training to cultivate intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies among first-year engineering students. Journal of Engineering Education.

London, J., Carberry, A., Abhyankar, R., Ayela-Uwangue, A., Huang, W., Huerta, M., Lee, E., Cruz, S., Yasuhara, K., Allendoerfer, C. (2021). The Pioneers’ Stories as A Tool for Introducing Graduate Students to the Engineering Education Research Community. Advances in Engineering Education, 29(1), 1-22.

Bekki, J. M., Huerta, M., London, J. S., Melton, D., Vigeant, M., & Williams, J. M. (2018). Opinion: Why EM? The Potential Benefits of Instilling an Entrepreneurial Mindset. Advances in Engineering Education, 7(1), n1.