Sean Gestson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Shiley School of Engineering

Sean Gestson graduated from the University of Portland in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is rejoining UP after receiving his M.S. and Ph.D. in civil engineering with a research emphasis in engineering education from Oregon State University (OSU). During his time at OSU, Sean taught multiple undergraduate engineering courses including, geotechnical engineering, highway design, surveying, and senior capstone design. His engineering education research aims to understand more about the gap in student preparedness for the engineering workplace. He has worked closely with engineering practitioners, faculty, and students to understand more about their problem-solving behavior, beliefs around engineering knowledge, and learning more about what it means to be an engineer. Sean enjoys being active outdoors with his family and friends while climbing, mountain biking, and camping. He is thrilled to rejoin UP as an engineering faculty member and share the same passion for teaching that he received as a Pilot.