Cooper Minehart

My name is Cooper Minehart, and I am a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. My teaching focuses on the intersection of renewable energy and human-centered design, areas that I am deeply passionate about.

Before transitioning into academia, I worked in electric propulsion development and flight data acquisition. These experiences equipped me with a robust technical background, but it was teaching that truly captivated me. The opportunity to engage with students, explore complex topics, and tackle challenging questions is something I cherish every day.

Each summer, I have the privilege of teaching a course on renewable energy technology and policy at Hochschule München. This course delves into a range of critical topics, from the science of greenhouse gas absorption to the environmental impacts of cement production. The course culminates in a student-led life cycle analysis, allowing students to apply what they've learned to real-world products, services, or policies. Developing this course from the ground up was a transformative experience, one that convinced me of my desire to pursue a PhD in this area.

As I look to the future, I am eager to further my research and continue contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies. My goal is to integrate my technical expertise with passion for policy level research to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

You can find my CV here.