SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2023: Poly – Mark Mattson

Mark Mattson, PE is a lecturer at SUNY Poly where he teaches classes in the civil engineering technology program with a focus on structural engineering, structural analysis, and mechanics.  Prior to entering a full-time teaching role, Mark worked as a consulting engineer for over a decade in a variety of roles designing buildings, dams, and hydropower-related facilities.  He loves bringing his practical experience into the classroom and preparing students for work in industry.  While working full-time, Mark obtained a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo by taking courses via distance learning.  In addition, Mark has worked on several projects with Engineering Ministries International (EMI), a non-profit design firm.

Mark has taught courses in face-to-face, online and hyflex modalities.  In his classes, he enjoys incorporating online features that promote opportunities for learning, making the information accessible, and including real-world projects.  For example, he incorporated an EMI project for the design of a children’s home in Nepal into a senior level capstone design course.  This project was completed when all courses were forced online during COVID.  It included weekly online design meetings and culminated with an online meeting to present the findings of a preliminary structural assessment for the building design to EMI. Mark has also developed an online course specifically targeted at the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, which is the first test required as part of the licensure process for professional engineers.  He maintains a YouTube channel that is designed to provide students with video examples related to their studies, and he looks forward to generating more content to help students.