Katherine Ramos

Teaching

Dr. Katherine Ramos is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. She teaches MCEN 1030 - Introduction to Engineering Computing, MCEN 2023 - Statics and Structures, and BMEN 1025 - Computer-Aided Design (CAD) & Fabrication. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes student-centered learning, alternative grading practices, and inclusive pedagogies that foster equitable learning environments. She is particularly interested in Objectives-Based Grading, which emphasizes mastery learning and multiple assessment opportunities to support student success.

Research and Teaching Interests

Dr. Ramos' work focuses on creating student-centered learning environments in engineering education by integrating creative teaching strategies and real-world applications. Her key areas of interest include:

• Alternative Grading and Mastery Learning: Implementing Standards-Based and Specifications Grading to emphasize mastery learning, student progress, and meaningful feedback.
• Sustainability in Engineering Education: Integrating sustainability into project-based learning experiences to cultivate student awareness of global challenges.

Select Awards

• DEI Action Grant, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (2024)
• Engineering for One Planet Mini-Grant Award, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) (2023)

Select Publications

Conference Papers:

• Bielefeldt A, Ramos K, Tisdale J. "Sustainability in First-Year Engineering Design: A Collaborative Approach" (ASEE Rocky Mountain Section, 2024).
• Bielefeldt A, Tisdale J, Ramos K, Soltys M. "Confidence, Identity, and Belonging Among Engineering-Interested Students in a First-Year Engineering Design Course" (ASEE Rocky Mountain Section, 2023).
• Tisdale J, Bielefeldt A, Ramos K, Komarek R. "Range of Practices of Sustainability Incorporation into First-Year General Engineering Design Course" (ASEE Annual Conference, 2022).

Journal Articles:

• S. Lee, K. Ramos, and K. Matouš. “Numerical study of damage in particulate composites during high-strain rate loading using a novel damage model," Mechanics of Materials (2021).
• K. Ramos and K. Matouš. "Micro-computed tomography based experimental investigation of micro- and macro-mechanical response of particulate composites with void growth," Philosophical Magazine (2018).

Service & Outreach

• Faculty advisor for the CU Boulder chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Grad-SWE, and STEM Routes
• At-Large Representative and Secretary of CU Boulder’s Faculty Governance Council (FGC)
• Member of CU Boulder’s Inclusive Culture Council and Teaching Affairs Committee on FGC