معرفی
Dr. Jessica Rush Leeker is an Assistant Professor in the School of Operations Research and Information Engineering at Cornell University’s College of Engineering. She recently transitioned to Cornell after serving as the Director of Undergraduate Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance curriculum, foster diversity, and align programs with industry needs.
Education
- Ph.D. in Engineering Education (specializing in Industrial Engineering), Purdue University
- MBA (specializing in Sustainable Operations), Purdue University
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Information Systems, Pennsylvania State University
Research Interests
Dr. Rush Leeker’s scholarship revolves around deploying data science and applied analytics to address pressing social challenges, particularly in education. She leverages predictive modeling, machine learning, and community-engaged research to broaden participation in STEM. Her work on the NSF-funded “Roots and Wings” and “Building a Legacy in Engineering” initiatives highlights her dedication to creating inclusive pathways for underrepresented groups.
She also investigates innovative pedagogies—such as project-based learning and participatory action learning and action research (PALAR)—to improve student engagement, retention, and identity formation in engineering.
Publications Snapshot
Across more than fifteen peer-reviewed papers since 2017, Dr. Rush Leeker has explored themes of mentoring, informal STEM learning, industry partnerships, and equity. Her 2024–2025 outputs emphasize family-centered engineering resources, counter-storytelling methodologies, and the ethical dimensions of global engineering education.
Scientific Awards & Honors
- NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) Grant
- NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Grant
- Fulbright Scholar Award, Universidade Federal da Bahia
Grants & Funding
With over $4 million in NSF funding secured, Dr. Rush Leeker’s grants include the “Roots and Wings” project and “Building a Legacy in Engineering.” These initiatives partner with non-profits and community organizations to develop scalable, culturally responsive STEM learning environments.
Labs & Teams
While specific lab affiliations at Cornell ORIE are still in transition, Dr. Rush Leeker continues to lead interdisciplinary teams that integrate engineering, education, and data analytics to drive social impact.
