Susan Reynolds
Teaching Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Contact
Coolbaugh Hall 318A
303-384-2583
reynolds@mines.edu
Personal Web Page
Traditional engineering education is generally comprised of derivations of governing principles, computational examples, homework problems modeled on the in-class example, and written exams based closely on lecture material and homework assignments. My teaching philosophy combines traditional engineering course delivery with open-ended and design-based problems that are common in architectural pedagogy. I present abstract engineering concepts graphically during lecture, and draw heavily from my professional practice experience, linking the classroom content to real-world case studies. Most importantly, I try to create a classroom culture that is conducive to collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.
At Mines, I have taught the following courses: Structural Theory, Structural Preservation of Existing and Historic Buildings, Mechanics of Materials, Triumphs and Failures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Introduction to Construction Engineering, IDEAS I and II (Innovation and Discovery in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences), and Senior Design I and II. At John Cabot University, I have taught Statics. At Tuskegee University, I have taught Structures I, II, and III; Soils and Foundations; Construction Methods; Construction Safety; and Historic Preservation.
Education
- MS Civil Engineering (Structural), University of Illinois, 2004
- B. Architecture, Auburn University, 2000
- BA Spanish, Auburn University, 2004
Professional Memberships and Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (State of Alabama, Commonwealth of Virginia)
- Registered Architect (District of Columbia)
Selected Publications
- Reynolds, S. M. (2021) Seeing Structures: Interactive CAD Models in Mechanics of Materials. Proceedings paper, 2021 ASEE Annual Conference (virtual).
- Reynolds, S. M. (2017) Reversibility in Historic Preservation and its Application to Sustainable Design Practices in New Construction. Panel discussion, 2017 ASCE Structures Congress, Denver, Colorado.
- Reynolds, S. M. (2016) Critical Thinking for Open-Ended Engineering Problems Through Written Reflection: A Case Study. Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Rocky Mountain Section Conference, Cedar City, Utah.
- Reynolds, S. M. & Tackie, R. N. (2016) A Novel Approach to Skeleton-Note Instruction in Large Engineering Courses: Unified and Concise Handouts that are Fun and Colorful. Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Reynolds, S. M. (2016) A Pedagogical Approach for a Sophomore Mechanics of Materials Course. Extended abstract presented at 2016 MYEE Conference, College Station, Texas.
- Turner, C. J. & Reynolds, S. M. (2014) Multidisciplinary Construction Engineering Design Projects. Paper presented at the 2014 ASEE Annual Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Selected Professional Projects
- 2010 Second Avenue Subway, New York, NY (Task Leader, AECOM)
- 2008 The Pentagon, Arlington, VA (project strl. eng., AECOM)
- 2006 The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (project strl. eng., RSA)