The College of Engineering kicked off the 2026-2027 academic year by welcoming seven new faculty members this August. The new faculty members bring a wealth of academic and industry experience to support new and expanding programs in aerospace engineering, ecological engineering, and more.
Dean Michelle Scherer also recognized the promotions of nine faculty members, highlighting their continued excellence in research, education, and mentorship.
“These faculty members are moving and shaking in their fields and are engineering new and innovative approaches to help make people’s lives better and educate the next generation of engineers,” said Scherer. “I could not be more delighted to see all of them recognized with well-earned promotions. Keep your eyes on this group!”
Meet our new faculty members:
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Taerin Chung, Assistant Professor
Taerin Chung is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering specializing in nanophotonics, plasmonics, biophotonics, and light-based sensing and imaging. She has worked extensively in both the United States and South Korea, where she earned her PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Seoul National University. She has authored and co-authored more than 40 scientific contributions in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
Jessica Kozarek, Assistant Professor
Jess Kozarek started as an assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) in spring 2026. Her research interests link physical, chemical, and biological processes in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, Kozarek was a research associate at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. She earned her PhD in biological systems engineering, specializing in ecological engineering, from Virginia Tech.
Department of Engineering Fundamentals
Duncan Mullins, Assistant Teaching Professor
Duncan Mullins is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Engineering Fundamentals (EF). He holds a PhD in engineering education from the University of Buffalo with a background in chemical engineering from Oklahoma State University. His research interests focus on faculty education and preparedness and leveraging qualitative research methods to build better teaching programs for graduate students. His teaching philosophy focuses on active, engaged, and interactive learning environments and student-centered learning.
Linda S. Wanless, Professor of Practice
Linda Wanless is an EF Professor of Practice who enjoys researching adult learning and active learning environments. In her role as a Faculty Fellow for Michigan Tech’s Center for Faculty Excellence she supports faculty in best pedagogical practices.
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Tracie Conn, Assistant Teaching Professor
Tracie Conn is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), where she specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) applications for spacecraft trajectory design and driving automation. She earned her PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Previously, Conn has held technical positions at the NASA Ames Research Center, Johnson Space Center, and Ford Motor Company.
Connor MacRobbie, Adjunct Assistant Teaching Professor
Connor MacRobbie is a MAE adjunct assistant teaching professor. He earned his PhD in mechanical and mechatronics engineering from the University of Waterloo. His research is focused on lunar technology development, lunar regolith processing, and energy generation and construction on the lunar surface.
Madelyn MacRobbie, Assistant Professor
Madelyn MacRobbie joined Michigan Tech as a MAE assistant professor in spring 2026. Her research focuses on bioastronautics, aerospace physiology, and space mission architecture. She holds a joint PhD in medical engineering and medical physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School.
Promoted Faculty
Going into the fall 2026 semester, seven faculty members were promoted to associate professor with tenure, honoring their commitment to instructional and research excellence across the College. These faculty members lead laboratories and research groups focused on health, robotics, alternative energy, manufacturing and more.
This year’s promoted faculty members include:
- Hoda Hatoum (Biomedical Engineering)
- Yixin Liu (Chemical Engineering)
- David Labyak (Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology)
- Jung Yun Bae (MAE)
- Ana Dyreson (MAE)
- Susanta Ghosh (MAE)
- Vijaya V. N. Sriram Malladi (MAE)
In addition to the newly tenured faculty, Kyle Griffin was promoted to associate teaching professor and Jeana Collins was promoted to teaching professor, both in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
About the College of Engineering
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering offers more than 15 bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil, environmental and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering fundamentals, geological and mining engineering and sciences, manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate programs for busy professionals. Follow Michigan Tech Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest happenings.