Dr. Matthew J. Traum is an experienced educator, administrator, fund raiser, and researcher serving the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida as an instructional faculty member. Traum serves as Principle Investigator of UF’s GatorKits Laboratory focused on pedagogical research and best practices for hands-on kit-centered STEM instruction. A serial entrepreneur and inventor in the Ed Tech, Energy Tech, and Bio Tech industries, Dr. Traum is Founding Director of RaveBio, a biotechnology startup and UF spin-off created by his former students to commercialize multifunctional biological shaker tables. Previously, Dr. Traum was an Associate Professor and Director of Engineering Programs at Philadelphia University. Prior to PhilaU, he served on the Milwaukee School of Engineering faculty and was co-founder of the Mechanical & Energy Engineering Department at the University of North Texas – Denton. Dr. Traum’s pedagogical expertise includes teaching and assessment for Web-based STEM courses with labs as well as instructing and evaluating large-enrollment engineering design courses. His experimental research expertise encompasses design and metrology of novel alternative energy systems including Tesla turbines, direct-air cryogenic carbon sequestration, and vapor transport through multi-functional micro- and nano-porous media.

Education

B.S., 2001, Mechanical Engineering, University of California – Irvine,

B.S., 2001, Aerospace Engineering [cum laude], University of California – Irvine,

M.S., 2003, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,

Ph.D., 2007, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professional Memberships and Fellowships

Association of Energy Engineers, Member
American Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Member
American Society of Engineering Education, Member
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Member
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Member
Tesla Engine Builders Association, Member
Textbook & Academic Authors Association, Member

Teaching Interests

Design and Energy-Thermal-Fluids

Research Interests

Teaching and assessing Web-based STEM courses with labs; evaluation and instruction of large-enrollment engineering design courses; design and metrology for novel alternative energy systems: Tesla turbines, direct-air cryogenic carbon sequestration, and vapor transport through micro- and nano-porous media.