About US & FAQs

Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Anas Chalah is the Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning at the School of Engineering, as well as a lecturer in Engineering Sciences at Harvard University. He leads a team of engineers and collaborates with faculty to create an environment that encourages hands-on engineering education. As a member of the research and teaching senior executive team, he applies new pedagogical methods in developing experimental and design-based activities, as well as in supporting SEAS' growing presence in Biological and Environmental Engineering. Anas received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Operations Manager for Teaching and Learning

Lila is the Operations Manager for Teaching and Learning at SEAS. Lila graduated from Mount Ida College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science and continued her education at Boston University with a Masters in Criminal Justice. Lila began her career in higher education during her time at BU as a graduate assistant for the Prison Education Program. Outside of SEAS, you can find Lila cooking or at the nearest Chick-fil-A!

Director for Active Learning, Biological and Environmental Engineering

Melissa Hancock supports the development and implementation of “wet” lab curricula in Bioengineering and Environmental Engineering undergraduate and graduate courses. Outside of courses, Melissa assists students in designing and conducting laboratory experiments for extracurricular projects and independent capstone projects. Melissa holds a PhD from Columbia University in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies. Prior to joining the Active Learning Labs, she studied axon guidance and insulin signaling as a postdoc at Harvard Medical School in the Department of Cell Biology. In addition to helping students dry soil samples, image insects on the SEM, and culture cells, Melissa enjoys crossfit, film photography, duct tape, and antique Danish furniture.

Senior Chemical and Environmental Engineer

Nicholas LoRusso is an Environmental Engineer with the Active Learning Labs at SEAS. In this role he supports undergraduate and graduate coursework and design projects while managing the wet chemistry lab space. Nicholas holds a BS in Environmental Science from SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry and a MS in Environmental Engineering Science from Syracuse University. He also served as the Aquatic Chemistry Laboratory QA/QC Coordinator at Syracuse University, and will graduate with his PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Syracuse University in Spring 2023. Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys exploring new cuisines, running, and visiting family.

Director for Active Learning, Mechanical Engineering

Nora supports lab curriculum in the Mechanical Engineering Active Learning Lab. She holds a BA in Classics from Vassar College, an MAT in Secondary Science Education from Brown University and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University. Before retraining as an engineer, Nora taught high school and middle school science for a decade. After earning their MS, Nora worked for several years in local startups on wearable technologies. When not at work, Nora enjoys rock climbing, reading library books and tinkering / building things.

Mechanical Engineer

Charlie Biggs is a Mechanical Engineer with the Active Learning Labs at SEAS. Alongside the rest of the M.E. team, Charlie maintains the lab space and supports classes in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum. Charlie graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a secondary in Folklore and Mythology, and a language citation in Italian. He has previously worked in the medical industry designing and simulating MRI equipment and in the architectural industry creating professional models and performing materials research. Charlie also worked in the REEF Makerspace during its first in-person year managing activities and building up the space’s equipment and resources. In his free time, Charlie enjoys climbing, hiking, cycling, and playing ultimate as well as more relaxed activities including writing, painting, reading, and designing games.

Director for Active Learning, Electrical Engineering

Leo provides curricular support in the Electrical Engineering Active Learning Labs for undergraduate and graduate courses. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida, an MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering from MIT, and an MEd in Secondary Science Education from UMass Boston. Prior to joining the SEAS Active Learning community he completed his Masters in Education through the Boston Teacher Residency and served as a STEM educator in the Boston Public Schools for over a decade. His graduate research was in the area of electronic devices and semiconductor fabrication, specifically researching Si replacement technologies (i.e. strained-Si/Ge) for applications in CMOS. As a STEM education professional he enjoys combining his passion for engineering and education by devising tools, processes, and systems to create impactful and sustainable student-centered learning experiences. Outside of work Leo enjoys making his family laugh, exercising the extreme patience it takes to be an awesome dad, experimenting in the kitchen, tinkering, surfing, and community building.

Assistant Manager, Instructional Electronics Shop

Benjamin is the Assistant Manager of the Instructional Electronics Shop at the SEAS/Physics Electronic Instrumentation Design Lab. He splits his time between supporting undergraduate electrical engineering coursework and designing instrumentation for research labs. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Boston University, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, specializing in power electronics. Outside of work, Ben enjoys video games, watching basketball, and making ice cream.

Electrical Engineer

Champa is an electrical engineer at SEAS who supports students and staff for lab course work. Her educational background is a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Bangalore University in India. Champa's major of study has been on power and energy systems. Additionally, she did research on using a distributed energy resource to minimize loss in a radial power system. Champa joined the Active Learning Labs in March of 2023.

Director for Active Learning, Computing in Engineering Education (CEE)

Mohammad develops a computational curriculum for engineering courses at SEAS for both graduate and undergraduate students. On top of that, Mohammad also supports students with their modeling needs in capstone projects. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and has more than fifteen years of experience using various Finite Element Analysis commercial software. His research areas lay in many areas, including shape-memory materials, microfluidics biosensors, battery heat management, additive manufacturing, and material characterization. Mohammad enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hiking, and following European soccer teams while outside of work.

Senior Computational Engineer

Jason is a Senior Computational Engineer in the Computing in Engineering Education (CEE) team.  He supports SEAS faculty and teaching staff to develop and implement computational and simulation components in courses, assist students with modeling and simulation needs, and train teaching fellows and students in various computational tools and software. Jason holds a PhD and MSE in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a BE in Civil Engineering from The City College of New York. Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, playing/watching basketball, and learning something new every day.

Director for Design and Fabrication Instruction

David manages the development and execution of the machining and fabrication curriculum, training, and workshops. In addition, he supports the surrounding design studios with SEAS faculty and staff. David holds an MFA from the Academy of Art University and a BFA from Syracuse University. Prior to joining the SEAS community, he taught several courses in Industrial Design, Sculpture, and Jewelry for over ten years at the Academy of Art University. During that time, David also designed and created custom furniture and architectural elements for his company Sekoll Metal Designs in San Francisco. David now enjoys living in Cambridge and continues to pursue his passion in designing/fabricating furniture related products and researching current and future trends in ideation and manufacturing processes. His leisure time includes a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. At home, he spends most of the time in the kitchen exploring new culinary concepts.