University at Buffalo PhD candidate Duncan Mullins explores how future engineering faculty understand learning and teaching. Drawing on phenomenological research, he reveals that graduate students favor student-centered, application-driven approaches — far from traditional lecture models. His findings highlight a striking gap between emerging educators' beliefs and current classroom practices, offering insight into how engineering education can better prepare both teachers and students for real-world complexity.

The first annual Purdue Engineering Bay Area Tech Summit featured an engaging fireside chat with DJ Patil and sessions highlighting cutting-edge innovation. Discussions covered AI with insights from academia and industry leaders at Amazon and d-Matrix; advances in soft robotics; and a cybersecurity panel with experts from Securiti, Purdue, and venture capital. Additional sessions explored the intersection of AI and pharmaceuticals, followed by deep dives into quantum technologies through a panel with PsiQuantum, Infleqtion, and Purdue faculty. The program showcased how Purdue’s faculty and alums and strong network of industry leaders are paving the way of the future.