Cynthia Finelli

Cynthia J. Finelli is the David C. Munson, Jr. Professor of Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, holding joint appointments in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Marsal Family School of Education. She directs the Engineering Education Research program and founded the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering (2003–2015). Her work focuses on evidence-based instruction, neurodiversity support (particularly ADHD), and integrating sociotechnical issues into engineering curricula.

Finelli earned all degrees (B.S.E., M.S.E., Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. She has served on editorial boards for journals like the Journal of Engineering Education and IEEE Transactions on Education, and held leadership roles in ASEE and IEEE. Her honors include IEEE and ASEE Fellowships.

Research interests span faculty pedagogy change, neurodiverse student success, and engineering ethics education. Notable projects include sociotechnical modules in circuits courses and longitudinal studies on ADHD student outcomes. She has authored over 150 publications and led initiatives promoting active learning adoption and engineering education equity.