Pitt-Bradford Engineering Professor Presents Paper in Czech Republic

Dr. Ronald Mattis, associate professor of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, presented a paper this summer at the International Journal of Arts & Sciences conference in Prague, Czech Republic.

Mattis’s paper, “Using Spreadsheets to Develop Problem-solving Skills in an Introductory Chemical Engineering Course,” explained how he uses Excel spreadsheets and data to teach students the mathematical processes behind popular chemical process simulators.

“The use of Excel as a teaching aid helped the students to develop their problem-solving skills and gave them confidence in the use of a familiar tool that they can use in future courses,” he said.

Mattis, director of the engineering program, came to Pitt-Bradford in 1985. His main research interests include parallel processing, particle transport theory, arms control and national security issues.

He holds both a doctorate and bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in nuclear energy from the University of Michigan.

Mattis lives in Kane and enjoys mountain biking, cross-country skiing, weight training and reading.