Krishna Pakala

Krishna Pakala is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair/Head in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University (Boise, Idaho), where he has served since 2012. He holds additional leadership roles as Faculty in Residence for the Engineering and Innovation Living Learning Community and Director of the Industrial Assessment Center, while previously serving as Faculty Associate for Mobile Learning and Accessibility.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming (Laramie, Wyoming)

Research Focus: Dr. Pakala pioneers innovative teaching methodologies with emphasis on mobile learning technologies and narrative-based interventions to enhance engineering education. His work bridges thermal-fluids science pedagogy with student identity development, particularly through storytelling techniques that combat impostor syndrome and foster belonging in STEM fields. Current research integrates virtual office hours and mobile-assisted curriculum design to address equity gaps for international students and underrepresented groups.

Publication Trends: Analysis of his 49 research outputs reveals a strategic evolution from thermal-fluids fundamentals (2012-2017) toward engineering education innovation (2018-present). Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates concentrated focus on scalable storytelling interventions for graduate student success and mobile learning ecosystems within living-learning communities, with NSF-funded projects driving practical applications in thermal-fluids education and international student support.

Scientific Recognition:

• David S. Taylor Service to Students Award
• Golden Apple Award (2016, 2020, 2022)
• ASEE Pacific Northwest Section Outstanding Teaching Award
• ASEE Mechanical Engineering Division Outstanding New Educator Award
• Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (2012)
• Leadership for Engineering Tutoring Center Award (2016)

Research Leadership: As Principal Investigator on three active National Science Foundation grants totaling over $2M, Dr. Pakala directs projects including Scalable Storytelling Interventions for Graduate STEM Success (2023-2026) and Embedding Personal Narratives in Engineering Courses (2022-2025). His mentorship extends through Boise State's Engineering Living Learning Community, where he cultivates mobile learning cohorts that enhance digital fluency among first-year students.

Operational Impact: Through the Industrial Assessment Center, he provides critical energy efficiency consulting to regional manufacturers while creating hands-on learning opportunities. His dual role in the university's Accessibility and Universal Design initiatives ensures educational innovations reach diverse learner populations.