Paul Nissenson

California State Polytechnic University, University of California, Irvine

Papers

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About

Paul Nissenson is a dedicated mechanical engineering educator whose research centers on transforming the first-year student experience and broadening K-12 STEM participation through hands-on, project-based learning. His most impactful contribution is the creation of the Robotics Education through Active Learning (REAL) program, a unique K-12 outreach initiative that has become the largest event of its kind in the nation, reaching thousands of students annually and culminating in an inspiring Annual Robot Rally. This work, detailed in his most-cited paper (2016, 4 citations), has directly motivated countless young learners to pursue STEM careers. Nissenson also led a major redesign of the foundational ME 100L orientation course at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a required lab for approximately 400 incoming students each year. His assessment of this redesigned course (2024, 2 citations) provides valuable insights into improving student engagement and retention in engineering. Through these focused efforts, Nissenson demonstrates a powerful commitment to building accessible, impactful educational pathways from K-12 through university, making him a key figure in modern engineering pedagogy.