Ryan A Melbard

Ryan Melbard is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Prior to joining UNCW in 2023, he taught mathematics for more than a decade at community colleges in North Carolina and Iowa, serving as Program Chair for Pre-Engineering at Scott Community College and earning Coastal Carolina Community College's Educator of the Year award in 2020. Before transitioning to higher education, he worked as an electrical engineer and IT team leader at a major utility in Wisconsin. His academic background includes degrees in Electrical Engineering, Engineering, and Mathematics, and he is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). His teaching experience spans statistics, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, college algebra, and engineering courses across face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats.

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Platteville
MS in Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Platteville
MS in Mathematics, Texas A&M University

Specialization in Teaching

Ryan specializes in statistics and mathematics education, with extensive experience teaching introductory statistics, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, precalculus, and college algebra. His teaching interests include online and hybrid instruction, instructional technology, accessibility, and the integration of artificial intelligence to support student learning. At UNCW, he serves as course lead for STT 210 (Online Accelerated Program), where he has developed instructional videos, redesigned course materials, and implemented AI-supported learning tools that promote student engagement and problem-solving skills.

Research Interests

Mathematics and statistics education; online learning and instructional design; artificial intelligence in education; technology-enhanced learning; student engagement and success in introductory mathematics and statistics courses.

Professional Service

Ryan's professional service includes participation in the Statistics Interest Group, Lower Division Mathematics Interest Group, scholarship review committees, faculty search committees, and the Peer Observation Working Group within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He has conducted peer observations, mentored faculty teaching statistics courses, and contributed to course development and curriculum improvement initiatives. He has served as a member of the North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (NCMATYC), the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and is currently a registered Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.

Community Engagement

Ryan has participated in a variety of educational outreach activities throughout his career. His service has included involvement with regional High School Mathematics Competitions, serving on a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) advisory board, volunteering as a First Lego League technical judge, and supporting MathCounts programs for elementary and middle school students. Through these activities, he has worked to promote STEM education and strengthen connections between schools, colleges, universities, and local communities.

Honors & Awards

Educator of the Year, Coastal Carolina Community College (2020)
Nominee, North Carolina Board of Community Colleges / R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching Award (2020)
Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.), State of Wisconsin (since 2004)