Olivia Ryan (she/her)
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech (VT), expecting to graduate in May 2026. I hold an M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech (2025) and a B.S. in Engineering with a concentration in Electrical Engineering from Roger Williams University (2020).
My Research
My dissertation examines the role of math courses in engineering. I analyzed curriculum complexity across multiple engineering disciplines and institutions to identify patterns and illuminate potential barriers for student success. I also analyze how mathematics placement shapes engineering students’ time-to-degree and their experiences. Through this work, I aim to inform structural change that promotes more inclusive and flexible pathways into and through engineering.
My Experience
As a graduate research assistant, I contributed to several projects exploring how engineering students develop professional skills and navigate key learning experiences. My research includes examining group dynamics on student teams, supporting feedback literacy in project-based learning, and designing educational interventions such as a conflict management workshop and AI-generated feedback reviews to enhance team-based learning environments.
In addition to my research, I have served as a graduate teaching assistant for a first-year engineering course, where I helped facilitate project-based learning experiences where students study real campus issues, such as water usage and building occupancy. In addition, I have served as a co-instructor for an undergraduate engineering study abroad course, supporting students’ learning in global and interdisciplinary contexts, and as a teaching apprentice for a graduate-level engineering education class.
My Journey – LinkedIn
After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I began a Ph.D. program in electrical engineering. However, I quickly realized my passion for education and decided to leave. Before joining VT, I gained valuable experience working at an education non-profit, where I provided supplementary math and science education to high school students, and I also spent time working as an electrical engineer.
