Samieh Askarian Khanamani

Over ten years of experience designing and leading STEM programs for K-12 students, an educational researcher, a teacher trainer, and an academic leader across various educational settings in two different countries. Demonstrated record in program planning, staff supervision, informal learning coordination, and educational equity work across school, university, and community settings. Research centers on how design-based learning environments improve access and engagement in STEM for diverse populations. Experienced in multi-institutional collaboration, teacher professional development, and managing programs that serve communities historically excluded from STEM pathways. Skilled in student teamwork development, instructional design, and aligning research with national STEM education initiatives. 

PhD: University of Cincinnati 2021 (Engineering and Computing Education )

Master of Science: Kerman Azad University Kerman, Iran, 2017 (Civil Engineering, Construction Management)

Bachelor of Science : Kerman University Kerman, Iran, 2012 (Project Management Engineering)

Creativity| STEAM Program Designer| Engineering Design Process| Origami| Curriculum Designer| PD| Informal Education Program Designer| Educational Manager|Engineering Design Thinking| PreK-12| Program Designer

2010 -2020 Executive Director, Created and organized engaging STEM courses for elementary and middle school students at PCI School. Designed interactive activities and workshops to foster students’ interest in STEM subjects. Led a K-12 school serving over 500 students, with full responsibility for instructional leadership, program development, and staff supervision across the institution, resulting in improved student learning outcomes every year. Oversaw school operations including program budgeting, staff planning, and institutional reporting. Edited and published educational materials, including kindergarten science and math workbooks and school-wide magazines, creating accessible content for young learners., PCI Elementary School, Kerman, Iran

Published Abstracts

J Agarwal, S Askarian, G Bucks, T Murphy (2022. ) State of evaluating the effectiveness of teaching development programs for students in engineering .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Co-Author

Eason, K., Gaskins, W., Guy, B., Martin, S., & Askarian, S (2023. ) We Lose the Game Before We Start to Play: How Black Women Make Meaning of Their Experiences in Engineering Education .[Abstract]Journal of Black Excellence in Engineering, Science, & Technology , Vol. 1 ,Co-Author

Gaskins, W., Askarian, S., & Eason, K (2022. ) Black is Gold: The Importance of Racial Identity to Black Undergraduate Students in Engineering .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Co-Author

Lampley, P., Cabrera-Toro, K., Gaskins, W., Mensah, M., & Askarian, S (2022. ) Engagement in Practice: The Road to Higher Education-Is the Pipeline Half Empty or Half Full? An Analysis of Student Experiences, Perceptions and Backgrounds When Considering a Career in Engineering .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Co-Author

Johnson, A. M., Khanamani, S. A., Onyango, M. O., & Gaskins, W (2024. ) Board 179: Campus Climate, STEM Students: Examining Structural Obstacles for BW Student Success .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Co-Author

Ehsan, H., Rehmat, A. P., & Khanamani, S. A (2023. ) Parents Becoming Informal Engineering Educators: Workshop for Parents (Resource Exchange) .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Co-Author

Meintel, E., Khanamani, S. A., Bartish, B. M., Gaskins, W., & Turner, K (2024. ) Draw an Engineer .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Co-Author

Khanamani, S. A., Johnson, A. M., Onyango, M., & Gaskins, W. B (2024. ) WIP: STEM Culture from Faculty Perspectives: How Faculty See Climate in STEM and its Effect on the Sense of Belonging of Traditionally/Historically Excluded Students .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Author

Samieh Askarian Khanamani, Gaskins, W., & Agarwal, J. (2026. ) More Than Paper Cranes: A STEAM-Based Approach to Teaching the Engineering Design Process Through Origami .[Abstract]American Society for Engineering Education conference, Author

Peer Reviewed Publications

Hoda Ehsan, Abeera P. Rehmat & Samieh Askarian Khanamani (2026. ) Developing STEM Wisdom in Neurodiverse Gifted Learners: An Asset-Based Approach to Engineering Design for Autistic Children .Roeper Review, , 51–62

Academic - University of Cincinnati
45 W Corry Blvd
Cincinnati  Ohio, 45219
Phone: 7654147728
askarish@mail.uc.edu