Randy Weinstein, PhD
Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning; Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Villanova University
Villanova , PA, UNITED STATES
Randy Weinstein, PhD, is an authority on chemical engineering and an expert on teaching and learning methods in higher ed.
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Areas of Expertise (7)
Supercritical Fluids/Nanomaterials
Thermodynamics
Surface Science
Chemical Engineering Problems
Flipped Learning
Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Teaching and Learning Methods
Biography
Dr. Weinstein is adept at translating complex concepts in chemical engineering into layman's language in a lively and engaging manner. He can speak about the application to daily life of current research in areas such as developing better cooling systems for electronic devices; developing environmentally-friendly replacement solvents for chemical processing; exploring surfaces of materials for cleaning, adhesion, waterproofing and corrosion prevention; and devising more efficient pharmaceutical delivery devices.
Dr. Weinstein is a leader in utilizing innovative teaching methods, having incorporated the flipped classroom model into his classes in the College of Engineering. In 2016, he was named the University's Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning.
Education (2)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: PhD, Chemical Engineering
University of Virginia: BS, Chemical Engineerin
Select Accomplishments (2)
Corcoran Award
Awarded by the American Society of Engineering Education for the most outstanding article published in Chemical Engineering Education, 2016
Lindback Award
Awarded for Teaching Excellence at Villanova University, 2010
Links (3)
Affiliations (1)
- Member of the Engineering Curriculum Development and Assessment Committee, College Board’s Advanced Placement Program ® (AP ® )
Select Media Appearances (3)
'The Power of Unsolvable Problems'
The Chronicle of Higher Education
2016-07-17
But they will learn how to learn — and learn how to learn from failure. A good failure can open another path to something even better. Employers look for people who can handle situations when things are not going right.
Find Your Niche in Engineering Before College
U.S. News & World Report
2016-05-12
At Villanova University, prospective students must indicate what type of engineering they'd like to study in their applications but can freely switch between disciplines throughout freshman year, says Randy Weinstein, a professor of chemical engineering and associate dean of academic affairs in the school's college of engineering.
Flipped Classroom May Help Weaker STEM Students
U.S. News & World Report
2014-08-05
But more often, engineering, math and science disciplines are jumping into the flipped classroom experience, and with promising results. "If you're just going to get up there and do a traditional lecture, that's going to work for some people, but if that's the only way they can get the information, the people it doesn't work for are not really getting anything productive out of the class," says Randy Weinstein, associate dean for academic affairs for Villanova University's College of Engineering.
Research Grants (3)
Thermal Transport in Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials
National Science Foundation
2009-08-01
This research examines the fundamental nature of thermal transport in nanoenhanced PCMs during melting and solidification in (1) thin layers for use in building materials, thermal interface materials as well as other thin film applications, and in (2) thicker layers for solar energy storage, electronics thermal management and other high power energy systems.
An Investigation into the Application of Conductivity-Enhanced Phase Change Materials for Transient Thermal Management of Naval Electronics
Office of Naval Research
2005-01-01
The proposed research program will investigate the use of high conductivity carbon nanofibers to increase PCM conductivity without significantly increasing PCM weight or module size, leading to the development of effective, reliable, passive, modular cooling methods for high power transient Naval electronics. (2005-2007)
Nanoscale Catalysts: Syntheses, Characterization and Reactivities
National Science Foundation
2004-07-01
The project aims to correlate the structure and physical properties of Cu, Fe and Ni based-catalysts used in forming CNFs with the carbon structures (e.g, platelet versus ribbon) produced. X-ray and electron microscope techniques are being used to characterize prepared catalyst.
Select Academic Articles (5)
Improved Performance via the Inverted Classroom
Chemical Engineering EducationRandy Weinstein
2015 This study examined student performance in an inverted thermodynamics course (lectures provided by video outside of class) compared to a traditional lecture class. Students in the inverted class performed better on their exams. Students in the bottom third of the inverted course showed the greatest improvement. These bottom third students had a C exam average compared to a D+ average of their traditional lecture counterparts. When material was presented in videos longer than 15 minutes, students did not perform as well when compared to material presented in shorter videos. Students also needed to be quizzed on video material frequently to incentivize the students to keep up with the video lectures and spend the time to comprehend the material presented outside of class.
A Core Course Component in a Project-Based First-Year Engineering Experience
Proceedings of the 122nd ASEE Annual Conference and ExpeditionR. Caverly, J. O’Brien, S. Park, E. Char, H. Fulmer, R. Weinstein
2015-06-14
A Core Course Component in a Project-Based First-Year Engineering Experience. Villanova University embarked on a new project-based approach for the required first-year engineering experience in 2009; this new first-year experience was reported in the 2010 ASEE Annual Conference proceedings.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate in Aqueous Suspensions of TiO2
Chem Eng & Process TechnologiesR. Greeley, R.D. Weinstein, A. Grannas, D.W. Sk
2015
Selective Decomposition of Isopropanol Using as Prepared and Oxid ized Graphite Nanofibers,
CarbonA.R. Ferens, R.D. Weinstein, R. Guiliano, J.A. Hull
2012
Liquid and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Implantation of Ketoprofen into Biodegradable Sutures
Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.R.D. Weinstein, K.R. Muske, S.A. Martin, D.D. Schaeber
2010-07-08
In this study we explored the use of liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide for the creation of a sustained release drug delivery device.
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