Alan Feitelberg

Alan Feitelberg is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University. He joined Cornell in November 2012 and has played a significant role in shaping the department's focus on product design and practical engineering skills.13

Professional Background

Before joining Cornell, Feitelberg had extensive industry experience:

• He worked as Director of Advanced Concepts at Plug Power Inc. from September 2001.3
• He has held teaching positions at other institutions, including Union Graduate College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as an Adjunct Faculty member.

Contributions to Cornell Engineering

At Cornell, Feitelberg has made several notable contributions:

1. Course Development: He initiated and developed the "Principles of Product Design" course, which serves as a foundation for project-based courses in the department.1

2. Industry Perspective: Feitelberg brings valuable industry experience to the classroom, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.1

3. Senior Capstone Course: He is involved in teaching the senior capstone course on plant design for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering students, working alongside other industry veterans.2

4. Emphasis on Practical Skills: Feitelberg has been instrumental in introducing modern methods of product design into the undergraduate curriculum, aiming to better prepare students for industry challenges.1

Teaching Philosophy

Feitelberg's approach to teaching is strongly influenced by his industry background. He believes in providing students with opportunities to practice using tools and techniques developed in industry, which he sees as adding great value to the educational program.1 This approach aims to better prepare Cornell engineering students for tackling real-world product design problems and reduce the need for extensive on-the-job training after graduation.