Juan David Ortega Alvarez

Juan David Ortega Alvarez is an Assistant Professor in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education (Purdue University, 2019), M.S. in Process Engineering and Energy Technology (Hochschule Bremerhaven, 2006), and B.S. in Process Engineering (Universidad EAFIT, 2001). His teaching philosophy emphasizes authenticity, feedback, and respect, focusing on real-world applications and student-centered learning. He teaches courses in process simulation, automatic control systems, and separation processes.

Research interests include the scholarship of teaching and learning, simulation tools for complex concepts, and engineering faculty development. He has published extensively on pedagogical strategies, online learning adaptation, and team dynamics in engineering education.

Notable awards include the Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship (2017) and Colciencias Scholarship for Ph.D. studies. Professional affiliations include ASEE and SHPE. His work bridges industry experience with academic innovation, particularly in fostering equitable team environments and leveraging technology for conceptual mastery.