Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cristian Clavijo, Professor for Engineering Management and Leadership with the University of Utah
UOnline, at the University of Utah is excited to welcome Dr. Cristian Clavijo to the Department of Mechanical Engineering. We had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Clavijo about his experience and his excitement at returning to the University of Utah. His primary focus will be on engineering management and leadership, and he comes to us with a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and a deep connection to the university that shaped his educational journey.
Dr. Cristian Clavijo
A Homecoming to the University of Utah
Dr. Clavijo’s academic journey has been deeply connected to Utah. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah and a Ph.D. from Brigham Young University, highlighting his commitment to academic excellence. During our interview, he shared that returning to his alma mater as a professor is a meaningful step in his career, and he felt like it was a way to give back to the community that influenced his growth.
“The University of Utah is where my passion for engineering and science was born,” Dr. Clavijo shared. “Being an alum of the U was a major motivator in coming back. My identity is tied to being a Ute, and I look forward to mentoring the next generation of engineers and advancing science alongside some of the brightest researchers in the world.”
Bridging Academia and Industry
Dr. Clavijo comes to us with nearly a decade of industry experience with startups and large Fortune 500 companies such as Becton Dickinson and Thermo Fisher Scientific. These roles gave him hands-on exposure to leadership and technical challenges, while equipping him with the practical insights he brings into the classroom.
“Having years of real-world experience allows me to guide students toward industry roles with authenticity,” he explained. “I will mentor students on leadership skills so that, in complement with their technical toolbox, they can solve some of today’s most complex problems.”
Research That Makes A Difference
During our conversation, Dr. Clavijo discussed his research interests, which span two very different areas in engineering: Leadership for engineers and biological heat transfer. His current focus on leadership includes identifying the most valuable traits for engineers to navigate their leadership journeys. Additionally, his extensive experience in heat transfer and biology inspires him to discover active pathways employed by cells to dissipate thermal energy.
Inspiring Teaching Philosophy
A strong believer in experiential learning, Dr. Clavijo incorporates group projects into his teaching to help students practice leadership skills in collaborative settings. He stresses the need for students to experience what it's like to put the leadership philosophies they learn in the classroom into practice. He wants his students to critically think about the choices they make as leaders, and the ways they can improve.
“Leadership has to be experienced,” he said. “In class, we tackle topics like emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and productive conflict, preparing students for success in diverse professional environments.”
Beyond the classroom
Outside of work, Dr. Clavijo is a devoted father of three, sharing his love for teamwork by coaching his son’s soccer team and supporting his daughter’s rock-climbing and swimming endeavors. He also enjoys reading, attending conferences, and deepening his scientific knowledge. In response to a book recommendation, he suggested Drive by Daniel Pink, which explores the science of human motivation.
Shaping the Future of Engineering Leadership
As Dr. Clavijo settles into his role, his goals include expanding the reach of engineering management across disciplines and advocating for the importance of leadership education in engineering programs nationwide.
His advice to students considering a career in engineering leadership? “Invest time in getting to know yourself—what drives you, what challenges you, and what truly fulfills you. This self-awareness is key to becoming a successful and empathetic leader.”
Dr. Clavijo's commitment to education, research, and the engineering community positions him to make a significant impact at the University of Utah. We are excited to have him join the University of Utah’s UOnline team through the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His passion for science and leadership will certainly inspire students, enrich collaboration with colleagues, and advance the field of engineering management.
Visit UOnline to find out more about the University of Utah UOnline’s Engineering programs, including Engineering Management and Leadership.