ESP Biography



JONATHAN DIRRENBERGER, Engineer with a passion for history and teaching




Major: Aeronautics & Astronautics

College/Employer: Space Systems/Loral

Year of Graduation: 2004

Picture of Jonathan Dirrenberger

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I have a BS (1997) and MS (1998) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) and an Engineer's Degree (2004) in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford. I am currently a Thermal Engineer at Space Systems Loral in Palo Alto helping design and build communications satellites. Before that, I worked for several years as a math and physics tutor and a rock climbing instructor. I have always had a strong passion for teaching and, in addition to tutoring, I have been a teaching assistant for approximately half a dozen classes (both undergraduate and graduate) and a volunteer teacher for the Stanford Young Astronauts Program (a program to teach local elementary school students about science).

However, I am interested in much more than engineering and science. I am a huge proponent of sustainable development and protecting and enjoying our amazing (but endangered) planet. I also have a strong interest in history (particularly medieval European, colonial American, and Japanese), language, and understanding the many unique cultures that exist on our planet. My real passion lies in combining all these different subjects together to see the “big picture” of an issue. For example, I believe that science can only truly be understood by understanding the historical and cultural environment under which it evolved and what effects it has had on the environment and society, both good and bad. My hobbies include Japanese jujitsu, lindy hop (swing dancing), backpacking, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, guitar, and piano.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

L298: Understanding the Calendar in Splash! Spring 2009 (Apr. 04 - 05, 2009)
Why are there 7 days in a week and approximately 30 days in a month? Are these numbers random? Where do the names for the weekdays and months come from? (Hint: many of them have to do with Viking and Roman gods.) Why do we have leap years? What causes the seasons? You will leave this course being able to answer all these questions and much more. Most of us could hardly function without a calendar, yet surprisingly few understand its rich and complicated history. It is one of the few remnants of the ancient and medieval worlds which is still in widespread use today. This course will cover some basic astronomy and the orbits of the planets and how, when combined with the rich history, language, and religion of the ancient and medieval civilizations, gave rise to our calendar.


S412: How to Save the Planet in Splash! Spring 2009 (Apr. 04 - 05, 2009)
There is much talk today of global warming, being green, organic food, saving the rain forests, and sustainable development. What does it all mean? What exactly is happening to our planet that is so dire? And how can you make a difference? This class will demonstrate some ways in which, as the world's population booms and our technology progresses, we've placed immense strain on our environment, often without even realizing it. You will see how deeply-rooted the problems are in the West's economic system and culture. But more importantly, not only will we discuss what has happened and what is currently happening to our planet, we will discuss possible solutions, especially those you can create as an individual. There are many, many solutions, and most of them do not require advanced technology but rather simple willpower. The goal of this class is to raise awareness and to invite discussion and questions.