Overview
The Engineering Education Collaborative is a group of faculty who conduct research around all aspects of engineering formation. Research ranges from fundamental studies on the engineering education ecosystem to implementation of new approaches for the education of environmental and civil engineering students.
ADMISSIONS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
About
Education for Leadership Roles
- Preparation to be faculty members, education specialists, policymakers
- Understanding of the engineering education ecosystem
- Experience with various teaching and learning environments
Research Focus Areas
- Student-centered learning and design based apprenticeship
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Diversity and cultures of inclusion
- Role of informal learning environments
- Universal design for STEM students with (learning) disabilities
- Workforce development
Research Outcomes
- Improved teaching techniques that lead to conceptual understanding
- Approaches to teach basic science in an engineering context
- Models of realistic problem-solving
- Guidance for improving undergraduate research experiences
Research Benefits
- Improved conceptual understanding and long-term retention of content
- Students who are prepared for professional practice
- Improved climates for a diverse engineering workforce
People
Fazil Najafi
Professor Department of Civil & Coastal EngineeringBiography
Dr. Najafi, received his BS, MS and Ph.D. in civil engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is a UF professor in the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering. He has published and presented more than 300-refereed publications nationally, and internationally. He has received numerous awards: a Senior Fulbright Scholar, teaching, and best paper awards, He specializes in transportation planning, construction management, legal aspects, and renewable energy.
Education
- Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering and Planning), Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (1977)
- MS, Civil Engineering (Transportation Planning), Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (1972)
- BS, Architectural Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (1970)
- BS, Civil Engineering, American College of Engineering, University of Kabul, Afghanistan (1963)
Research Areas and Interests:
- Diversified Civil Engineering research, Engineering Education research, Materials & Pavements, New Infrastructure Planning and Management, Sustainable Construction Engineering, Waste Water Management Systems research.
- Renewable Energy (e.g., Solar, Wind, Geothermal Energy etc..), Transportation Planning and Engineering, and Public works.
Awards & Distinctions
- Solar Roadways Award, ASCE Annual, 2015
- First annual E4 Lecturer of the Year award, 2012
- Best Paper Award, 2011 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 2011
- Paper Award, University of Athens, Athens, Greece, July 2009
- Teacher of great influence recognition, 2005, Fall Academic Convocation faculty honoree, UF
- Awarded “Work of Heart Award” in appreciation for Outstanding Volunteer Service benefiting the local
community, Gainesville, FL, May 2004.
Memberships and Professional Committees
- American Public Works Association (APWA)
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
- American Society for Engineering Education-Southeastern Section (ASEE-SE)
- Member, International Road Federation (IRF)
- Transportation Research Board (TRB)
- Member, Tau Beta Pi, Florida Alpha Chapter
- Chief Marshall for the New Student Convocation, College of Engineering, UF
- Member, College of Engineering Faculty Recognition & Awards Committee
To view a full listing of each person’s profile, visit the Engineering Education category in our directory.