As an instructor in UBC’s Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing programs Dr. Mohammadpanah teaches a range of courses on foundational, theoretical, and experimental topics. His classes span areas including mechanical design, vibrations, automatic controls, mechanics of materials, and manufacturing processes. In addition to covering core subjects, he enables students to explore emerging technologies, recently developing courses on AI and machine learning applications in structural dynamics and manufacturing that attract students from across engineering disciplines.
Core to his approach is a student-centric teaching philosophy that seeks to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and a love of engineering by helping students connect theory with application through hands-on experiences. With a background in industry and research, Dr. Mohammadpanah links concepts with their relevant real-world applications, seamlessly connecting knowledge with practice. Dr. Mohammadpanah fosters student motivation by creating assignments that demonstrate concepts in relatable, applicable, and fun ways, like introducing additive manufacturing concepts by having students design and make their own spooky Halloween masks, teaching students how to use a strain gage by measuring the pressure inside a soft drink can, and encouraging students to think deeply about different material properties affect manufacturing processes by sponsoring the delicious 3D chocolate printer capstone project. He provides mentorship and support beyond the classroom, having facilitated student and design team access to a metal 3D printer in our MakerSpace, and creating accessible learning materials for students, alumni, prospective students and the public with a series of lectures and projects on his YouTube channel.
He is one of three instructors in the Faculty of Applied Science to receive the Killam Teaching Prize this year, and 23 recipients across the university. The Killam Teaching Prize is supported by the Killam Trusts, which provide seven awards and fellowships at UBC.
Congratulations to Dr. Mohammadpanah and all of this year’s Killam Teaching Prize Recipients!