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Van Den Einde’s research centers on developing innovative educational interventions and experiential learning programs in structural engineering, with a strong commitment to broadening participation and fostering community in STEM disciplines. She has led award-winning outreach initiatives like the Seismic Outreach program for K-12 students and conducted studies measuring the efficacy of classroom strategies designed to engage a wide range of learners and promote persistence in engineering.  

As President and Co-Founder of eGrove Education Inc., Van Den Einde advances digital learning through the development of Spatial Vis™, a touchscreen-based app designed to teach freehand sketching and strengthen students’ spatial visualization  abilities—skills that are essential, yet often overlooked, for STEM success. Her work integrates classroom research, technology innovation, and NSF-funded programs to deliver inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities and build strong ceducational communities at �鶹��ý and beyond.

Capsule Bio:

Lelli Van Den Einde joined the �鶹��ý faculty in 2008 and is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Structural Engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from �鶹��ý in 2001 and her B.S. in Civil Engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan in 1994. Van Den Einde is the Director of Education and Community Outreach at the Englekirk Structural Engineering Center and co-founded eGrove Education, Inc., an education technology startup focused on developing digital tools to enhance spatial visualization skills critical for STEM success.

Her research and educational work emphasize experiential learning, hands-on outreach, and broadening participation in STEM disciplines. She has secured over $37 million in extramural funding, including multiple U.S. National Science Foundation grants, and has received numerous teaching and service awards, highlighting her commitment to education innovation and community engagement.

Selected Publications:

Van Den Einde, L., Delson, N., Cowan, E., and Memarian, B., “Evaluating Spatial Visualization Learning Through Digitized Sketches: A Case Study of Engineering Students' Orthographic Projection Errors,” presented at the 2022 ASEE Annual Conference, Minneapolis. This work showcases research in spatial visualization learning using digital tools.

Dinapoli, J., Amenya, M., Van Den Einde, L., Delson, N., Cowan, E., 2021. “Simulating Remote Support for Mathematical Perseverance Through a Digital Sketching Application,” Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice. This explores digital tools to support persistence in STEM learning via spatial visualization applications.

Kjolsing, E., Van Den Einde, L, Todd, M., 2016. “Using a Design Project to Instill Empathy in Structural Engineering Teaching Assistants,” Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice. Demonstrates curriculum innovation targeting empathy and teaching assistant development.

Doyle, K., Van Den Einde, L., French, C., Tremayne, H., and Brophy, S., 2013. “Using Educational ’Hands-On’ Experiential Tools to Introduce Math, Science and Engineering Concepts to K-16 Students,” ASEE Annual Meeting. Highlights hands-on learning and curriculum development for STEM outreach.

Van Den Einde, L, Mayes, T., Delson, N., 2012, “A Pre-Engineering Summer Program with Emphasis on Inclusion, Diversity, and Inspiration,” American Society of Engineering Education Annual Meeting. This reflects community engagement and programs focused on broadening participation.