From Helicopters to Human Factors

Artre Turner knows how to keep things running smoothly—whether it’s a helicopter or a research project. After five years as a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter technician, he discovered a passion for training others and improving systems. That drive led him to study industrial engineering, where he began tutoring and researching how people learn. At Virginia Tech, Artre’s work on human factors and skills acquisition connected him with faculty in engineering education—and ultimately led him to Purdue.

Now a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education (and simultaneously earning a master’s in Industrial Engineering), Artre is co-advised by Jason Morphew and Kerrie Douglas. His research explores how recreational video games can teach engineering and STEM concepts. “I’m interested in how players naturally learn problem-solving and systems thinking,” he said. “If we can transfer those lessons into engineering classrooms, we can help students learn more flexibly.”

Artre credits Purdue’s Graduate Bridge Program and supportive faculty with helping him find his footing early. “The first-year courses were fantastic,” he said. “They really teach you how to think like a researcher.”