As technology continues to advance, professionals in engineering, science, and other disciplines must develop computational skills to address complex problems, analyze data, and create innovative solutions. In this episode, Dr. Alejandra Magana emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to integrating computational methods into engineering and STEM education with a focus on student-centered, supportive teaching. She also introduces her new book, Learning through Computation, Modeling, and Simulation Practices in STEM. Additionally, Dr. Magana provides actionable strategies for practitioners to incorporate into their educational practices. 

Bio:
Dr. Alejandra J. Magana is the W.C. Furnas Professor in Enterprise Excellence in the Department of Computer and Information Technology and Professor in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University. Dr. Magana holds a B.E. in Information Systems and an M.S. in Technology, both from Tec de Monterrey, and an M.S. in Educational Technology and a Ph.D. in Engineering Education, both from Purdue University. Her research program investigates how model-based cognition in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can be better supported by means of expert tools and disciplinary practices such as data science computation, modeling, and simulation. In 2015, Dr. Magana received the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award for investigating modeling and simulation practices in undergraduate engineering education. In 2016, she was conferred the status of Purdue Faculty Scholar for being on an accelerated path toward academic research distinction, and in 2022, she was inducted into the Purdue University Teaching Academy, recognizing her excellence in teaching. 

References:
Teaching and Learning in STEM with Computation, Modeling, and Simulation Practices