Kelsen LaBerge, Ph.D.

Dr. Kelsen LaBerge is a Professor in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University, where she has been a dedicated faculty member since 2018. With a strong focus on undergraduate engineering education, she teaches core courses such as Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Computing and Problem-Solving, Statics, and Dynamics, blending theoretical rigor with hands-on, real-world applications.

Dr. LaBerge brings nearly a decade of research experience from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, where she collaborated with Army and NASA engineers on rotary-wing drive systems. Her technical expertise spans mechanical component diagnostics and hybrid gear systems. She has also played a key role in developing experimental research facilities and has served as a government reviewer for advanced technology demonstration initiatives.

From 2020 to 2025, Dr. LaBerge served as the Engineering Program Coordinator, playing a key role in curriculum development and academic leadership. She is a recipient of Kent State’s 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award, a student-nominated honor recognizing her commitment to engaging, student-centered instruction.

Dr. LaBerge earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, where her research focused on novel methods for detecting cracks in drivetrain shafts. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio Northern University, with minors in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.

She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Vertical Flight Society, and serves as the faculty advisor for Kent State’s student affiliate of the Society of Women Engineers. Dr. LaBerge is passionate about preparing students to meet the challenges of modern engineering with resilience, collaboration, and curiosity.