Dr. Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis, Senior Lecturer and Research Scientist in Civil and Environmental Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss her SIIP project focused on integrating computational thinking across the civil and environmental engineering curriculum. She shares how her team introduced tools like R and Python into 200- and 300-level courses, redesigned assignments to reflect real-world engineering challenges, and connected coding to societal impact. The episode highlights the role of community-driven curriculum design, shifting student perceptions of coding, and how embedding computation into engineering education better prepares students to solve complex, real-world problems. 

Guest(s):   Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis

Link:https://cee.illinois.edu/directory/profile/sotiriak

Host: Holly Golecki 

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella  

Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias  

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Dr. Marci Pool, Assistant Director of Education at the Cancer Center at Illinois and Teaching Associate Professor in Bioengineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss the Cancer Scholars program, a long-running SIIP initiative designed to engage students in cancer research from their first year. She shares how the program integrates research, mentorship, and interdisciplinary coursework to build students’ skills in experimental design, science communication, and innovation. The episode highlights the importance of early research exposure, supporting first-generation students, and creating pathways that connect engineering education to real-world healthcare challenges and long-term impact in cancer research.

Guest(s):  Marci Pool

Link: https://cancer.illinois.edu/people/marcia-marci-pool/ Host: Blake Johnson

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella 

Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias 

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Dr. Abdu Alawini, Teaching Associate Professor in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, joins SIIP and Share to discuss his SIIP project exploring generative AI in engineering and computing education. He shares how AI-powered tools, such as personalized feedback systems, knowledge graphs, and Illinois Chat, support learning at scale while preserving meaningful instructor -student connections. The episode highlights ethical considerations, curriculum redesign, and how AI can help prepare students for an evolving, technology-driven workforce.

Guest(s):  Abdu Alawini

Link: https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/about/people/faculty/alawini 

Host: Holly Golecki

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella  

Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias  

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Dr. John Popovics, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss his SIIP work on improving technical writing in engineering education. He shares how collaboration between engineering and writing studies faculty led to practical strategies for teaching communication, supporting TAs, and helping students learn through writing. The episode highlights faculty development, scalable instructional change, and how SIIP projects support education research.

Guest(s):   John Popovics

Link: https://cee.illinois.edu/directory/profile/johnpop

Host: Jenny Amos

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella  

Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias  

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Dr. Craig Zilles, Professor of Computer Science, joins SIIP and Share to discuss the development and impact of Illinois’s Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF), which began as a SIIP project. He shares how CBTF enables flexible, secure, and scalable assessment for large-enrollment courses, supports frequent low-stakes testing, and addresses academic integrity challenges in the age of generative AI. The episode highlights how thoughtful assessment design can enhance student learning, alleviate anxiety, and transform instructional practices. 

Guest(s):   Craig Zilles

Link: ⁠https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/about/people/faculty/zilles⁠  

Host: Blake Johnson 

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella  

Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias  

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Dr. Yuting Wu Chen, Teaching Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss her SIIP project, which focuses on modernizing the ECE curriculum by introducing parallel computing concepts earlier in students’ academic journey. She shares how her team developed scalable, modular learning experiences, integrated through flipped classroom techniques and supported by extra credit opportunities, to enhance engagement in large-enrollment courses. The episode highlights cross-course collaboration, the role of teaching assistants in curriculum development, and how early exposure to emerging computing concepts can better prepare students for advanced coursework and evolving industry demands. 

Guest(s):  Yuting Wu Chen 

Link: https://ece.illinois.edu/about/directory/faculty/ywchen  

Host: Blake Johnson 

Engineered by: Piper Pascarella  

Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias  

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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

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