Joshua Hertz

Dr. Joshua Hertz is a Teaching Professor in the First Year Engineering Program at Northeastern University, where he focuses on curriculum development and innovative pedagogy. Previously, he held an Assistant Professorship in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware, leading research on ceramic materials' nanostructure effects on ion conduction. He earned a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University (1999) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2006). His research interests span materials science and engineering education, with recent work emphasizing team-based learning tools and experiential pedagogy. He has been recognized with Northeastern’s Excellence in Teaching Award and the Martin W. Essigmann Outstanding Teaching Award.

Publications highlight his dual focus: early materials science studies on electrolyte thin films and later educational innovations like GRUEPR, a team-formation software. His work bridges traditional engineering research with modern teaching methodologies. Dr. Hertz mentors undergraduate researchers through PEAK Experiences Awards, fostering global health innovations and collaborative problem-solving. His labs previously explored ceramic material properties at Delaware, while current efforts prioritize curriculum design for first-year engineering students.

• Education: MIT (Ph.D., 2006), Alfred University (B.S., 1999)
• Key Awards: Northeastern Excellence in Teaching Award (2024), Martin W. Essigmann Award
• Labs/Teams: Former materials lab at University of Delaware; current focus on Northeastern’s First-Year Engineering initiatives