Lauren Cooper

Lauren Cooper is an Adjunct Lecturer at Western Colorado University and Associate Director of the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and has taught at multiple institutions including Colorado School of Mines and CU Boulder.

• Education:
  • PhD, University of Colorado Boulder, Mechanical Engineering (2014)
  • MS, University of Colorado Boulder, Building Systems Engineering (2008)
  • B.S., Colorado School of Mines, Engineering - Mechanical Specialty (2006)

Her research focuses on student motivation, project-based learning, and human-centered design, particularly in engineering education. Recent work explores social justice integration in thermal systems courses and mental health outcomes through goal setting in engineering students.

Key publications highlight her commitment to collaborative learning, including hybrid team-forming strategies and empathy development in rehabilitation engineering. She also launched Mountaineers Without Borders, a student club for local and international design projects.

Lauren teaches courses such as Intro to Engineering Design, Mechanics of Materials, and Senior Capstone Design, emphasizing practical application and community impact.

Professional affiliations include roles at California Polytechnic State University, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Colorado Boulder.