Meet Mark Huerta, new engineering education assistant professor
Dr. Mark Huerta originally joined Engineering Education in one of two new Visiting Assistant Professor positions during the 2021-22 academic year. He has his bachelor’s and master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University and his Ph.D. in Engineering Education Systems and Design, also from ASU. He was formerly a Lecturer and Co-Director of the EPICS program at ASU, and is the co-founder of the nonprofit, 33buckets.
This Fall, he's continuing his work with us in Engineering Education as an assistant professor! Get to know a little more about Huerta with our top five getting to know you Qs:
Why Virginia Tech? What do you love about VT?
I have been fortunate to be at VT for a year and I have been impressed by the culture of the VT engineering education department. I am excited to continue to be a part of such a supportive department and work with tremendous colleagues.
What’s your favorite thing about being a professor/faculty?
My favorite thing about being a professor is the opportunity to connect, mentor, and support the professional development of students.
What does your research entail – what do you hope will come of it?
My research will focus on understanding how to build positive and inclusive STEM learning environments that support the professional growth of students and faculty in various contexts. My immediate research priorities involve exploring and developing pragmatic solutions that: 1) support team dynamics in first-year, engineering, project-based learning settings and 2) improve graduate education mentorship and research group climates.
What originally got you interested in your work and/or research?
These research interests have evolved over the last five years or so based on my personal interests and needs I have observed as a former graduate student and through previous teaching-focused positions.
What advice do you have for graduate students looks to join the engineering education field?
I would say to prospective students that graduate school is an incredibly rewarding journey if you know what your long term goals are and the graduate program aligns with these goals. I would also just generally share that the engineering education community is a very supportive and great community to be a part of especially at VT!