Parameters:
Incorporation of laboratory research into classroom lectures benefits both the
students and the professor. Inclusion of applied, state-of-the-art research from the
professor’s lab (such as the figures to the right) or from literature is useful for
illustrating concepts and applications of the course material which serves to
motivate the students. In addition, exposing students to research early and often is
crucial to recruiting engineering students into graduate school programs. Students
should graduate with an understanding of what is known and what remains
unsolved in their field. This promotes an appreciation for life-long learning.
Lectures on modern research efforts also force the supporting course content to
be timely and relevant to contemporary problems. Keeping current with scientific
and technological innovations also ensures that professor does not bore himself
with his own subject.
depth = 2…0 m
Finite Element Model of hydrating concrete cylinder
with Styrofoam insulation constructed in ABAQUS.
Time = 250…0 hr
depth=2 m
Time=250 hr
T(initial)=300 K
MaxHyd=.60
CemFract=.2
Q[total]=478000
Ea=45700
k0=29209./(20)
h(top)=25 w/ m^2 K
rho[c]=2350
k[c]=1.65
Cp[c]=1150
T[air]=301
D=.15 m
k[sty]=.012
Three-dimensional (time, depth, temperature) plot of
finite-difference model of hydrating concrete.
The students today are growing up in the age
of information with access to vast amounts of
information in various multimedia formats. Young
persons are bombarded with information as they
access their music, television, instant messaging,
and the world wide web, often simultaneously.
Often, this deluge of information is blamed for
the short attention spans of the latest generation.
However, an professor can also use the internet,
video, PowerPoint presentations, and other new
educational media as tools to teach more
effectively. With the digital age, the incorporation
of these visual aids has become both increasingly
easier and even more necessary.
Teaching Philosophy:
Core Values
Engineering students must master both the abstract and applied concepts
within their discipline. Students must develop a strong background in the
fundamentals of calculus, numerical methods, chemistry, physics, and other fields
of math and science which apply universally to engineering problems. While
much of the academic world is pre-occupied with the relationship between
experimental data and theoretical expectations, engineering students must also
appreciate the value of purely empirical data in the engineering profession.
Students should appreciate the application both abstract knowledge and
empirical experience to real-world problems. This can be achieved by asking
practical engineering questions as well as non-conventional problems.
Therefore, you may find any of these questions a heat-transfer exam:
 Calculate the minimum area of a heat exchanger for this plant design.
 How long will it take for the center of a steak to get “well-done”?
 What is the heat loss per meter of insulated pipe?
 When will Dr. Chirdon’s coffee cool to below 40°C?
 How much heat will be lost through a composite wall during the winter?
Another balancing act that must be performed by the
professor is that the students must be prepared to face
both the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our university
prides itself in that it produces students who are “workready” and who are confident in their ability to provide
valuable output to their employer.
This focus must also be tempered with the need to
adapt to an ever-changing technological world. Especially
as we look towards new energy sources, alternative fuels,
new materials of construction, smart materials, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and so forth.
If the professor wishes to succeed in his teaching mission, then he must get
involved with the students. By dedicating ample time for additional tutoring and
mentoring outside of the classroom, the professor emphasizes the importance of
learning the material by investing his own time. Keeping his door open as much
as possible serves as a signal that he is open to communicate with his students,
his research group, his fellow faculty, and the rest of the department.
 Engineering students must develop a balanced knowledge
base of both abstract and applied concepts.
 Lectures must convey the technology of today and
prepare students for the challenges of the future.
In addition to dedicating time to helping students in their coursework,
professors should also get involved in at least one service opportunity where they
can interact with students. Dr. Chirdon serves as the faculty representative for the
local student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE).
This gives him a chance to interact with students in an informal atmosphere, which
will make him more approachable to the students if they should ever have a
problem or if they wish to provide constructive feedback.
 Coursework should be designed to develop critical thinking
skills for solving complex problems.
 Professors must make themselves available to the students
in order to be effective.
Perhaps the greatest return on this investment of time is paid in motivation.
When the professor sees how his efforts benefit the students, this can be the most
rewarding part of his job. In addition, the students see that the professor cares
enough about them to sacrifice time during the day, evening, and the weekend for
them, and in turn, they are motivated to invest time in their studies and service.
 Ethics must be taught by lecture and by example.
Dr. Chirdon first went to college at the University of
Delaware, where he developed his passion for research
as an undergraduate research assistant in the Chemical
Engineering Dept. There, the late Dr. Arthur B. Metzner
encouraged him to apply to graduate school. He then
pursued his interests in polymers and biomaterials at
the University of Michigan. Upon completion of his
Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering, he
went to Cornell University where he learned how to
develop finite element models of heat transfer in
cementitious composites. Now, at the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette, he has developed a fondness for
teaching while pursuing research projects related to his
post-doctoral work.
*
* Note: Anyone inclined to make fun of the U of D
mascot should recall that it is a fightin’ blue hen
Ethical practices often are taken as
being granted; however, they are of
paramount importance. Ethics should be
reinforced whenever possible inside the
classroom and particularly in subjects
such as plant design.
One of the most important
requirements of any professor is that they
be fair. All students must have an equal
chance to succeed. This involves setting
grading criteria for the course and for
each assignment ahead of time and not
wavering to favor or fault any individual
and then double-checking to ensure each
student was assessed equably.