Ben GrierView profile
Teaching Professor
Dr. Ben Grier is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University, part of the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. His career blends academic teaching with industry research, focusing on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), hypersonic aerodynamics, and innovative pedagogy. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University (2014) B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University (2009), Magna Cum Laude Postdoctoral Scholar, The Ohio State University (2020) Research & Teaching Interests: Dr. Grier specializes in CFD verification techniques, reduced-order modeling for hypersonic vehicles, and active learning methodologies. He has pioneered flipped-classroom approaches and developed MATLAB-based interactive curricula. Notably, he designed a virtual escape room project for engineering students, showcased at Moby Arena. Awards: 2023 Charles Ellison MacQuigg Award for Outstanding Teaching 2023 Outstanding Service to Undergraduate Students 2023 Outstanding Teaching in Engineering Education (OSU) Advising & Leadership: As MTI Coordinator for the College of Engineering, he promotes evidence-based teaching practices. He mentors graduate students and led curricular redesigns for first-year engineering programs. His service includes AIAA student advising and engineering technology coordination. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Department of Mechanical Engineering on active-learning lab infrastructure, including Arduino integration and accessibility initiatives for students without personal computers.







