Benjamin E. Chaback, M.S.
Benjamin E. Chaback, M.S.
Engineer, Mentor, Researcher
Benjamin (Ben) Chaback is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. He uses systems thinking to investigate undergraduate engineering education and is working towards creating open educational access systems for student success. Ben is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research, a facilitator for the Safe Zone Project and the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research, and currently serves as the Program Chair for the American Society for Engineering Education Student Division. He is passionate about student success and finding ways to use research experiences to promote student growth, learning, and support. He plans to join engineering faculty following his PhD as a research tenure track professor at an R1 or R2 university with aspirations to eventually help lead or direct a center.
Engineering Education, Undergraduate Research, Open Educational Resources, Assessment, Systems of Systems, Systems Optimization, Systems Thinking, Systems Architecture
Chaback B., & Mack R. (2022), "Strategic Organization Advising Researchers (SOAR)", The Chronicle of Mentoring and Coaching, Vol. 6, Special Issue 15, 2022
Education
Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering Education
August 2024 - May 2028
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
August 2022 - May 2024
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Thesis Title: Optimization of Human Interactions in the College Campus Model via Simio Integration
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
August 2018 - May 2022
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Awards and Certifications
Virginia Tech VirTual SafeZone Digital Badging - Badges 1-3
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Master's Graduation with Honors
NASA: STEM Research Digital Badging - Badges 1-3
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Outstanding Master's Student in Systems Engineering
Simio LLC: Level 1
American Society for Engineering Education: Safe Zone Certification - Levels 1-3
Troy University: Leadership 101 Certification
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Safe Zone Certification - Facilitator
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Magna Cum Laude
Center for the Improved Mentoring Experiences in Research: Certified Facilitator - Entering Mentoring
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Student Research Symposium: 1st Place for Undergraduate Group Virtual Thesis
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ignite Grant: Project V.A.L.H.A.L.L.A, $10,000 awarded
Interdisciplinary Projects: IDPro - Graduate Assistant
Introduction to Simulation: Simio - Graduate Student Mentor
Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association - Graduate Student Mentor
College Success - Co-Lecturer
Strategic Organization Advising Researchers (SOAR) - Senior Mentor
Honors Seminar on Tariffs, Trade Wars, and the Economy - Teaching Assistant
Engineering Economics - Teaching Assistant
Virginia Tech Graduate Student Budget Board: College of Engineering Rep - 2025
Virginia Tech Graduate and Professional Student Senate: Engineering Education Senator - 2025
American Society for Engineering Education: Student Division Program Chair - 2025
NASA TechLeap Challenge: External Reviewer - 2025
Blue Ridge Highlands Regional Science Fair: Judge - 2025
Virginia Tech Science Festival: Judge - 2024
American Society for Engineering Education: Student Division Co Program Chair - 2024
Contact
Information
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
585-576-4418
