Karen Supan

Karen Supan serves as Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Director of the David Crawford School of Engineering, and Associate Dean of the College of Professional Schools at Norwich University, where she has taught thermal/fluid systems and heat transfer courses since 2012.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida
• M.S. in Pulp and Paper Science from Georgia Institute of Technology
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Minnesota State University, Mankato

Her research pioneers renewable energy applications and AI integration into mechanical engineering curricula, notably developing AI modules for thermodynamics education and advancing modular arctic microgrids with biomass heating solutions. This work stems from her undergraduate research at Georgia Tech's Institute of Paper Science and Technology.

Publications reveal a shift from materials science (2017 nanocomposites study) toward AI-driven engineering education (2024), highlighting interdisciplinary expertise spanning thermal systems, nanotechnology, and educational innovation.

Dr. Supan actively mentors students with emphasis on research planning and collaborates with the Army’s Cold Regions Research Laboratory. As Engineering Director, she oversees programs including arctic renewable energy research teams and led the ABET accreditation for Norwich's engineering degrees.