Mississippi State University’s Jean Mohammadi-Aragh named a Virginia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni

Jean Mohammadi-Aragh

Jean Mohammadi-Aragh, an associate professor and associate department head of Mississippi State University’s electrical and computer engineering, was named an inaugural inductee of the Virginia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni in Engineering Education.

Launched to recognize Virginia Tech engineering alumni who have demonstrated a sustained and visible impact on engineering education, the academy celebrates individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced engineering education, positively influencing students, faculty, and society. Inductees were selected for their achievements and for inspirational leadership in shaping the future of engineering education.

Mohammadi-Aragh’s selection was based on her interdisciplinary collaborations, undergraduate and graduate degree program development, faculty mentoring, and long-standing professional service. Her impact spans across all levels at MSU and extends nationally through her involvement with the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Science Foundation.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to blend my engineering expertise with a deep love of learning to research and create more impactful classroom experiences,” Mohammadi-Aragh said. “Being named one of five Virginia Tech engineering alumni recognized for advancing the field is both humbling and energizing. What makes this honor even more meaningful is that it reflects not just my individual work, but the shared commitment and collaborative spirit of my colleagues at Mississippi State.”

Mohammadi-Aragh began her tenure at MSU in 2013 as a visiting assistant professor in the Bagley College of Engineering, where she supported initiatives for first-year engineering students. She played a key role in building a cross-college faculty network dedicated to advancing engineering education through research and classroom innovation. This collaboration led to the development of a doctoral concentration in engineering education.

Since joining MSU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2016, Mohammadi-Aragh has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including circuit analysis, microprocessors, computer architecture, and engineering design, and has been consistently recognized for her excellence in teaching. Most recently, she was honored with the 2024 Bagley College of Engineering Teaching Award for Distance Learning and was inducted into the 2025 BCoE Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

Since 2021, through her role as Director of the Bagley College of Engineering Office of Student, Faculty, and Staff Professional Development, Mohammadi-Aragh has also led college-wide programs and activities, including the 5-week residential Engineering Summer Bridge Program.

As a researcher, Mohammadi-Aragh has secured more than $9.1 million in funding, including $8.55 million in awards from the National Science Foundation, to support her work in engineering education and pedagogical innovation. She received a National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2021.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer engineering from MSU and earned her doctoral degree in engineering education from Virginia Tech.