Professor Dr. Paul Steif

Biography

Paul Steif is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His academic career began in August 1983, and he has significantly contributed to engineering education, focusing on how students learn fundamental engineering concepts and developing materials to support their understanding. Steif's research primarily revolves around the teaching of Statics, a vital course in many engineering disciplines. His efforts have included creating a conceptual framework for Statics, designing assessments to gauge students' conceptual grasp of material, and developing interactive courseware that tracks student learning outcomes. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Steif served as the Associate Department Head until his retirement in December 2023. Over the decades, he devoted substantial effort into enhancing sophomore mechanics courses, ensuring they are effective and accessible to students.

Research Interests