Pranav Chintalapati

Assistant Professor of Teaching

Co-Director, Environmental Engineering Program

Former Director, MEL Program in Integrated Water Management (2023-2024)

Office: CHBE 401

Email: pranav.c@ubc.ca


Research Summary

Engineering Education, Experiential Learning, Systems Thinking, System Dynamics Modelling, Global and Community-based Engineering, Water Quality, Sustainable Water Access

Education

University of Colorado, Boulder, 2021, Ph.D., Environmental Engineering

University of British Columbia, 2017, M.A.Sc., Chemical Engineering

University of British Columbia, 2012, B.A.Sc., Chemical Engineering

Research interests + projects

I’m interested in adaptable approaches for developing engineering knowledge, and I think experiential learning can offer an integrated, holistic learning process. Whether in the lab, classroom or working with communities, I’m curious about how courses and co-curricular activities can create authentic experiences where students are simultaneously developing a variety of technical and socio-technical skills while navigating the dynamics of teamwork, communication and project management.

My past research has focused on different aspects of sustainable water access and water quality, primarily in under-resourced contexts. Most recently, I’ve worked on the application of systems approaches to improve the reliability of rural water services in East Africa. Drawing from my past research, I continue to be interested in how systems thinking and community-based engineering can enhance engineering education.

Full Publication List

Awards and honours

CHBE Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award 2023, 2024

Selected publications + presentations

Chintalapati, P., Baalbaki, Z., Davies, G., Baldwin, T. (2024). “Learning Materials for Community Engagement in Engineering Design Courses”. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA).

Chintalapati, P., Evans, G., Gladwin, D., Jamieson, M., Ellis, N. (2024). “Shaping Futures: A Dialogue on Chemical Engineering Education”. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering.

Chintalapati, P., Nyaga, C., Walters, J., Koehler, J., Javernick-Will, A., Hope, R., Linden, K. (2022). “Improving the Reliability of Water Service Delivery in Rural Kenya through Professionalized Maintenance: A System Dynamics Perspective”. Environmental Science & Technology.

Chintalapati, P. (2022). “Assessing the Shift to an Inquiry-Based Approach in 2nd Year Chemical Engineering Labs on Observed Student Engagement and Self-Reported Understanding”. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA).

Libey, A., Chintalapati, P., Kathuni, S., Amadei, B., Thomas, E. (2022). “Turn up the dial: System dynamics modeling of resource allocations toward rural water supply maintenance in East Africa”. Journal of Environmental Engineering.