The research advance was a milestone for the department, founded in 2004, along the journey of defining itself and the research themes in engineering education it will pursue. Significant research areas were identified within the context of ongoing activities of engineering education research centers; local, state, and national priorities; research interests and strengths of engineering education faculty; and resources available at Purdue and beyond.

Engineering Education will build on this inaugural research advance. The department will coordinate with the national agenda and pursue additional opportunities to refine its research agenda in the future.