From the Dean

Colleagues and friends –

It is Purdue Engineering’s vision that we will be known for our impact on the world. In our summer online edition of Engineering Impact, it is exciting to share stories illustrating that impact.

Civil engineering researcher Shirley Dyke is revolutionizing the way engineers collect and analyze structural-damage data after a natural disaster. To the best of her team’s knowledge, they are the first to apply deep learning classification of images for disaster reconnaissance.

In the realm of medical research, biomedical engineer and microscopy researcher Fang Huang is developing “super-resolution” technology that can reveal objects smaller than the wavelength of light, such as the inner workings of living cells, in real time. It is breathtaking to imagine! In time, Huang’s research will lead to breakthroughs in medical diagnoses and treatments.

And then there’s rocket science. While he was a PhD candidate and postdoctoral researcher in aeronautics and astronautics, alumnus Brandon Terry developed a radical new formulation for solid rocket propellant. Find out how his energy-efficient, environmentally friendly fuel propelled him from grad school straight into forming his own company, which could make important contributions to space flight.

But Purdue engineers excel not only technically; they are well-rounded individuals whose influence infuses many facets of society. Our story about renaissance engineers profiles engineering students with roots in the realms of politics, economics, healthcare, music, and athletics.

Finally, this is my farewell message to you as dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Purdue writer Amy Raley. Guided by her thoughtful questions, I offer reflections on the past 11 years of my career — as well as some of my hopes for the future.

Leah H. Jamieson

The John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering