Our Team

Professor Cynthia Finelli is a prominent scholar in engineering education whose work reshapes how students learn, engage, and thrive in technical disciplines. As the David C. Munson, Jr. Collegiate Professor of Engineering, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and courtesy Professor in Education, she brings a powerful interdisciplinary lens to the study of teaching and learning. She also directs the Engineering Education Research Program, where she leads initiatives focused on transforming instructional practices and creating more inclusive, equitable learning environments.

Professor Finelli’s research centers on evidence-based teaching, active learning, and faculty practices that support diverse student populations. She investigates how students develop conceptual understanding, how classroom design influences participation and achievement, and how institutions can drive sustainable educational change. Her work translates empirical research into practical strategies that improve learning outcomes, enhance student motivation, and strengthen the culture of engineering education as a whole.

At TheSSML, Professor Finelli’s expertise plays a vital role in integrating effective pedagogy with machine-learning-driven educational tools. She helps shape learning environments where advanced technologies, data analytics, and AI-supported instruction are grounded in proven teaching practices and student-centered design. Her leadership ensures that TheSSML’s approach to technical education remains rigorous, inclusive, and deeply aligned with how students learn best.