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Rafe Steinhauer

Assistant Professor of Engineering

Overview

Professor Steinhauer is primarily interested in how design methods (including design thinking and human-centered design) can be used to improve education. He works on projects ranging from improving curriculum & instruction to effecting change at the school- and systems-levels.

Research Interests

Design thinking; design education; education design; higher education

Education

  • BSE, Operations Research and Financial Engineering, Princeton University 2007
  • MBA, Innovation in Education Reform, University of Virginia 2015
  • MEd, Innovation in Education Reform, University of Virginia 2015

Awards

  • Apgar Award for Innovation in Teaching, Dartmouth 2025
  • Commendation for Outstanding Teaching, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Princeton University 2018
  • C. Stewart Sheppard Service Award, Darden Graduate School of Business at University of Virginia 2015
  • Faculty Award for Academic Excellence, Darden Graduate School of Business at University of Virginia 2015
  • Batten Fellowship, Darden Graduate School of Business at University of Virginia 2013

Professional Activities

  • Member, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
  • Member, Future of Design in Higher Education (FDHE)

Selected Publications

Research Quick Takes

Rafe Steinhauer

Oct 30, 2025

Co-Designing Education

Professor Rafe Steinhauer authored "Improving Public Schools by Co-Design," published in the inaugural issue of Dartmouth's Social Impact Review. The article centers on Steinhauer's unique approach to combining design and education. "Our program [Upper Valley Education Design Clinic] prioritizes co-design. Together, district teams and undergraduate students [ENGS 15.11: Design and Education] learn design thinking ... This is an exciting model for town-gown partnership—not just universities serving schools, but higher education and K-12 communities working as co-designers of change," writes Steinhauer.