Benjamin Chambers

Benjamin Chambers is a Collegiate Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. He serves as Director of the Frith First Year Makers program and the Minecraft Museum of Engineering. His research focuses on creativity-based pedagogy, built environment learning tools, and insect interactions with structures. Chambers holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning (BioBuild program), two M.S. degrees (Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Entomology), and a B.S. in Integrated Science and Technology. His work bridges engineering education with ecological considerations, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

Education:

• Ph.D. Environmental Design and Planning, Virginia Tech, 2018
• M.S. Civil Infrastructure Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2017
• M.S. Entomology, Virginia Tech, 2014
• B.S. Integrated Science and Technology, James Madison University, 2006

Research Interests:
Chambers explores how creativity can be integrated into engineering education through hands-on projects and maker spaces. His work examines the built environment's role in teaching biology-engineering linkages, particularly through studies of insect (e.g., brown marmorated stink bug) behavior in constructed spaces. He also investigates formative assessment strategies and student engagement in first-year programs.

Professional Contributions:
Active in the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and Entomological Society of America (ESA), Chambers has developed innovative courses like Create! Ideation and Innovation. His recent publications analyze student feedback mechanisms, online course adaptation during the pandemic, and entomological building interactions. The 2021-2024 articles highlight pedagogical innovation and applied entomology research.

Labs/Teams:
Leads the Minecraft Museum of Engineering, which uses gamified platforms for engineering education. Collaborates with Virginia Tech's BioBuild program and entomology researchers on pest-behavior studies.