Rate My Professor Kurt Stresau

Stresau earned a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Florida, a Master’s degree in space systems from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2020. His doctoral dissertation, “A Mixed Method Analysis of Factors Influencing Success and Failure in Undergraduate Engineering Capstone Design Experiences,” advised by Mark Steiner, utilized a mixed methods approach to identify critical factors affecting capstone design team success, including faculty mentorship, student backgrounds, and contextual influences. This work combined statistical analysis, surveys, social network analysis, and student reflective memos to provide insights into improving engineering curricula. Stresau’s research interests encompass engineering design and engineering education. He co-authored the paper “A Framework for Developing a Deeper Understanding of the Factors that Influence Success and Failure in Undergraduate Engineering Capstone Design Experiences,” published in the proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education in 2020. Under his leadership, UCF engineering students have achieved recognitions such as third place in the NASA MINDS Challenge in 2025. Stresau also contributes to university governance through roles in the Faculty Senate and various committees.