"Engineering is magic.  Or at least the closest thing to magic that exists in the real world" – Elon Musk, Twitter, June 29, 2018

As a lay-person, I have sometimes believed that engineering IS magic, but as a staff member at Purdue University, walking past labs with projects in various stages of completion, seeing students engaged in their work, huddled around while trying to figure out solutions to their problems, I KNOW that engineering is a lot of hard work.  Still, I marvel at everything I see.  What are they dreaming up?  Inventing?  Learning?  How are they going to change the world? 

My name is Rhonda Haan and I work in Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships (GEPP or GEP²).  We help engineering faculty develop study abroad programs and our Shah Family Global Innovation Lab works with faculty, students, and partners, to tackle socio-economic issues facing our world today.  We also have global opportunities that you can get involved in, as well as hosting students from around the globe, through our PAGE and Global Fellows programs.

However, none of this is why I’m starting this blog.  The real reason is that I keep getting to do the most amazing things related to engineering.  I get to travel on study abroad programs, visit engineering companies, and meet and listen to leaders in many fields of engineering.  Sometimes, my excitement is too much and I try to keep it contained, but I can’t.  I’m just so blown away by everything I see and I keep saying, “Why didn’t anyone tell me that engineering is so cool?”

So, that’s what this blog is about.  I’m going to keep you informed about events happening that you can be a part of, and I’m going to share with you the exciting things that I get to do.  You can also reach out to me to share what you are doing at rhaan@purdue.edu .

Welcome, Boilermakers!  Let’s make this a grand year!

Written by Rhonda Haan

Photo Credit: Karly Santiago, Unsplash