Kurt Rhoads

Kurt Rhoads, PhD is an Associate Professor at the Case School of Engineering, affiliated with both the Division of Engineering Leadership & Professional Practice and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He serves as Faculty Director of the Roger E. Susi First-Year Engineering Experience program. His teaching focuses on first-year engineering, experiential learning, and environmental engineering. Rhoads holds a PhD and MS in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University (2009, 2001) and a BS from the University of Maryland, College Park (2000).

His research spans engineering education methodologies and environmental applications, with specialties in pollutant fate analysis and algal biofuel development. Notable work includes studies on bioreactor systems for pollutant biotransformation and investigations into novel cancer treatments through nucleic acid ligands.

Recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Development, Rhoads actively contributes to undergraduate engineering pedagogy and sustainable environmental technologies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental science with engineering education innovation.