From chemical engineering principles to electrochemical systems
Professor Drake uses a multimodal teaching approach that combines lectures and mathematical derivations with visual analogies, demonstrations, simulation, discussion, written work, and student presentations. He has created or enhanced hands-on activities in both core and specialized courses. Encountering concepts in different forms helps students connect theory, computational analysis, and experimental observation. His industrial and academic experience grounds fundamental concepts in everyday observations and real-world engineering applications.
Specialized Course
Electrochemical Energy — Batteries, Fuel Cells
Professor Drake created and teaches an introductory course in electrochemical energy. The course builds from familiar chemical engineering principles to show how thermodynamics, charge-transfer reaction kinetics, and transport govern the operating performance of lithium-ion batteries, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and electrolyzers. This multimodal structure has been well received by students, who have particularly noted how lectures and laboratory work reinforce one another.
Core Subjects and Practice
Transport Phenomena and Fluid Mechanics
Professor Drake also teaches core subjects in the MIT Department of Chemical Engineering. Since 2023, he has taught two separate undergraduate subjects: Transport Phenomena, focused on heat and mass transfer, and Fluid Mechanics. In Fluid Mechanics, he championed the course’s adoption of an additional hands-on activity and led its adaptation for chemical engineering students.
