Western New England University proudly announces that Assistant Professor of Practice Lisa Murray has been recognized as a 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellow by the KEEN Foundation. This prestigious designation acknowledges her exemplary leadership in undergraduate engineering education.
Dr. Murray's outstanding achievement was commended by Douglas Melton, program director at the Kern Family Foundation, who stated, "Lisa is truly an ambassador of excellence for Western New England University and is distinguished both through a Fellows Project and through interactions with the greater Engineering Unleashed community."
This year, thirty individuals from twenty-four esteemed higher education institutions across the nation have been named as 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellows. Dr. Murray's journey to this distinction began with her active participation in one of the Engineering Unleashed Faculty Development workshops. These workshops, facilitated by subject matter experts from over twenty institutions, attract faculty members nationwide, emphasizing the cultivation and application of an entrepreneurial mindset in teaching, learning, research, industry, and leadership.
"I am deeply honored to be designated as a 2023 Unleashed Fellow by the KEEN Foundation, stated Dr. Murray. "The opportunity provides me with a remarkable platform to make important additions to the engineering curriculum. My goal is to empower my students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly diverse workforce."
Over the course of a year, Dr. Murray worked closely with peer coaches to conceive and execute a project that significantly contributed to the Engineering Unleashed Community. Her work was shared through an online publication hosted on EngineeringUnleashed.com.
Murray's nomination for this honor came from her workshop peer coaches. Her subsequent application garnered recognition from an independent review committee comprised of past Fellows. It is worth noting that being recognized and selected as a Fellow is a distinction attained by less than 10% of the participants in faculty development programs, a testament to Professor Murray's exceptional contributions as acknowledged by her peers.
Her work on advancing design for manufacturing and culturally sustaining and responsive pedagogies in engineering education has garnered significant praise from both her coaches and the review committee, underlining the potential for her contributions to make a meaningful impact on the engineering education ecosystem.
"It comes as no surprise that Professor Murray has been recognized in this way," says Dr. Michael Rust who is the director of Experiential & Entrepreneurial Learning in the WNE College of Engineering. "She is truly an innovator in the field of engineering education, and we can't wait to see what she works on next."
As part of their recognition, the 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellows will be celebrated with an announcement on the Engineering Unleashed website, showcasing their remarkable achievements and contributions.
The Fellows will have the opportunity to further advance their projects, develop new ones, participate in conferences, and promote their work. Each Fellow will receive a $10,000 grant through their home institution, which can be utilized to advance their projects, contribute to their salaries, develop new products/modules, attend conferences, or support undergraduate student assistants.
Dr. Murray's recognition as a 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellow exemplifies Western New England University's commitment to academic excellence and innovation in engineering education. Her dedication and contributions to the field make her a distinguished representative of the university's faculty.
