Director & Advisor Messages
Dear Global Engineers,
Welcome to the GEARE student website. This is a resource designed by and for GEARE students to help connect with program alumni, prepare for international experiences, and learn about opportunities within the GEARE program.
Since 2014, it has been my great pleasure to coordinate this program and interact with its students. In my opinion, there is no greater satisfaction than being part of students’ development as they achieve their professional and personal goals. I look forward to interacting with many future students and following the success of our alums.
In May 2023, we will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the GEARE program in Karlsruhe, Germany. Since its inception in 2003, nearly 1,000 students have participated in the program. Students have taken engineering coursework at top universities in more than 20 countries while finding meaningful internship opportunities in more than 30 countries around the world. Post-graduation, GEARE alum take jobs at desirable companies in the U.S. and abroad or pursue Masters and PhD programs.
For the past 8 years, we have put a premium on global competency development, and we know that GEARE students make tremendous strides in their abilities to understand difference, communicate effectively across cultures, and lead diverse teams. We are looking forward to the next 20 years of GEARE where we will increase study abroad and internship opportunities around the world and expand the breadth of academic specialties offered. We hope you will join us.
Dear Students,
I first heard of the GEARE program about six years ago when my son was a Freshman at Purdue. This program that leads to a Global Engineering Studies Minor incorporates foreign language, domestic and international internships, experiential learning, and intercultural development - all of which are facets of a modern global engineer.
As the mother of a GEARE alum, I saw the growth in my son thanks to the program. At that point, I never thought of managing the GEARE program, but fate decided that this was my calling. I am so excited to have become part of the GEARE team. I watch what our GEARE students are achieving during their education and beyond and I am proud to speak with employers about their successes.
I joined as the GEARE Manager in January 2023. Since then, we welcomed the GEARE 2025 cohort that includes about 110 students. Not only are most engineering disciplines represented, but we have also expanded outside the School of Engineering and have our FIRST cohort of seven students from Computer Science! We welcome them with open arms. This cohort is special to me because this is the first cohort that I will follow through their entire GEARE experience. I am sure they will all do great things as they follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.
It is a joy to come to work each day and support the best and most adventurous of students. Stop by my office when my door is open and
say hi.
Cheers!
