David I. Spanagel

David I. Spanagel is Associate Professor in Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, affiliated with American Studies, Environmental Studies, History, and Science & Technology programs. He holds a PhD from Harvard University (1996), MSEd from University of Rochester (1984), and BA from Oberlin College (1982).

His research explores the history of earth and environmental sciences, examining how scientific knowledge evolves through social, political, and cultural contexts. Spanagel's scholarship focuses on historical actors' engagement with nature and knowledge formation, with publications analyzing early American geology, territorial mapping, and scientific boundary demarcation.

At WPI, he teaches Great Problems Seminars and advises Interactive Qualifying Projects, emphasizing experiential learning to develop lifelong critical thinking skills. His interdisciplinary approach connects scientific history with engineering principles, political power structures, and cultural belief systems.