Meet our new faculty: Rosalie Connell

Rosalie Connell, mechanical engineering | Photo by Rick Smith

My research focuses on: My research broadly falls under the field of injury biomechanics. It is highly interdisciplinary, integrating principles from engineering, anatomy, public health, human factors, and regulatory policy. To date, my work has primarily focused on high-energy crash injury prevention (specifically, car crash safety) and pediatric injury biomechanics, with an emphasis on preventing injuries in child passengers.

A central theme of my previous work has been investigating how car seat design influences proper use among school-age children. Given the multidisciplinary nature of injury biomechanics, my research has also explored how child passenger safety is addressed in clinical settings and examined the environmental sustainability of car seat systems.

In my new role at Lafayette, I am excited to build on this foundation by applying my expertise in injury biomechanics, occupant safety, anatomy, and motion capture to study occupant protection across a broader range of on-road scenarios. I look forward to developing new collaborations with faculty both on and off campus as I apply my research experience into the intersection of mechanical design and user experience, particularly as it relates to occupant protection and the Safe Systems approach.

This fall, I am teaching: ME 355: Mechanical Engineering Design

What students can expect from me: Students can expect a high-energy, dynamic learning environment in my classes. I bring enthusiasm and energy to the classroom because I believe students learn best when they are actively engaged. My teaching philosophy is grounded in interdisciplinary, hands-on, and student-centered learning. I aim to foster curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and support students in developing their own voice as problem-solvers. By blending engineering principles with insights from public health, anatomy, and human factors, I help students see how the material connects across disciplines and applies to real-world challenges.

A major emphasis of my teaching is on relevance and application. I strive to connect theoretical concepts with practical scenarios so students gain a clear sense of how the content fits into professional and everyday contexts. I draw from my experience working alongside design engineers, clinicians, and policymakers to bring authentic, real-world case studies into the classroom. This helps students understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters. I am especially excited to see the creative ways students approach these complex problems, which often offer new perspectives that push my own thinking as an instructor.

I also place a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration. I regularly seek student feedback to ensure the learning environment remains inclusive, supportive, and responsive to their needs. I view teaching as a shared journey and believe that the best classroom experiences come from mutual respect and a willingness to grow together. My door is always open. Please feel free to stop by for academic support, project guidance, or simply a conversation. I encourage students from all backgrounds and disciplines to reach out, ask questions, and take full advantage of the resources available. As someone who was deeply involved in campus life during my own student years, I understand the importance of having accessible, engaged faculty, and I strive to be that resource for my students.

Getting to know me: Although I will be teaching in Mechanical Engineering, my background is in biomedical engineering. I even have a graduate minor in human anatomy, and I really geek out about it! (If you have never been to the Mütter Museum in Philly, you are missing out. I could spend hours there.) More personally, I am originally from the Bucks County area, so it feels so good to be back close to home. Outside of my teaching and research, I enjoy crocheting, yoga, and spending time watching the Fightin’ Phils with my fiancé and our dog, Cici.

Meet Lafayette College’s new faculty.