Amber Kemppainen

Amber Kemppainen serves as a Teaching Professor in the Department of Engineering Fundamentals at Michigan Technological University (MTU). She holds a PhD and two MS degrees in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors, alongside a BS in Chemical Engineering, all from MTU. As a co-director of the LEAP program, she focuses on peer-to-peer academic mentoring to support student learning. Her research emphasizes active learning strategies, growth mindset cultivation, and innovative educational methods in engineering education.

Dr. Kemppainen's work spans over two decades, with publications addressing first-year engineering pedagogy, student engagement, and the integration of technology in teaching. Notable contributions include studies on blended learning models, near-peer mentoring efficacy, and sustainable design curriculum development. She has also explored the impact of mental toughness (sisu) in academic settings and strategies to enhance student preparedness through pre-lesson materials.

Her professional activities include outreach initiatives linking university research to K-12 education and collaborations on team evaluation software (e.g., Team+ and CATME). She advocates for the irreplaceable role of educators in a technology-driven educational landscape, emphasizing human-centered approaches to learning.