Overview

Because this project involves a range of research methods, depends on a strong understanding of each case, and has significant potential outcomes for both academia and industry, we have designed our evaluation plan around two advisory boards. These groups provide key research expertise, case site knowledge, and industry context to support the implementation and evaluation of this project.

Research Advisory Board

This advisory board consists of educational researchers and practitioners with the necessary experience to support us in carrying out the research project. Our research advisory board consists of:

  • Dr. Brent Jesiek, Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue University, is the developer of the global engineering competency framework that informs part of the data collection approach for this study. Dr. Jesiek has significant prior experience researching global programs for engineers and has also conducted multiple studies of practicing engineers. He provides expertise in both the subject matter of this project and practical experience collecting data from this population.
  • Dr. Samantha Brunhaver, Assistant Professor of Engineering Education at Arizona State University, was one of the researchers on the Pathways of Engineering Alumni Research Survey (PEARS) project that will inform the development of the survey to be used in the proposed project. Dr. Brunhaver has worked on multiple projects related to engineering career pathways and professional engineering practice and has used SCCT in several of her projects. She provides expertise in alumni research, survey development, and the integration of the theoretical framework into the study.
  • Dr. Sigrid Berka, Executive Director of the International Engineering Program at the University of Rhode Island, contributes experience coordinating and studying global engineering programs as well as connections in the international engineering education community. She is the key contact for the University of Rhode Island case site and provides in-depth insights into this case context and support the recruitment for that site.
  • Dr. Chris Cooper, Director of Manufacturing and Construction Co-op Programs at the University of Cincinnati, contributes practical experience coordinating and evaluating global engineering programs. He is the key contact for the University of Cincinnati case site and provides in-depth insights into this case context and support the recruitment for that site.

Industrial Advisory Board 

The Industrial Advisory Committee members represent a variety of different industry sectors, have experience with large global companies hiring thousands of engineers, and have engaged in the recruitment, training, or career development of engineers within their companies. The Industrial Advisory Committee members include:

  • Tony Denhart, Executive Vice President, Workforce and Talent for the State of Indiana. He provides a critical link between business and talent resources including universities, government agencies, and community stakeholders. Prior to this role, Tony spent 32 years with General Electric in various engineering roles and as University Relations Director where he led recruitment teams engaging with universities throughout the Midwest, hiring thousands of engineering students for internships and full-time roles.
  • Matt Edwards, Vice President- Indianapolis Parenteral Manufacturing for Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. His 11-year career at Eli Lilly has included roles as Manufacturing Plant Manager in Puerto Rico, and Suzhou, China. These roles required Matt to adapt to cultural differences and put him in charge of facilities where engineers from different cultures, including U.S. expat’s, needed to bridge cultural gaps to work effectively.
  • Jim Adelsperger, Manager, Engineering Mechanics at Daimler Trucks North America in Detroit Diesel. Jim has a 25+ year career at Detroit Diesel/Daimler Trucks North America, including many positions leading engineering teams. He has broad experience working overseas and collaborating with engineers from across the globe. He currently leads engineering recruitment efforts for Daimler Trucks North America at Purdue University.