Leah Ginsberg, Ph.D.
Lecturer. Mentor. Engineer.
About
I am a passionate and dedicated engineering professional and college professor with a strong commitment to advancing both academic excellence and practical engineering solutions. With extensive experience in industry and research, I bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, particularly in areas such as mechanical design, material performance, and bolted joint analysis.
At Caltech, I received a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2021 and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2019. I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech in 2016.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for fostering a vibrant academic environment where students, faculty, and staff can fully realize their potential. My commitment to creating inclusive educational spaces is deeply personal and has developed over years of observing how differences in background shape opportunities.
Full CV [pdf], last updated November 27, 2024.
Teaching
My teaching goal is to prepare students to become critical thinkers and skilled engineers who can bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in a socially and ethically responsible manner. As an educator, I strive to create a classroom that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and resilience, guiding students to develop a strong foundation in mechanical engineering while equipping them with skills to adapt to the demands of the profession. I have developed my teaching skills and interests through teaching, mentoring students and young engineers in industry, serving on the education committee for a professional society, and developing a new online curriculum for my current machine design class at Kennesaw State University. My specialization in solid mechanics, machinery, and materials qualifies me to teach a range of courses at the graduate and undergraduate level in mechanical engineering.
- I believe that effective engineering education lies at the intersection of theory and practice.
- My teaching methods prioritize an interactive, hands-on approach to learning.
- I am deeply committed to my students’ growth, both in the classroom and beyond.
Research
My research centers on materials science and mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on enhancing the durability and safety of components critical to industrial applications. Through my work, I seek to bridge foundational principles and practical solutions, contributing research that directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and resilience of engineered systems. From my early research on the mechanical properties of living cells to my current work on U-bolts and future projects on other machine components, my research is driven by a desire to solve real-world engineering challenges.