Diana Franco Duran
About
Dr. Diana Franco Duran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and serves as the Director of the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program and Civil Engineering Minor. She also manages the Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) concentration and oversees the Construction Industry Consortium.
Her primary research interests lie in engineering education, with a focus on innovative teaching and learning methods. Specifically, she is dedicated to:
- Evaluating the impact of modern pedagogical approaches on enhancing student learning outcomes.
- Exploring how to create effective learning environments that equip students with the competencies demanded by the construction industry.
Through her work, Dr. Franco Duran aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, fostering a new generation of construction professionals.
Education
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2020
M.Sc. Civil Engineering, Universidad Industrial de Santander, 2016
B.Sc. Civil Engineering, Universidad Industrial de Santander, 2013
By engaging in real-world projects, fieldwork, and collaborative problem-solving, students can bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the construction industry.