Celebrating Future Trailblazers in Engineering!

Trailblazers in Engineering are workshops to prepare future trailblazing faculty in engineering with a focus on preparing outstanding scholars who are also committed to increasing the success of underrepresented communities of 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 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.

View our Promotional Video

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 and LATinE Fellows announced
  • Tuesday, July 26 – Thursday, July 28, 2022: Trailblazers in Engineering Workshop

Location

  • Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Applicants are invited to apply through two programs, Black Trailblazers in Engineering (BTE) and Latinx Trailblazers in Engineering (LATinE). Please visit these pages for details.


One year later: 71 TBE fellows total (30 black, 1 Native American, 34 LATINX) have participated in the program and are changing the landscape of engineering academia. Already 7 hold faculty positions, 15 are postdoctoral fellows at prestigious institutions, 2 are in industry and 47 are finishing their PhDs.

Fellow comments: This is the best workshop I have ever been at or participated in because of how well-organized it was, how deep in content, and how deep in important things we need to know as grad students. | I wasn't planning to apply... My mentor motivated me... Looking Back, it was the best decision I ever made! | I have learned much from this event, but the contacts built through the speakers will help ensure my future success as a faculty member. | ... Thank you for this transformative workshop!