Message from the Dean Winter 2024

Dear Maseeh Community,

Excellence and innovation are fueled by diversity and equity, and Engineering Week is the perfect time to delve a bit deeper into this symbiosis. At Maseeh College, we're driven by student innovation and the power of diversity. Our commitment to supporting underrepresented students is rooted in the belief that an inclusive ecosystem fosters groundbreaking solutions to engineering challenges and societal issues, and we strive to encourage all students to become ethical, responsible and successful leaders.

Toward that end, Maseeh College has been making inroads toward becoming a hub for Indigenous students in engineering and computer science. As the only Native American dean of an engineering college, this mission is particularly meaningful for me. Our school also boasts notable indigenous leaders such as Dr. Tim Anderson, Chair of our Engineering and Technology Management Department, and one of only two Native American engineering department chairs in the country. Moreover, industry luminaries like Herb Fricke (Arikara tribe, part of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, ND), President of Akana and Rachel Dreilinger (Diné (Navajo) Nation), Co-founder and CEO of Neuramedica are integral members of our Executive Council whose invaluable contributions shape our college's initiatives and support the Indigenous community as Maseeh and Portland State by extension. (This mission has been well received in the Portland area, leading to several interviews, both print and television, and a new alliance with a local Native media company, Underscore.)

Our new FUTURES initiative, generously supported by grants from prestigious organizations such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is dedicated to forging pathways for underrepresented groups, including Native American communities, in STEM careers. This ecosystem of student support and outreach programs is designed to engage with students and potential students along every step of their educational journeys, from pre-college to doctorate levels.

Education serves as a powerful vehicle for empowerment, and at Maseeh College we are committed to empowering individuals and communities alike. We pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of knowledge and exploring new frontiers in engineering and computer science, searching for creative solutions to complex challenges and making a positive impact on society. By fostering a culture of innovation, we empower our students and faculty to think outside the box, take risks, and pursue ambitious goals. Whether it's developing sustainable energy solutions, driving the development of the local semiconductor workforce, designing cutting-edge robotics systems, or harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to address societal issues, innovation drives everything we do at Maseeh College.

Our faculty research successes have led to even more impressive grant awards, including National Science Foundation’s (NSF) prestigious CAREER awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through research, education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. Diane Moug is  the most recent recipient, bringing our total number of CAREER award winners on faculty at Maseeh to six. We also have two members of the National Academy of Engineering, more than any other school in Oregon. Other research news includes being awarded a $1 million Engine Development Grant by the NSF for a smart grid project, as well as a $1.3 million gift from Daimler Truck North America.

Equity and innovation are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are complementary forces that fuel our collective success. By promoting equity, we ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, thereby fostering a diverse and inclusive community. And by fostering innovation, we empower individuals to create positive change and drive progress in their respective fields. By investing in initiatives that prioritize equity and inclusion, we can address these challenges head-on and cultivate a more vibrant and resilient community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our shared mission,

Dr. Joseph Bull

H. Chik M. Erzurumlu Dean of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University