When he publishes research, his name shows up as Jacob R. Grohs. When you talk to him, he goes by Jake.
As of Sept. 1, Grohs now also goes by a new name — interim director of the Institute of Creativity, Arts, and Technology’s (ICAT) Center for Educational Networks and Impacts (CENI).
“I am thrilled to have Dr. Grohs join CENI. His STEM education work in Southwest Virginia is widely recognized as impactful and aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire, connect, and impact,” said Lisa McNair, deputy executive director of ICAT. “His expertise and networks in engineering and education will certainly strengthen Virginia Tech’s response to transdisciplinary challenges and opportunities in regional workforce development.”
In the position, Grohs will bring his experience facilitating collaboration between Virginia Tech researchers, schools, and industries in Southwest Virginia communities to help CENI evolve to its next level. He will work closely with McNair and Phyllis Newbill, associate director of networks, in pursuing this charge. Grohs’ background in education and countless projects impacting the community and the region makes him an ideal person for the job.
Grohs has called the New River Valley home since moving here in 2004 when he came to Virginia Tech to study engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering science and mechanics and stayed to pursue a master’s degree in engineering mechanics.
After completing his graduate studies, Grohs was employed by VT Engage from 2009-14, serving as an associate director there in 2013 and 2014. While in the role, he enjoyed working at the university and decided to pursue a part-time Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction focusing on educational psychology.
Upon finishing his Ph.D., he joined the Department of Engineering Education, was tenured five years later, and has been an associate professor since. During this period, Grohs also served as the elected chair of ENGE of the Equity and Inclusion Committee and was assistant department head of graduate programs from 2020-22.
“I have been interested in the big challenges and problems we face in education and society. And I recognize that in trying to make some progress in any of them, we have to work with people of different levels, expertise, and organizations. Thus, most of my research agenda is applied,” Grohs said. “The one unifying theme is that they are problems I care about deeply and opportunities where I hope I can add value as part of a collaborating team.”
