During his undergraduate journey, he filled internship and COOP roles involving statistical forecasting in the entertainment industry, supply chain in the medical device manufacturing industry, and big data analytics in the telecommunications industry. He also worked as a laboratory instructor and teaching assistant for industrial engineering courses such as Layout and Facilities Planning, Discrete Event Simulation and Work Measurement for several years. “All these experiences have broadened my perspective of engineering as a whole to truly see how science and engineering concepts can be applied across all industries,” said Kaufman-Ortiz.

In his search for a graduate program that will enable him to intersect the concepts he has learned in industrial engineering and the teacher preparation program, engineering education was the best fit. “Education is not only about teaching but it involves the community and all the social aspects that teachers must be conscious of such as sociology, philosophy, and many other social sciences,” said Kaufman-Ortiz. His interests in engineering education currently fall within the aspect of teaching at the K-12 and first-year engineering level where technical and soft skills present their own challenges, especially in the way that they are taught. “Coming from a part of Puerto Rico that is far from the capital, it is evident that people from other areas of the island have access to a much more rigorous education, well preparing them for the university,” stated Kaufman-Ortiz.

We asked, "Why Purdue?" 

I remember that the first time I directly called an employee at Purdue University. This person did not know who I was. As I started the conversation, I felt like this person really cared to answer all my questions without even knowing if I would even apply to Purdue or not. When the call ended, I felt like I had someone I could contact no matter the concern I had, the feeling was such that I knew I would feel welcome at Purdue. I then visited the university through the GDVP Program where I learned a lot more about the university, facilities, the location, and the people finalizing my decision on applying to Purdue. As an incoming student to one of the best universities in the nation, I could not feel more proud to become a Boilermaker. Boiler up!