PCE News
Faculty Reflections: Dr. Jenna Stolzman
January 12, 2026
Dr. Jenna Stolzman is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Padnos College of Engineering. Dr. Stolzman joined the college in the Fall 2025 semester. We were able to sit down and touch base with her regarding her first semester. The questions we asked are in bold, and her answers are italicized.
Tell us about your journey to be teaching here at Grand Valley State University, in other words, how did you come across Grand Valley, and decide it was the place for you?
I found GVSU when I was a senior in high school, in Muskegon, MI. I had siblings that attended Grand Valley before me, and I was familiar with the school. In the end, it came down to a decision between GVSU and MSU, and two main things pulled me to GVSU, the lower costs, and the smaller class sizes. Building relationships with my professors and classmates was an important aspect of choosing which university to attend. I enjoy the fact that the engineering buildings are in the heart of Grand Rapids, which I think is a perfectly sized city, with a tight-knit community and the feeling of home that the city provides. I had hoped to return to Grand Valley after I received my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, to give back to the community that helped me find my path.
How did your first semester go? Good things, bad things?
My first semester went well, and I enjoyed the process of settling in and meeting my students. I am excited to provide the same quality education that I received in my undergrad. This semester allowed me to learn what I know, and I am excited to address opportunities to improve my teaching.
What classes did you teach in your first semester?
This semester, I taught EGR 360, Thermodynamics. I also assisted one of my colleagues with EGR 311, Intermediate Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing. I was able to teach a lighter course load this semester, and it was helpful to allow me to fit into this new role.
What has been the most enriching experience so far at Grand Valley? Has there been a specific moment that has stood out to you?
I would say that advising a graduate student while she pursues her M.S.E. has been the best experience so far. Working with her has allowed me to stretch my thinking and use the lessons that I learned from my advisors. Passing these lessons along has been a very rewarding experience. Building up students to reach their full potential, because when you’re a student, you feel very overwhelmed, and you may feel like you aren’t doing enough. When you get to the other side of the classroom, you start to realize that you did way more than you thought you did. It has been nice to remind my students of this and build their confidence.
What do you think makes Grand Valley and the PCE special?
I think what makes the PCE special is the small class sizes and the teacher to student ratios. The small class sizes allow us to build relationships with our students, allowing them to feel comfortable and increase academic success.
Do you have a mentor, or is there one colleague who has helped you through this semester? How have they impacted your first semester?
The whole college has been incredibly supportive during my transition, and I do have a mentor – Dr. Shirley Fleischmann. Dr. Fleischmann has been instrumental in this period of transition, helping me learn the ropes of teaching, balancing motherhood and the return to work. This has allowed me to get a good idea for the flow of the semester, and how to efficiently prep for classes.
What is your favorite field or sub-field in engineering to study?
A lot of my research is focused on methane emissions and how we can reduce them. I presented for the university community last semester related to oil and gas flaring and how we can reduce the emissions in large amounts. I am very passionate about the environmental impact of engineering and sustainability practices that we can use, as it is something tangible and impact focused.
If you could choose one thing to say to a prospective student, what would that be?
If I could tell prospective students one thing, it would be to follow that feeling in your gut, go for it, if you don’t like what you’re doing, that’s ok! Be passionate and have fun, don’t be afraid to try something new.
What do you look forward to most for next semester? Any areas you want to focus in on?
Looking forward to next semester, I am looking forward to refining the CFD class that I am teaching. I taught the class as an adjunct last year, and I am excited to prioritize the areas that I identified last year.
What is your favorite part about Grand Rapids? How does it compare to other cities you’ve lived in?
I think it’s a perfectly sized city. It still has the benefit of being a melting pot for people from all over the world, and there are some very tight knit communities here. The city generally feels like home, and not overwhelming like some other cities in the Midwest.
What is your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
I enjoy reading books, baking, cooking, and watching TV, currently Stranger Things. I also spend a lot of time with my daughter and husband.
Do you have any projects you’re working on? (work related or non-work related)
I am advising a graduate student who is taking some of my research with methane emissions and working on making it non-reactive, and studying how turbulence in the crosswind effects mixing using CFD, among other methods.
Are you prepared for the West Michigan winter? Do you like snow?
I grew up in West Michigan, so I am used to the snow. I love the snow when I get to look at it. I do not like driving in it.
What is your favorite holiday / time of year?
Winter is my favorite season. It feels very magical, and I get to see my large extended family, an opportunity that only presents itself around the holidays.
Is there anyone you want to say thank you to?
Dr. Shirley Fleischmann – She has been such a crucial part of this semester as a mentor, both personally and professionally.