Masoud Rais-Rohani: Engineering Education Research

The goal of this research is to implement experiential and computer-assisted pedagogical approaches and measure their effectiveness in student learning outcomes particularly in mechanics, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering courses.

Highlights of projects sponsored by UMaine, Hearin Foundation, Mississippi IHL and NASA:

  • Web-based learning resources for Aircraft Structures and Statics
  • Experiential learning in aircraft structures
  • Design-build-test and design-build-fly projects

Design-Build-Test of Stiffened Panels graphic

Experiential learning can enrich engineering education by engaging and motivating students. In an Aerospace Structural Design course, students conduct a project involving the design, analysis, optimization, fabrication, and testing of stiffened panels under axial compression. The group project culminates with each student team giving an oral presentation that summarizes the project and their written technical reports.

Publications:

  • Rais-Rohani, M., Rubenstein, D., and Friess, W.A., “Aerospace Initiative at the University of Maine,” Proceedings of the 2018 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Salt Lake City, UT, Jun 24 – 27, 2018.
  • Putzeys, O., Rais-Rohani, M., and Maalouf, S., “Redesign of an Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Course to Keep Students Engaged and Interested,” Proceedings of the 2018 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Salt Lake City, UT, Jun 24 – 27, 2018.
  • Rais-Rohani, M., “Practical Engineering Experience in Aircraft Structural Design,” Proceedings of the 2015 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Seattle, WA, Jun 14-17, 2015.
  • Messac, A., Warnock, J., and Rais-Rohani, M., “Engineering Education Outside the Classroom: Engagement of Professional Societies,” 3rd Annual ASEE International Forum, Indianapolis, IN, Jun 14, 2014.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. and Walters, A., “Preliminary Assessment of the Emporium Model in a Redesigned Engineering Mechanics Course,” Advances in Engineering Education, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 1-19, Winter 2014.
  • Rais-Rohani, M., Walters, A., and Vizzini, A., “Emporium Based Redesign of Statics: An Innovative Approach to Enhance Learning and Reduce Costs,” Proceedings of the 2010 ASEE Annual Conference, Louisville, KY, Jun 20-23, 2010.
  • Sullivan, R. and Rais-Rohani, M., “Design and Application of a Beam Testing System for Experiential Learning in Mechanics of Materials,” Advances in Engineering Education, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 1-19, Spring 2009.
  • Sullivan, R. and Rais-Rohani, M., “Design and Application of a Beam Testing System for Experiential Learning in Mechanics of Materials,” Proceedings of the 2008 ASEE Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, Jun 22-25, 2008. (Best Paper Award, ASEE-Mechanics Division, June 2008)
  • Rais-Rohani, M., “Experiential Learning in Aircraft Structures,” Proceedings of the 2003 ASEE Annual Conference, Nashville, TN, Jun 23-25, 2003.
  • Rais-Rohani, M., Koenig, K., and Hannigan, T., “Keeping Students Engaged: An Overview of Three Introductory Courses in Aerospace Engineering,” Proceedings of the 2003 ASEE Annual Conference, Nashville, TN, Jun 23-25, 2003.
  • Rais-Rohani, M., “On Effectiveness of an Online Tutorial to Enhance Statics Instruction,” Computers in Education, Vol. XI, No. 2, pp. 38-43, Apr-Jun 2001.
  • Rais-Rohani, M., “VLSM: An Online Tutorial for Solid Mechanics,” Computers in Education, Vol. XI, No. 1, pp. 38-44, Jan-Mar 2001.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. “On Development, Application and Effectiveness of a Computer Based Tutorial in Engineering Mechanics (Statics),” Proceedings of the 2001 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Albuquerque, NM, Jun 24-27, 2001.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. and Gassaway, B., “Manufacturing and Testing in Support of Aerospace Structural Design Projects,” Proceedings of the 2000 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, St. Louis, MO, Jun 18-21, 2000.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. and Brown, D., “Development of a Virtual Laboratory for the Study of Mechanics,” Proceedings of the 2000 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, St. Louis, MO, Jun 18-21, 2000.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. and Hicks, G., “Multidisciplinary Design and Prototype Development of a Micro Air Vehicle,” Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 227-234, 1999.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. and Hicks, G., “Multidisciplinary Design and Prototype Development of a Very Small Remotely-Piloted Reconnaissance Airplane,” 1997 SAE Transactions: Aerospace Journal, Vol. 106, pp. 1546-1554, Jun 1998.
  • Hall, K., Brown, S., Bennett, A., and Rais-Rohani, M., “Construction of a One-third Scale Model of the National Aerospace Plane-NASP,” International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 153-159, 1997.
  • Rais-Rohani, M. and Young, K.A., “Development of a Multimedia Structural Mechanics Teaching Tool on the World Wide Web,” Proceedings of the 1996 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Washington, D.C., Jun 23-26, 1996.
  • Hall, K., Brown, S., Bennett, A., and Rais-Rohani, M., “Construction of a One-third Scale Model of the NASP,” Paper no. AIAA-93-0427, presented at the 31st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV, Jan 11-14, 1993.