Engaged Teaching Scholar, 2025-2026
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
Omar Al-Shebeeb is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Statler College, where he teaches Industrial and Management Systems Engineering. His areas of research interest are in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and design efficiency, design thinking, productivity improvement, advanced manufacturing and technologies, subtractive and additive manufacturing, quality control, manufacturing facilities design and material handling, and CAD/CAM/CIM/CIE systems and applications.
Scholarly Teaching Project
Low-Cost Virtual Learning and Production Labs
Virtual Makerspace Tools
Through this project, Al-Shebeeb shares the benefits of teaching with virtual makerspace
and simulation tools, positive impact on student engagement and learning, and
how to overcome common challenges instructors may encounter when teaching with
such tools.
Associated Events
Conference Abstract: This workshop explores an innovative approach to engineering education that combines physical makerspace activities with classroom instruction and low-cost virtual labs. The goal is to create a hybrid learning environment where students can engage in design, simulation, and production workflows that mirror real-world manufacturing processes. Participants will learn strategies for integrating virtual tools and simulations into traditional hands-on activities to enhance accessibility, reduce costs, and support iterative learning. The session will highlight methods for fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and reflective practice while preparing students for modern digital-physical workflows common in industry. At the end of the workshop, attendees will gain practical insights into implementing scalable, technology-enhanced teaching models that bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping learners with essential skills for contemporary manufacturing environments.
Related Scholarship
Al-Shebeeb, O. A. (2026, March). Collaborative Makerspace-to-Classroom and Manufacturing Integration: Low-Cost Virtual Learning and Production Labs [Conference Workshop]. 2026 ASEE North Central Section Conference, Alliance, Ohio. https://asee-ncs.org/conferences
Conference Abstract: This workshop explores an innovative approach to engineering education that combines physical makerspace activities with classroom instruction and low-cost virtual labs. The goal is to create a hybrid learning environment where students can engage in design, simulation, and production workflows that mirror real-world manufacturing processes. Participants will learn strategies for integrating virtual tools and simulations into traditional hands-on activities to enhance accessibility, reduce costs, and support iterative learning. The session will highlight methods for fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and reflective practice while preparing students for modern digital-physical workflows common in industry. At the end of the workshop, attendees will gain practical insights into implementing scalable, technology-enhanced teaching models that bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping learners with essential skills for contemporary manufacturing environments.