Engineering technology describes a field closely related to engineering in which practical application of learned concepts is emphasized over theoretical knowledge. Although an increasing amount of emphasis is being placed on the importance of this experiential learning in all engineering curricula, and the specifics of engineering technology’s place among engineering and technical fields is becoming clearer, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of several key aspects of this field. One of these aspects is its perception by the general public, which is important in, among other things, determining the employability of engineering technology program graduates and encouraging the development of engineering technology curricula. Currently, existing literature on the subject is sparse, especially compared to the number and extent of similar studies done in related fields; the studies that are performed on the topic are generally restricted to a very specific demographic, and are not easily applicable to the entire population of engineering technology students and professionals. However, what information does exist suggests that this lack of research impedes the professional growth of those who are involved in engineering technology, including restricting the ability of faculty to recruit students interested in engineering technology programs, decreasing the effectiveness of guidance available to those students through advisors and outside programs, and preventing inequities currently present in the engineering field as a whole from being addressed. By acknowledging the gaps in current knowledge, direction for future research may be provided; thus, this review seeks to outline what research already exists on the public perception of engineering technology, and thereby highlight specific areas in which our understanding of this perception is particularly poor.
Dr. Lucietto has focused her research in engineering technology education and the understanding of engineering technology students. She teaches in an active learning style which engages and develops practical skills in the students. Currently she is exploring the performance and attributes of engineering technology students and using that knowledge to engage them in their studies.
Shelly Tan is an undergraduate researcher working with Dr. Lucietto. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Health and Disease at Purdue University, and began working with Dr. Lucietto in the summer of 2019 as part of the Summer Stay Scholars program. In addition to her biology coursework, Shelly is pursuing minors in Studio Arts and Chemistry. Outside the classroom, she enjoys writing creative fiction, making art both physical and digital, and moderating for her favorite online communities.
Liza Russell is an Undergraduate Researcher working under Dr. Lucietto. She is a student at Purdue University, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. She began working under Dr. Lucietto in the summer of 2017 as a part of Purdue's Summer Stay Scholars program and has thus far continued her work. In addition to her Mechanical Engineering coursework, Liza is pursuing minors in Physics and Anthropology. Outside of class, she serves as Treasurer of Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) and is a Tau Beta Pi member.
Mary E. Johnson earned her BS, MS and PhD in Industrial Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington. After 5 years in aerospace manufacturing, Dr. Johnson joined the Automation & Robotics Research Institute in Fort Worth and was program manager for applied research programs. Fourteen years later, she was an Industrial Engineering assistant professor at Texas A&M - Commerce before joining the Aviation Technology department at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in 2007 as an Associate Professor. She is a Co-PI on the FAA Center of Excellence for general aviation research known as PEGASAS. Her research interests are aviation sustainability, data driven process improvement, and engine emissions. She is a full professor and associate head for graduate studies in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology (SATT) at Purdue.
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