BTE: Black Trailblazers in Engineering

Purdue Engineering, the home of Neil Armstrong, Lillian Gilbreth, and the birthplace of both the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the nation’s first Women in Engineering program, is committed to building a diverse and successful national talent pool in engineering. BTE is an initiative intended to increase the number and success of Black engineering faculty in the US, who in turn, will blaze new trails with new discoveries, innovations and social impact and serve as role models for the next generation of engineers.

Program goals

The goal of the BTE program at Purdue Engineering is to prepare future trailblazing faculty in engineering with a focus on preparing outstanding scholars who are also committed to increasing the success of Black engineers. Trailblazers in Engineering Fellows are selected not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements but also for their potential impact in expanding representation and diversity in engineering. The three-day workshop will provide Fellows the ability to network with leading faculty in engineering, thought leaders, program managers at key federal funding agencies, Purdue Engineering heads, and of course, each other. Participants will also meet current Trailblazers and benefit from their inspiring keynote talks.

Eligibility

PhD students/postdocs in engineering or related disciplines at US research universities who (a) are expected to complete their PhD/postdoctoral appointments at US universities in 2022 or 2023 are eligible to apply. This opportunity is open to all students, regardless of race or national origin, whose experiences have shaped their ability to operate in a diverse environment or who demonstrate a commitment to increasing opportunities for members of underrepresented minorities, breaking down stereotypes, and enabling others to better understand and support individuals of different races and national origins. Up to 25 talented BTE fellows will be selected.

Reasons to Attend

1. Network with leading trailblazing Black faculty in engineering, thought leaders, program managers at key federal funding agencies, Purdue Engineering school heads, and scientists who will present keynote speeches and talks throughout the program.
2. Gain insight into what academic success will look like post-pandemic.
3. Participate in panel discussions.
   • Why choose an academic career?
   • How to apply & interview?
   • How to negotiate salary and start-up packages?
   • How to get early career research funding?
4. Meet program managers from the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Institutes of Health and others; receive advice on your proposals; and participate in a poster session to pitch your research and teaching plans and get feedback from would-be employers.
5. Attend a session for early career teaching presented by recognized experts in faculty development.
6. For non-Purdue Fellows, we are reimbursing up to $800.00 per Economy flight and transportation (cab fare, shuttle, mileage, and/or parking to/from Purdue). For all Fellows, all lodging and meals will be provided during the workshop, July 26-28, as will two days of per diem for travel days of July 25 & 28. Note: Eligible reimbursements that exceed $800.00 will be considered by need on a case-by-case basis. For inquiries, please contact Maria Longoria-Littleton, at mlongori@purdue.edu.

Key Dates

• February 28, 2022: Application cycle opens
• June 3, 2022: Applications, including cover letters, CVs, research, education statements are due. Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or a supervisor that addresses the potential of the applicant to be a future trailblazing faculty member in engineering.
• July 8, 2022: BTE Fellows announced
• Tuesday, July 26 – Thursday, July 28, 2022: Trailblazers in Engineering Workshop

Location

• TBE 2022 will be held in person on Purdue's beautiful West Lafayette, IN campus July 26 - 28, 2022.

Application

Required application materials include the following items:

• Cover letter should summarize why applicants are interested in the program and how it would benefit them; should also indicate their experiences, activities, and/or goals to promote, as a future engineering faculty, a climate that values diversity and inclusion through research, teaching, and/or engagement
• Research and education plan as a future faculty trailblazer in engineering (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae including list of publications
• Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or a supervisor that addresses the potential of the applicant to be a future trailblazing faculty member in engineering.

Apply at https://purdue.infoready4.com/ on the Purdue University Internal Competitions and Limited Submissions page by clicking on Black Trailblazers in Engineering. You may search by the due date of 6/3/2022 to access it more readily.

Create an account by clicking on Register. Here you will input your name and email address and click on Create Account. You will be asked to confirm your account via an email notification sent to the email address entered. Use this email address and established password to access the site. Please note that email domains affiliated with institutions, e.g., edu, are required.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Marsha Freeland, mjfreeland@purdue.edu.