Autar K Kaw

Autar K. Kaw is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF), holding leadership roles in advancing engineering education through adaptive learning and open courseware. He is a recipient of the prestigious 2012 U.S. Professor of the Year Award, recognizing his transformative contributions to undergraduate education. His academic journey includes a B.E. from Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (India, 1981), an M.S. (1984), and Ph.D. (1987) in Engineering Mechanics from Clemson University.

Professor Kaw’s research focuses on engineering education innovation, flipped classrooms, adaptive learning systems, and structural engineering topics like bascule bridge design and composite materials. He has secured over $750K in NSF grants, leading collaborative projects such as 'Transforming Undergraduate Engineering Education through Adaptive Learning' (2020–2023). His open courseware on Numerical Methods receives millions of annual views, with YouTube lectures and blogs reaching global audiences.

• Projects: 5 NSF-funded initiatives, including adaptive learning platforms and flipped classroom assessments.
• Teaching: Courses include Computational Methods, Mechanics of Composite Materials, and Advanced Strength of Materials.
• Awards: 8 major honors, including the ASEE Ralph Coats Roe Award (2017) and Fulbright Specialist recognition (2013).

His work bridges pedagogical innovation and practical engineering challenges. Recent contributions include studies on metacognitive strategies in fluid mechanics and the impact of multiple-chance testing on student outcomes. He actively serves on academic advisory panels and promotes inclusive education through Universal Design for Learning principles.

Lab/Team: Leads the Numerical Methods Open Courseware initiative and collaborates with national teams on adaptive learning platforms.