ETCS at Purdue Fort Wayne receives $803k grant from Don Wood Foundation

The College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science at Purdue University Fort Wayne has been awarded $803,000 from the Don Wood Foundation to establish new labs for metallurgy and cybersecurity. The grant will also be used to help ETCS modernize equipment in two existing labs dedicated to fluids and pneumatics and power machinery.

The first stage of the enhancements will focus on the purchase, installation, and training associated with the highly specialized, state-of-the-art equipment. The goal is to have everything in place during the upcoming fall semester, and some of the expanded academic offerings are expected to take shape quickly.

The second stage of the two-year initiative will involve ETCS faculty designing the new laboratories, developing courses, and creating degree options that incorporate the advanced technology. As part of this stage, students will begin using the new equipment in hands-on settings, gaining direct experience with the tools and systems that reflect current industry practices.

“Each piece of technology we are going to add because of this generous gift from the Don Wood Foundation plays a vital role in preparing our students for careers in industries that drive our region, especially advanced manufacturing,” said Gary Steffen, an associate professor and director of the School of Polytechnic. "Cybersecurity, in particular, is a growing concern in today's manufacturing environment, especially as more systems become interconnected through the Internet of Things. Having a dedicated lab ensures our students are ready to protect these critical, data-driven systems and infrastructure."

In addition to supporting greater success for Purdue Fort Wayne students, the enhancements are also being implemented with an eye toward supporting northeast Indiana’s economic growth.

“We plan on making our new facilities accessible to our advanced manufacturing community,” said Sherif Elfayoumy, the Steel Dynamics Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. “This will give small- and medium-sized businesses access to resources they would not have otherwise.”

As a result of the stronger connections with the advanced manufacturing community, Elfayoumy also envisions more students being attracted to Purdue Fort Wayne’s ETCS programs because of real pathways to impactful, in-demand careers.

“This grant helps us better prepare our students and provides them with a real advantage as they enter the workforce,” Steffen added.

Visit pfw.edu/etcs to learn more about the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science at Purdue Fort Wayne.

For additional information, contact Geoff Thomas at [email protected] or 260-437-7657 (mobile).