Brian Self obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech, and his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Utah. He worked in the Air Force Research Laboratories before teaching at the U.S. Air Force Academy for seven years. Brian has taught in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo since 2006. During the 2011-2012 academic year he participated in a professor exchange, teaching at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, and did a semester exchange in Karlsruhe, Germany. More recently, he founded a study abroad program, leading Cal Poly students on a quarter-long exploration of mechanics in the city of Rome.

Dr Self’s engineering education interests include collaborating on the Dynamics Concept Inventory, developing model-eliciting activities in mechanical engineering courses, inquiry-based learning in mechanics, and design projects to help promote adapted physical activities. Other professional interests include aviation physiology and biomechanics.

Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (1996)

M.S. in Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia (1991)

B.S. in Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia (1988)

Professor (promoted from Associate September 2009), Department of Mechanical Engineering, California Polytechnic State University (2006 – Present)

• Teaching classes in dynamics, experimental mechanics, and orthopedic biomechanics; mentoring teams of mechanical engineering seniors on their capstone design project, advising graduate students, conducting research in biomechanics, service learning, and pedagogical techniques.

Distinguished Visiting Professor, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado (2023 – 2024)

• Selected by USAFA to provide expertise on pedagogical techniques and educational research. Will teach the core course, a combined static and strength of materials class, to cadets from all majors (engineers non-engineers). Will also teach engineering dynamics (engineers only).

Lead Professor, Study Abroad Program in Rome (Fall 2022)

• Created a Mechanics in Rome Study Abroad program. Taught statics, strength of materials and dynamics to 20 Cal Poly students over 11 week immersive program in Rome. Included excursions around Rome, Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Bologna.

Exchange Professor, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Karlsruhe Germany (Fall 2017)

• Taught a course in dynamics and a special guest seminar on engineering applications in aerospace physiology. Shared information on U.S. teaching techniques with German colleagues and gave a workshop on active learning

Visiting Scholar, The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara (2014 – 2015)

• Established collaborations with faculty and students in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education; focused study in the areas of advanced cognition, qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, and online learning.

Exchange Professor, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich Germany (2011 – 2012)

• Taught courses in dynamics, vibrations, presentations skills, and a graduate course in multi-body rigid body dynamics. Shared information on U.S. teaching techniques with German colleagues and gave a workshop on active learning.

Professor (promoted from Associate January 2006), Department of Engineering Mechanics, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado (1999 – 2006)

• Taught classes in basic statics and structures, dynamics, statistics, and senior design. Created new senior-level course, Introduction to Biomedical Engineering. Departmental Research Director, 2001 – 2004, in charge of department research administrative activities. Conducted research in the areas of prosthetic devices, biomechanics, spatial disorientation, and aerospace physiology.  Oversaw independent research activities of over twenty cadets and collaborated with faculty in Electrical and Aeronautical Engineering, Biology, and Behavioral Sciences.

Biomedical Research Engineer, Air Force Research Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas (1996 – 1999)

• Performed independent engineering research involving the performance and safety of aircrew members, including: sustained acceleration, spatial disorientation, chemical defense, high altitude protection, and advanced oxygen mask development.  Responsible for developing motion analysis capabilities in the division to evaluate aircrew ingress/egress, equipment mobility requirements, and helmet mounted equipment performance during sustained acceleration.

Director, Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory (while a graduate student), Orthopedic Biomechanics Institute/University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (1994 – 1996)

• Performed research on impact biomechanics, prosthetic devices, bracing, and sports engineering. Developed skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, data acquisition and analysis, transducer design, motion analysis, and computer programming.  Consulted on clinical and physical rehabilitation research.

Mechanical Engineer, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (1991 – 1992)

• Performed research on the effects of adverse environments on the vulnerability of aircrew members. Provided engineering expertise in the areas of live fire testing, biodynamic modeling, manikin testing, and computer programming.  Had primary responsibility for the video processing and analysis components of the branch.

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia (1988 – 1991)

• Responsible for teaching three help sessions each week in the areas of statics and strength of materials. Taught both graduate and undergraduate students.  Occasionally substitute taught statics and strength of materials courses for professors. Performed finite element analysis of adhesive bonds, also research on developing a control model of myofibrillar contraction.

Archie Higdon Distinguished Mechanics Educator Award, ASEE 2020

2020 California State University System (23 campuses)

• Wang Family Excellence Award: Outstanding Faculty Teaching

Fellow, Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA), 2019 – pres

Fellow, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 2018 – pres

Learn by Doing Award, Brian Self and Jim Widmann, Completed Work

• California Polytechnic State University, 2016

Kent K. Gillingham Award, Outstanding Research in Spatial Disorientation

• Aerospace Medical Association, 2010

Paul A. Bert Award, Outstanding Aerospace Physiology Researcher

• Aerospace Medical Association, 2006

Mechanics Division Best Paper Award (Author, 2010 ASEE Annual Conference, Co-author, 2005 ASEE Annual Conference)

Outstanding Academy Educator (USAFA, Department), 2003

Ferdinand P. Beer and E. Russell Johnston, Jr. Outstanding New Mechanics Educator Award, ASEE National Award, 2002

Outstanding New Instructor Award (USAFA), 1999 – 2000

Conceptual Understanding

Project-Based Learning

Biomechanics

Adapted Design

Aerospace Physiology