Dr. Daniel Anastasio has a research background in osmotically-driven membrane processes and engineering pedagogy, with a special focus on game-based learning and laboratory experiment design. He is currently working on introducing makerspace-type resources (such as 3D printing and prototyping) to the department. Dr. Anastasio has been interested in getting youths interested in engineering and science, participating in an Explore Engineering and Young Engineering Science Program at the University of Connecticut. His industry experience includes internships at Unilever.
Academic Degrees
- PhD, University of Connecticut, 2015
- BS, University of Connecticut, 2009
Awards & Honors
- Robert & Beatrice Mastracchio Endowed Graduate Scholarship, 2009-2010
- American Institute of Chemical Engineering Teaching Assistant of the Year, University of Connecticut Student Chapter, 2012-2015
Research Experiences
- Game-based learning
- Membrane separation processes
- Additive manufacturing for education
- Engineering pedagogy
- Forward osmosis & pressure related osmosis
Select Publications & Presentations
- Anastasio, D. D., Kadilak, A., Arena, J. T., McCutcheon, J. R., Shor, L. M., and Burkey, D. D., “Print-Your-Own-Reactor: A Reactor Design Experiment Using Rapid Prototyping,” Chemical Engineering Education, 2016
- Bodnar, C. A., Anastasio, D., Enszer, J. A., and Burkey, D. D., “Engineers at Play: Games as Teaching Tools for Undergraduate Engineering Students,” Journal of Engineering Education, 105 (1), 147-200, 2016
- Anastasio, D. D., Suresh, A., and Burkey, D. D., “Impact of Narrative, Character Creation, and Game Mechanics on Student Engagement in a Game-Based Chemical Engineering Laboratory Course,” Proceedings of the 122nd Annual American Society for Engineering Education, Seattle, 2015
- Anastasio, D. D., Chwatko, M., Burkey, D. D., and McCutcheon, J. R., “A First-year Project-Based Design Course with Management Simulation and Game-based Learning Elements,” Proceedings of the 122nd Annual American Society for Engineering Education, Seattle, 2015
- Anastasio, D. D., Arena, J. T., Cole, E. A., and McCutcheon, J. R., “Impact of Temperature on Power Density in Closed-Loop Pressure Retarded Osmosis for Grid Storage,” Journal of Membrane Science, 479, 240-5, 2015
Teaching Interests
- Fluid mechanics
- Heat and mass transport
- Chemical engineering laboratory
- Process control