Yevgeniya V. Zastavker

Yevgeniya V. Zastavker is a Professor at Olin College with dual expertise in Physics and Education. She earned a Ph.D. in Biological Physics from MIT and a B.S. in Physics from Yale University. Currently on leave, her work bridges engineering education with pedagogical innovation.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Biological Physics, MIT
  • B.S., Physics, Yale University

Her research focuses on STEM education, emphasizing:

• Student motivation in non-traditional learning environments
• Teamwork dynamics in engineering design courses
• Induction of engineering students into teaching careers
• Gender equity and inclusivity in engineering education
• Design of project-based curricula
• Critically reflective practices in academic culture

She leads an NSF-supported project on motivational attitudes in game-based learning environments, aiming to enhance faculty capabilities in creating equitable educational spaces. As a founding faculty member, she has shaped Olin College’s project-based pedagogical frameworks across disciplines.