Dr. Olgha Qaqish
Director, Engineering Grand Challenges Scholars Program

Email: obdavis@ncsu.edu
Phone: (919) 515-9633
Office: 111 Lampe Drive, 425

Olgha Bassam Qaqish, Ph.D. is a prominent figure in engineering education and research, currently serving as the director of the Engineering Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) at NC State University. With a diverse background encompassing education, research, mentorship, and innovation, Dr. Qaqish is a driving force in shaping the academic landscape.

She recently won the Global NACADA award in 2024 for the Outstanding New Advising Faculty. She holds a patent for pioneering work titled, ”Methods, Systems and Computer Readable Media for applying multi-push acoustic radiation force to samples and monitoring a response to quantify mechanical
properties of samples,” showcasing her expertise in applied engineering. She is also a respected author, having co-authored two textbooks. Her debut, ”Algebra Essentials,” emerged during her tenure teaching Mathematics at Wake Tech Community College, while her second publication, ”Creating a Better World:
Innovation, Ingenuity, and Engineering,” serves as a cornerstone in first-year engineering courses at NC State.

In addition to her roles in curriculum development and instruction, Dr. Qaqish is deeply involved in research and mentoring. She serves as an instructor for core first-year engineering courses such as E101: Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving and E102: Engineering for the 21st Century. Her commitment extends to undergraduate and graduate-level research courses, where she fosters an environment of innovation and discovery. She established the study abroad program for E101 for Quito, Ecuador for Spring 2024 and is now the program director for the study abroad program for E101 for Prague, Czech for Spring 2025.

Dr. Qaqish’s academic journey reflects her dedication to learning and excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University, followed by a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Her academic pursuits culminated
in a Ph.D. in Educational research from NC State University, underscoring her commitment to advancing engineering education.

As the director of the Grand Challenges Scholars Programs and a First-Year Engineering Educator at NC State University’s Undergraduate Academic Affairs – College of Engineering, Dr. Qaqish remains a steadfast advocate for academic and social achievement in engineering. She champions diverse educational
strategies tailored to each student’s unique strengths while nurturing areas of improvement, thus ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all aspiring engineers.