The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University mourns the loss of beloved faculty member, Dr Ann Christy. She passed away on Friday, October 3 at the age of 63.
Dr. Ann Christy was a Professor of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Professor of Engineering Education at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and Associate Dean and Director for Academic Programs.
Dr. Christy earned her Bachelors (agricultural engineering) and Masters (biomedical engineering) from Ohio State University and her PhD (environmental engineering) from Clemson University. She earned multiple teaching awards at the college, university, and national levels. Her research in bioenergy, environment and engineering education generated 145 publications, including more than 40 topics in teaching and learning. She was named a fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
Fellow faculty members at FABE are devastated to hear about Dr. Christy’s passing, as she left a continuing impact on their lives through her illustrious career and fun-loving personality. Assistant Professor Kate Boening-Ulman expressed how much Dr. Christy’s teachings meant to her.
“I first met Dr. Ann Christy 9 years ago as a student,” said Dr. Boening-Ulman. “Ann continually made sure to be engaging, break down the complex material in several different ways and relate material into several different industries. All of these aspects led her students to be able to gain strong fundamental skills and an ability to apply topical knowledge to different contexts. Then as a mentor, she instilled in me not just great teaching practices, but a love for teaching engineering and its sub disciplines to a wide range of audiences and the importance of being dedicated to students’ overall wellbeing. Ann Christy will always be a big part of my "why I am a professor in engineering” and I will be forever grateful to her for pushing and supporting me.”
Professor Lingying Zhao was also mentored by Dr. Ann Christy and wanted to express her condolences to Dr. Christy.
“Ann Christy was one of my mentors when I began my assistant professor position at Ohio State University. She played a crucial role in helping me significantly improve my teaching,” said Dr. Zhao. “Ann’s respect and genuine care for her students left a lasting impression on me. She instilled in me the “student-first” philosophy, which transformed my own teaching approaches. Beyond her professional mentorship, Ann was also a dear friend. I was always touched by her warmth, grace, kindness, and joyful spirit. With great sadness and a profound sense of loss, we remember Ann and wish her eternal peace and joy.”
Assistant Professor Patrick Sours also expressed his sincerest condolences to Dr. Christy upon hearing of her passing.
“I wouldn’t be here nor would the Humanitarian Engineering program if it wasn’t for her advocacy and willingness to advise me,” said Dr. Sours. “Ann was integral to the success and growth of the Humanitarian Engineering Program in FABE, through her mentorship and advising. Ann advised the first Humanitarian Engineering focused MS and PhD program. Through her advocacy and mentorship supported the program's growth to one dedicated teaching faculty member, five graduate students, 12+ undergraduate and graduate courses impacting hundreds of students, and the new Impact Lab to support hands-on learning launching in Spring 2026.”
Dr. Christy is preceded in death by her parents, and survived by her sister Susan Christy, wife Nancy Snyder, daughter Heidi (Derek) Saad and four grandsons.
Dr. Ann Christy has left a substantial impact that cannot be replicated. She will be truly missed.