Christopher Papadopoulos is Professor of Engineering Sciences and Materials at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (UPRM). He earned B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University (1993) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics at Cornell University (1999). Prior to UPRM, Papadopoulos served on the faculty in the Department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Papadopoulos has diverse interests in structural mechanics, sustainable construction materials (with emphasis in bamboo), engineering ethics, and engineering education. He is co-author of Lying by Approximation: The Truth about Finite Element Analysis, and after many years, he has finally (maybe) learned how to teach Statics, using an experiential and peer-based learning “studio” model. As part of the UPRM Sustainability Engineering initiative to develop a new bachelor’s degree and curricular sequence, Papadopoulos is PI of A New Paradigm for Sustainability Engineering: A Transdisciplinary, Learner-Centered, and Diversity-Focused Approach, funded by the NSF HSI program. Papadopoulos is active in the Mechanics (former Chair), Ethics, and LEES Divisions of ASEE, and is the co-president of the UPRM Institutional Committee for General Education. He enjoys biking, swimming, cooking, and eliminating disposable plastic.
Papadopoulos endeavors to orient his research and teaching activities around advancing, peace, social equity, justice, and human wellbeing. In the words of Roberto Clemente, anytime when you have the opportunity to make a difference in the world, and you don’t do it, then you are wasting your time on earth.