Empowering Future Engineers: Innovative and Interdisciplinary Teaching at VCU Engineering
Since joining VCU in 2019, Dr. Radhika Barua has taught various undergraduate, graduate, and experiential learning courses in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Her teaching approach integrates technical rigor with real-world relevance, preparing students to address complex engineering challenges.
As the College of Engineering’s representative on VCU’s ConnectED General Education Committee, Dr. Barua champions expanding access to transformative, experiential learning opportunities. Her pedagogy emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and transdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting a forward-thinking vision for engineering education.
Her ability to secure competitive external funding has been directly supported by Open VIVA, VentureWell Foundation and the ASEE Mini-EOP Grant Program, which in turn has led to the development of innovative courses and instructional experimentation.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her teaching efforts, Dr. Barua was awarded the “Dean’s Teaching Award” by the College of Engineering at VCU in 2024.
Students mentored by Dr. Radhika Barua have received multiple university, regional,
and national awards, reflecting the strength of her experiential and project-based
teaching approach.
These accomplishments include first-place finishes in senior
capstone design competitions, innovation and entrepreneurship challenges, and
recognition from IEEE Region 3 and statewide cybersecurity programs. Collectively,
these outcomes highlight student success in applying engineering fundamentals to real-
world problems in sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems.
First Prize, Mark A. Sternheimer Senior Capstone Design Award – Smart Cane forthe Visually Impaired (2025)
First Prize, Capstone Project (MNE) – Portable Modular Filament Extruder (2024)
Finalist, Mark A. Sternheimer Senior Capstone Design Award – Magnetic-field-
assisted Lyman Filament Extruder (2023)
Second Prize, VCU Pitch Competition – Magnashield Inc. (2024)
Virginia Cybersecurity Challenge Award – Broadband EMI Shielding Polymers
(2023)
IEEE Region 3 Service Learning Project Award – AM Magnetic Heat Exchangers
(2023)
First Prize, Spark RVA Innovation Challenge – Magnetic Heat Pump for Hydrogen
Liquefaction (2023)
