Rate My Professor Kit Cischke

Christopher (Kit) Cischke serves as Associate Chair and Teaching Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Technological University. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, earned in 2001, and an MS in Computer Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Cischke first came to Michigan Tech as a student in 1997. During his undergraduate studies, he interned at IBM, verifying hard drive controllers using VHDL, and co-founded one of the original Enterprise programs, the Wireless Communications Enterprise, where he continues to serve as Faculty Advisor.

Following graduation, Cischke worked for approximately 4.5 years at Unisys as a hardware engineer, designing and verifying the second-level cache of a custom processor and contributing to internal software development. During this period, he was named as inventor or co-inventor on three patents. He returned to Michigan Tech to teach undergraduate courses in digital logic, embedded systems, and introductory electric circuits, while pursuing a PhD in Computational Science and Engineering. His doctoral research focuses on simulation and modeling of complex systems on parallel computing architectures. Cischke's research interests encompass parallel computing and Unified Parallel C (UPC), as well as engineering education.

Renowned for his teaching excellence, Cischke has implemented innovative pedagogical approaches, such as specifications grading in EE3173 Hardware/Software System Integration, which establishes clear passing thresholds based on learning objectives. He enhances experiential learning through hands-on activities using Zumo Robots, multi2sim simulators, and intensive Verilog design projects. Cischke participated in KEEN workshops on the entrepreneurial mindset, developing assignments that blend technical skills with innovation. He has been selected for the Dean's Teaching Showcase in 2024 by College of Engineering Dean Audra Morse, received the Innovative or Out of Class Teaching Award from the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning, was named Professor of the Year in 2013, and honored with the Enterprise Distinguished Service Award. His contributions foster inclusive environments and meaningful student connections, earning praise as an exemplary role model from ECE Chair Jin Choi.