Gary Bertoline
Purdue University
Presenting in Track 10: Engineering Education
Presentation Title: The Engineering Mindset Project: Engineering Curricula and Pedagogy for the 21st Century
Abstract: For over 70 years, undergraduate engineering education has largely adhered to the "Grinter mindset," a model established in 1955 that emphasizes calculus-driven rigor and a "weed-out" culture. While this approach helped shape engineering as a science-based profession, it is increasingly incompatible with the needs of Industry 4.0 and a diverse, innovation-focused society. This presentation highlights the findings of the landmark report, The Engineering Mindset: A Vision for Change, which advocates for a fundamental systemic overhaul of how engineers are educated in the United States.
Biography: Dr. Gary R. Bertoline is an Emeritus Dean and Distinguished Professor of Engineering Technology and Computer and Information Technology at Purdue University and is currently a Research Professor at Purdue. As the founding Dean of the Polytechnic Institute, he transformed undergraduate education to better prepare students for the digital age. He also established the Purdue Polytechnic High Schools in Indianapolis, supporting students from underserved communities by preparing them for STEM higher education and careers. Gary serves as the PI for an NSF grant with the National Academy of Engineering and the American Society for Engineering Education, developing a modern, accessible model for engineering education.