Western New England University's College of Engineering is proud to announce that Dr. Devina Jaiswal has been awarded the prestigious 2024 KEEN Rising Star Award by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN). This award recognizes Dr. Jaiswal's outstanding achievements in creating and promoting entrepreneurially minded learning.
The KEEN Awards Committee highlighted Dr. Jaiswal's exceptional commitment to integrating entrepreneurial mindset (EM) into her classroom, creating impactful learning modules, and pioneering initiatives such as the Problem-Solving Studio (PSS). Her leadership in faculty development and national-level workshops, particularly the EM mini-ICE workshops and the "Making with EM Across the Curriculum" initiative, has significantly enriched the educational experience at Western New England University and inspired educators nationwide.
In recognition of this honor, the Kern Family Foundation will grant $25,000 to Western New England University, with Dr. Jaiswal named as principal investigator. This grant will support a project of her choosing to further KEEN's mission. Additionally, Dr. Jaiswal will receive sponsored registration, airfare, and hotel accommodations for the 2025 KEEN National Conference, where she will be formally recognized and presented with the KEEN guitar—the KEEN Rising Star Award. Her story will also be featured on Engineering Unleashed, reaching over 6,000 members of the KEEN community.
Dr. Jaiswal's dedication to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in EM and advancing sustainability in engineering education continues to shape the future of entrepreneurial mindset in the field. Her work not only fosters student growth and real-world relevance but also drives impactful change across the broader educational landscape.
"We couldn't be more thrilled for Devina," said Dr. Mike Rust, Director of Experiential & Entrepreneurial Learning and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at WNE. "This is quite an achievement, and so well-deserved. After joining our faculty several years ago, Dr. Jaiswal quickly became a champion and thought leader within the EM/KEEN community. Her work has impacted students and faculty alike, both at WNE and across the country. We can’t wait to see what she works on next!"
For more information about the KEEN Rising Star Award and Dr. Jaiswal’s contributions, please visit Engineering Unleashed – 2024 Rising Stars.
