Michael Robbins, PhD, comes to CMU from Auburn University in Alabama, where he was born and raised. His academic background is in Physics Education Research, which focuses on effective approaches to teaching physics in higher education. His thesis examined how students in a graduate quantum course develop expert-like decision-making skills.
That research informs Robbins' approach in the classroom, where he emphasizes problem-solving and decision-making. Students regularly work in groups to tackle complex, real-world problems and develop skills that can be applied beyond physics. Robbins also believes mistakes are an essential part of learning and structures his courses so students can learn from them rather than simply be penalized for them. He welcomes feedback and conversations with students about the research-informed techniques he uses in his courses.
Outside the classroom, Robbins enjoys rock climbing, slacklining, playing chess and drinking tea.