In this episode of SIIP and Share, host Dr. Ashleigh Wright talks with Dr. Mariana Silva, Teaching Associate Professor and Education Innovation Fellow in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Silva shares how her early work in mechanical engineering evolved into large-scale innovations in computer-based learning, group collaboration, and flexible assessment. From transforming linear algebra courses with real-world computational tools to helping develop and scale PrairieLearn, Dr. Silva’s passion for accessible, engaging education shines through. She also discusses her vision for the future of learning—where flexibility, collaboration, and student autonomy take center stage.

Learn more about Prof. Silva here.

In this episode of SIIP and Share, host Holly Golecki talks with Dr. Ali Ansari, Teaching Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, about his creative approach to teaching through play. Dr. Ansari shares how he uses games—from MATLAB challenges to smoothie-themed puzzles—to make complex engineering concepts more approachable and fun. He also discusses his plans for a future SIIP project focused on building and sharing classroom games that engage students and inspire learning.

In this episode of SIIP and Share, host Holly Golecki talks with Dr. Hongye Liu, Teaching Assistant Professor in the School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Liu shares her journey from mechanical engineering and bioinformatics to teaching computer science and designing learning environments. She discusses her SIIP projects focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), developing practical “Nuggets” of teaching tips for faculty, and her GIANT project that transforms lecture videos into digital, searchable course books using Class Transcribe. Dr. Liu also reflects on the importance of flexibility, recordings, and technology in meeting student needs—making education better for everyone.

On this episode of SIIP and Share, Professor Chuck Tucker discusses the origins and impact of the Strategic Instructional Innovations Program, which has transformed Illinois engineering education since 2012. Tucker shares insights on improving foundational engineering courses, the evolution of specialized faculty roles, and the power of community-building among educators. Learn how SIIP is driving sustainable teaching innovations and shaping the future of engineering instruction.Keep the conversation going!

Guest: Chuck Tucker

Host: Blake Johnson

Engineered by: ⁠Piper Pascarella⁠

Produced by: ⁠Colleen King⁠

Visit the SIIP and Share website

⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram

Professor Brian Bailey explores the science of teamwork in engineering education at the University of Illinois, sharingfindings from his SIIP project on team-based learning and effective team formation. He discusses the use of tools like CatMe and his own data-driven system to optimize collaboration among students in large classes. Learn howthis work is revolutionizing peer evaluations, providing real-time feedback on team dynamics, and improving the way engineering students work together.

Keep the conversation going!

Guest: Brian Bailey

Host: Holly Golecki

Engineered by: ⁠Piper Pascarella⁠

Produced by: ⁠Colleen King⁠

Visit the SIIP and Share website

⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram

In this episode of SIIP and Share, Dr. Jenny Amos shares herjourney as a bioengineering educator, delving into curriculum development, accreditation challenges, and her SIIP project, creating a global healthcare technology certificate to prepare students for engineering careers with an international perspective. Dr. Amos also reflects on how her passion for running keeps her grounded, offering parallels between endurance in sport and resilience in academia.

Keep the conversation going!

Guest: Dr. Jenny Amos

Host: Dr. Holly Golecki

Engineered by: ⁠Piper Pascarella⁠

Produced by: ⁠Colleen King⁠

Visit the SIIP and Share website

⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram

⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X

Dr. Brian Woodard discusses his work on the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, a SIIP initiative that expands global learning opportunities for engineering students. Woodard shares how COIL develops international collaboration, enhances cultural competencies, and prepares students for the global workforce—such as aerospace engineering partnerships in Brazil. Tune into SIIP and Share for what’s next for global engagement in engineering education.

Keep the conversation going!

Guest: Brian Woodard

Host: Holly Golecki

Engineered by: ⁠Piper Pascarella⁠

Produced by: ⁠Colleen King⁠

Visit the SIIP and Share website

⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram

⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X

Professor Dallas Trinkle speaks to SIIP and Share about his work integrating computational tools like MATLAB, Python, and finite element methods into materials science courses. He has insights on aligning engineering curricula with industry needs, training faculty and computational TAs, and fostering sustainable educational innovation. Trinkle also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his unexpected journey from filmmaking and swing dancing.  

Check out papers on this topic:  

⁠Impact of Computation in Undergraduate Curriculum : Alumni Perspective⁠⁠Impact of Integrating Computation into Undergraduate Curriculum: New Modules and Long-term Trends⁠Guest:  ⁠Dallas Trinkle⁠ 

Host: ⁠Holly Golecki ⁠ 

Engineered by: ⁠Piper Pascarella⁠  

Produced by: ⁠Colleen King ⁠ 

Keep the conversation going! 

⁠SIIP and Share website⁠  

⁠⁠⁠⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram  

⁠⁠⁠⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X 

Dr. Tom Golecki, PE, SE, joins SIIP & Share to discuss a new SIIP project focused on creating connections among courses in the Grainger College of Engineering. A professor in large mechanical engineering courses, Dr. Golecki and his team aim to help students connect course contents to enhance their educational pathway at Illinois.  Learn how this initiative is enhancing student learning, strengthening knowledge retention, and fostering collaboration across engineering disciplines—without adding extra work for faculty.

Keep the conversation going! 

Guest:  Tom Golecki

Host: Blake Johnson 

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella 

Produced by: Colleen King 

Visit the SIIP and Share website 

⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram 

⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X 

Professor Mariana Kersh joins SIIP and Share to discuss her team’s innovative work developing open educational resources for fundamental mechanics courses. Kersh shares how interactive, web-based tools are boosting student engagement, improving accessibility for transfer students, and making complex engineering concepts more relatable. Learn how these digital resources are reshaping engineering learning at scale, fostering curiosity, and building connections in the community. 

Check out the MechSE Reference Pages here: https://www.mechref.org/

Keep the conversation going! 

Guest:  Mariana Kersh

Host: Holly Golecki

Engineered by: ⁠Piper Pascarella⁠  

Produced by: ⁠Colleen King⁠ 

Visit the SIIP and Share website 

⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram 

⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X