Amy Biegalski—a.k.a. “Dr. B”— is a lecturer in the engage Engineering Fundamentals (EF) Program. She supports Engineering Vols through courses that promote skill development in design, communication, teamwork, physics foundations, and programming.
She is also happy to promote the courses themselves to anyone interested.
“Campus visitors are always welcome to come by Perkins (home to the EF program and the Innovation and Collaboration Studio) to interact with our EF students and learn about the hands-on team projects they are working on,” said Biegalski.
She and her EF colleagues will also help advertise events or opportunities for engineering students via announcements on EF website— it can reach 700-1,200 students per semester.
Biegalski contributes to a variety of programs that support student success.
“I am involved in our Engage LLC (the engineering dorm), the Engineering Mentor Program, the Office of Engineering Diversity Programs, and the UTK Safe Zone network,” she said. “I’m happy to share more about them.”
Biegalski is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She received her BS from The Ohio State University and her PhD and MS degrees from the Case School of Engineering.
“I studied structural engineering,” she said. “I worked as a structural engineering consultant for 10 years monitoring, modeling, and designing bridges and buildings. I’ve had the opportunity to climb on and analyze some of the tallest and longest bridges in Cleveland, DC, and Philadelphia.”
She climbs on fewer bridges these days, but Biegalski still enjoys hiking, biking, backpacking, skiing, and rock climbing. Her daughters Katia, 9, and Anya, 7, often accompany her.
“They love STEM and outdoor adventures and play multiple sports and instruments,” she said. “So, we stay very active.”
Biegalski stays active indoors, as well, and goes into action leading many EF project presentation days throughout a semester—riding the wave of “enthusiasm, energy, and dedication” displayed by her students.