Teaching

Philosophy

teaching

Dr. Leang strongly believes that effective teaching and student learning starts first with engagement and excitement. For this reason, he has focused on integrating exciting and real-world applications into his instruction, followed by using project-based activities and the inquiry method to further enhance student learning. In many of his classes, he has developed open-ended design projects where teams of students work together and apply their engineering knowledge to solve an open-ended design problem. He also believes that a good teacher is one that is patient, and he works hard to give each student the opportunity to learn by constructing their own knowledge through exploration and experimentation.

teaching

Courses taught

  • Classical control
  • Mechatronics
  • Optimal control
  • System dynamics
  • Dynamics
  • Capstone design

Teaching media & publications

  1. Dr. Leang featured on CBS News (national) related to unmanned autonomous systems work in Nevada, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/drone-degrees-universities-train-students-for-high-tech-future-of-flight/, February 28, 2014.
  2. Dr. Leang’s work on nanocomposites for damping snow skis featured on NSF’s website and NBC Learn, http://nbclearn.com/2014olympics/cuecard/68296, January 9, 2014.
  3. Matlab tricks and tips
    K. K. Leang, IEEE Cont. Syst. Mag., 33(4):39 – 40, 2013
  4. Short online videos to excite and engage students about control
    K. K. Leang, IEEE Cont. Syst. Mag., 32(2):70 – 71, 2012
  5. Teaching the difference between stiffness and damping
    H. Fu and K. K. Leang, IEEE Cont. Syst. Mag., vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 95 – 97, 2012.
  6. Short online videos to excite and engage students about control
    K. K. Leang, IEEE Cont. Syst. Mag., vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 70 – 71, 2012.
  7. An experiment for teaching students about control at the nanoscale
    K. K. Leang, IEEE Cont. Syst. Mag., vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 66–68, 2012.
  8. Teaching modules on modeling and control of piezoactuators for undergraduate dynamics and control and mechatronics courses
    K. K. Leang, Q. Zou, and G. Pannozzo
    IEEE Transactions on Education, vol. 53, no. 3, 372-383, 2010.
  9. Modeling and control of smart actuators: integrating nano/bio technology into the ME curriculum
    Y. Wu, S. Culter, Q. Zou, G. Pannozzo, K.K. Leang and S. Devasia
    ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, June 22-25, 2008.
  10. A collaborative approach to teach modeling and control of smart actuators in the mechanical engineering curriculum
    K. K. Leang, G. Pannozzo, Q. Zou and S. Devasia
    ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), Seattle, WA, USA, November 11 – 15, 2007.
  11. “One-of-a-kind products designed by engineering students,” Story written by Mike Wolterbeek highlighting Dr. Leang’s ME 451 Capstone Design course projects, UNR News, December 20, 2010.
  12. “Nanotechnoloski: Reno Students Build Dream Skis,” Backcountry Ski Magazine, to appear in the August 2010 buyer’s guide issue. Story written by Erik Lambert covering the NSF NUE project that integrates nanotechnology and skiing for the ME undergraduate curriculum.
  13. Interview with Dr. Milton Glick discussing NSF NUE project: nanotechnology and skis, President Glick’s Radio Show, KUNR 88.7 (February 23, 2010).
  14. “Technology/Students conceptualize design, build skis,”Truckee Times, December 5, 2009.  Story written by Skyler Dillon covering the NSF NUE project that integrates nanotechnology and skiing for the ME undergraduate curriculum.
  15. “A nanotechnology curriculum for building skis,” Online article Posted: December 4, 2009, http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13868.php
  16. “Walkin’ in a winter nanoland,” Chemical & Engineering News, Vol. 88, No. 1, January 4, 2010. Story written by Lauren K. Wolf covering the NSF NUE project that integrates nanotechnology and skiing for the ME undergraduate curriculum.
  17.  “Engineering big results from a small start,” National Science Teachers Association Monthly report, Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 16. Story written by Lynn Petrinjak covering the NSF NUE project that integrates nanotechnology and skiing for the ME undergraduate curriculum.
  18. “Students break skiing down to its smallest nano-parts,” Daily Sparks Tribune, Vol. 100, No. 339, Saturday, December 5, 2009. Story written by Jessica Garcia covering the NSF NUE project that integrates nanotechnology and skiing for the ME undergraduate curriculum
  19. “Curriculum mixes nanotechnology and skiing,” Nevada Silver & Blue Magazine, pp. 102, Story written by Mike Wolterbeek covering the NSF NUE project that integrates nanotechnology and skiing for the ME undergraduate curriculum. (Spring 2010).
  20. “Nanotechnology meets skiing,” Story on the front page of www.unr.edu homepage (December 2009).