In 2019, Tickle College of Engineering launched an Engineering Education graduate certificate program to provide training in education theory, research methods, and instructional design within the context of engineering education. Students from a range of engineering disciplines take the classes to expand their teaching knowledge and abilities, while others come to explore possible career paths.

Lorna Treffert graduated in 2021 with her master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering (ISE) and also became the first Engineering Vol to earn her certificate in engineering education.

During my master’s program in industrial and systems engineering, I worked as a graduate teaching assistant for both ISE undergraduate courses and ISE’s Governor’s School. While initially I had no interest in teaching, I grew to love working with students individually and developing fun and interesting ways to present course material to my classes… When I saw that Engineering Fundamentals was offering an entire series of courses about STEM education, I jumped at the chance.

Treffert is now the Evaluation and Outcomes Specialist for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGC). Read more about her experience in the certificate program and how it has enhanced her career opportunities.