Faculty Spotlight: Hoda Ehsan, Ph.D.

Hill students have such fresh minds that they allow themselves to ideate and think about problems without having to worry about things around them. Every time I talk to the students, I observe how they solve problems with a sense of humor; the way they look at the world is just so pure. It helps me adapt to that mindset and I remind myself that I can look at the world like that, too, without the constraints and limitations.Hoda Ehsan, Ph.D. | Director of Engineering

What brought you to Hill and where were you prior to joining The Hill faculty?

I was a Ph.D. student at Purdue University in the College of Engineering, studying how children engage in engineer-thinking and how children do engineering. I was always interested in teaching engineering to pre-college children as little as five years old. My research was centered around developing curriculum, designing different activities for museums and exhibits, and teaching instructors and parents on how to teach engineering to children. Prior to The Hill, I was a researcher at Georgia Tech and someone referred me to the School. Coming from Iran, I didn’t even know what boarding school was. Hill’s former head of school invited me to campus for an interview, and as soon as I was here, I fell in love with Hill.

How long have you been at Hill and what has made you stay?

This is my fourth school year at Hill, and I find my job to be so exciting. I had the task of recreating the engineering department, and I have been able to translate my research into practice and interact with students. I think we have a very nice team as well as very passionate students in my department. My department is the only one that doesn't have a required course for graduation. This means students who take engineering or computer science are very motivated and driven by themselves.

What do you consider the “Hillness” of the School?

From an engineering lens, the autonomy that kids have in the project-based learning. When their creativity gets combined with empathy, care, and compassion, that makes our engineering program truly Hill.

How have you grown as a teacher, and what have you learned from your students?

As a researcher, I taught undergraduate and graduate students and teachers. Hill students have such fresh minds that they allow themselves to ideate and think about problems without having to worry about things around them. Every time I talk to the students, I observe how they solve problems with a sense of humor; the way they look at the world is just so pure. It helps me adapt to that mindset and I remind myself that I can look at the world like that, too, without the constraints and limitations.

What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about working with your students and colleagues?

Living here has helped me gain a whole new perspective on teaching. As time passes, this lifestyle really grows on you. You begin to see these students as children and people that you truly care about. Similarly with my colleagues, you become a very big family.

What is one of your favorite classroom activities to do with your students?

My favorite game is called Designing for Extraordinaries, and I think it may be my students favorite, too. I do it in every single class at the beginning of the year because it’s an introduction to how engineers think. Students select a random card that has a picture of an imaginary character like a robot or a superhero that then represents their client. Next, they select a project card which could say anything from “an object for them to drink out of” to “a place to sit.” Then, they sketch their idea for that character. It is a very challenging game for them because of all the different factors of their client. My goal is not necessarily to make these kids engineers, but to help them adapt that engineer-thinking mindset. It takes a few sessions for the kids to really understand their client.

What are some of your favorite Hill traditions?

I really love Hill-o-ween. It’s so fun to be able to see Hill students having fun and interacting with the little kids that come. As a parent, that’s just so special to me. I also love the Sixth Form Tea, because I can tell how much it means to the students and faculty.

Outside of The Hill, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

My family and I love to hike; nature is a big part of our lives. I personally love to go out into nature and paint because of how relaxing it is. I’m very fond of abstract art. Our family also loves to travel. We use every opportunity and chance we can get to travel near and far. Cooking is also so much fun for me, and even though I don’t cook often, I try to cook as much as I can.