Joan Carter

Joan Carter is a Lecturer in the Department of Engineering at Inver Hills Community College, recognized as a 2022 Outstanding Educator by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. A licensed professional engineer (MN, IA, CA) with 15 years of industry experience and 15 years teaching engineering, mathematics, and computer science, she develops transfer-focused engineering curricula. Her educational background includes:

• EdD in Educational Leadership - Minnesota State University Mankato (4.0 GPA)
• MS Mathematics (Education Emphasis) - Bemidji State University
• MS Civil-Structural Engineering - University of Colorado Boulder
• BA Mathematics - University of Colorado Boulder

Her research focuses on engineering pedagogy, equity in STEM education, structural engineering applications, and developing solutions for climate change through technological innovation. She created a workshop for STEM teachers incorporating racial and gender equity modules.

Her scholarly work demonstrates consistent emphasis on engineering education transfer pathways, equity frameworks in STEM, and community college pedagogical innovations.

Awards & Honors:

• 2022 Outstanding Educator (Minnesota State Board of Trustees)

Advising & Mentorship: Mentored Tatem Rios (BS Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota; PhD candidate at MIT). Actively supports students through curriculum development that facilitates bachelor's degree transfers in engineering.

Teaching Philosophy: Emphasizes structured learning frameworks, safe classroom environments, and critical thinking development. Actively promotes engineering careers as creative problem-solving pathways to address global challenges like climate change.