Janet Tsai

Janet Tsai is an Associate Teaching Professor and Accu-Precision Fellow in Manufacturing at the University of Colorado Boulder's Department of Mechanical Engineering, within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. She also serves as Associate Chair for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Her work focuses on engineering education, qualitative research, and fostering inclusive learning environments through project-based learning and sociotechnical thinking. Tsai teaches courses like MCEN3025 (Component Design) and GEEN1400 (Engineering Projects), emphasizing active learning and student engagement.

Her research investigates the sociocultural dynamics of engineering education, including identity development, barriers faced by underrepresented students, and the role of diversity in STEM. Notable projects include studies on liminal engineering identities, counterspaces for marginalized students, and the integration of ethics/social justice into curricula. Tsai has also explored the historical and architectural context of educational spaces, such as the University's Brutalist Engineering Center, through the lens of Actor-Network Theory.

She received the Best Should Teach Gold Award 2018 for her teaching excellence. Tsai is committed to mentorship, having advised FIRST Robotics teams and developed programs like 'Yoga for Engineers' to support student well-being. Her work bridges pedagogy, equity, and the material culture of engineering education.