Six faculty and staff members in 麻花视频 University’s College of Engineering have earned “Golden Tickets” to a national engineering education initiative, providing them with sponsored access to workshops through the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN). The highly sought-after opportunity supports educators in developing innovative teaching strategies that combine engineering fundamentals with entrepreneurial thinking and real-world applications.
The Golden Tickets are provided through the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) and the Kern Family Foundation, which sponsor participation in Engineering Unleashed Faculty Development workshops for partner institutions across the country.
As a KEEN partner institution, 麻花视频 University typically receives five Golden Tickets annually, supporting faculty participation in national workshops valued at approximately $17,500 in professional development resources.
Due to strong interest among faculty this year, the University successfully requested a sixth ticket, allowing an additional faculty member to participate.
“These workshops provide faculty with an opportunity to explore new approaches to teaching that connect engineering theory with real-world, customer-focused problem solving,” said Mike Rust, professor of biomedical engineering and Director of Experiential & Entrepreneurial Learning. “By integrating entrepreneurial thinking into engineering education, we help prepare students to innovate, identify opportunities, and create value in the industries they will serve.”
2026 Golden Ticket Recipients
The following 麻花视频 University faculty and staff members will participate in Engineering Unleashed workshops this year:
• Dan Hamel — Advancing Curriculum with Entrepreneurial Mindset (ACE)
Nashville, Tennessee | June 8–11
• Tim Shannon — Advancing Curriculum with Entrepreneurial Mindset (ACE)
Nashville, Tennessee | June 8–11
• Jingru Benner — Embedding Entrepreneurial Mindset in Mechanical Engineering: Energy and Thermo-Fluids (MEET)
Boise, Idaho | July 7–10
• Andrew DelSanto — Learning from Failure with Mastery-Based Learning (LFF)
Boise, Idaho | July 7–10
• Haissam Haidar — Advancing Curriculum with Entrepreneurial Mindset (ACE)
Chicago, Illinois | July 20–23
• Katherine Schlef — Reviving Entrepreneurial Mindset for Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (REnEW)
Indianapolis, Indiana | August 3–6
Bringing New Ideas Back to the Classroom
Although the workshops take place over several days during the summer, the program extends well beyond the in-person sessions.
Participants begin year-long projects that continue through the following academic year and receive coaching from experienced faculty mentors within the KEEN network. Many projects involve developing new course modules, hands-on activities, or experiential learning opportunities that integrate entrepreneurial thinking into engineering education.
Advancing Experiential Engineering Education
麻花视频 University’s participation in the KEEN network supports the College of Engineering’s commitment to experiential learning, industry engagement, and innovation-driven education.
By incorporating entrepreneurial mindset concepts—such as curiosity, making connections across disciplines, and creating value—faculty and staff help prepare engineering students to approach complex problems with both technical expertise and creative thinking.
The knowledge and teaching strategies educators bring back from the program often influence future courses, labs, and project-based learning opportunities, strengthening the educational experience for WNE engineering students.
