Karen Supan
- Associate Dean, College of Professional Schools
- Director, David Crawford School of Engineering
- Professor
About
Dr. Karen Supan is an associate professor of mechanical engineering and has served as the director of the David Crawford School of Engineering at Norwich University for over four years. She joined the Norwich faculty in 2012 and teaches courses in thermal/fluid systems and heat transfer. Dr. Supan earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Minnesota State University, Mankato; her master’s degree in pulp and paper science from Georgia Institute of Technology; and her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida. Her recent research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into the mechanical engineering curriculum. She is passionate about working with students both inside and outside the classroom.
Education
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida
M.S. Pulp and Paper Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Research Interests and Expertise
Dr. Supan’s research focuses on renewable energy and the development of artificial intelligence modules for integration into the mechanical engineering curriculum. Her research journey began during a summer undergraduate research experience at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she independently conducted a 10-week project that combined laboratory work with statistical analysis.
She actively mentors students, emphasizing the importance of having a clear research plan and a defined end goal. Dr. Supan collaborates with colleagues at Norwich and beyond, including the Army’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Her recent projects include integrating artificial intelligence case studies into thermodynamics courses and advancing the use of modular mobile arctic microgrids and biomass materials for heating.
Courses Taught
EG 206 Thermodynamics I
EG 303 Fluid Mechanics
ME 307 Thermodynamics II
ME 465 Heat Transfer
ME 487 Thermal Fluids Laboratory
ME 467 Mechanical Engineering Design I
ME 468 Mechanical Engineering Design II
Publications
Supan, K. Using Artificial Intelligence Case Studies in a Thermodynamics Course. American Society of Engineering Education Conference Proceedings (June 2024).
Supan, K., Robert, C., Miller, M., Warrender, J., Bartolucci, S. Thermal degradation of MWCNT/polypropylene nanocomposites: A comparison of TGA and laser pulse heating. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 141 (2017) 41-44.
In the News
Norwich University’s engineering programs earn six-year accreditation
NORTHFIELD, Vt. — Norwich University has earned its six-year accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for three bachelor of science programs in the David Crawford School of Engineering: civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering and mechanical engineering.