Olga Pierrakos

Dr. Olga Pierrakos is a Professor and Founding Chair (2017-2022) in the Department of Engineering at Wake Forest University. She currently serves as a STEM Education Program Director at the National Science Foundation while maintaining research leadership in engineering education and healthcare innovation.

Education includes:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University
• MS in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech
• BS in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech

Her research spans engineering education reform, character development in technical education, biomedical systems (particularly cardiovascular applications), and sustainable energy solutions. She founded Wake Forest Engineering with an 'Educate the Whole Engineer' philosophy, integrating entrepreneurial mindset and character development into technical curricula.

Recent publications focus on transforming engineering education through ethical frameworks, virtue cultivation, and interdisciplinary approaches. She leads the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network initiative, integrating character development with technical education across engineering disciplines.

Honors include Visiting Faculty Research Fellowship at US Air Force Research Laboratory and 'Strengthened Reputation, Increased Prestige' award from Stevens Institute of Technology.