Dean Peterson takes the reins
May 19, 2017 nsec Faculty
An accomplished researcher who straddles the line between engineering and medicine has been appointed the new dean of the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
The NIU Board of Trustees appointed Donald Peterson, Ph.D., former dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, to the role May 18 after a nationwide search. He began work July 17.
Peterson is the third dean in the college's history, and Interim President Lisa Freeman said the university is fortunate to have attracted such a high-caliber candidate.
"Dr. Peterson is an accomplished scientist-administrator with demonstrated success transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries to build strong academic and research programs in areas of interest to NIU, including biomedical engineering," Freeman said.
Peterson said he was attracted to NIU's reputation for student-centered education and its focus on career readiness. He was impressed by the university's simultaneous dedication to both teaching and research.
"That NIU wants to bring in research but pay close attention to its teaching mission really ups its game in the higher education realm," Peterson said. "Students will be getting exposure to cutting-edge research while getting an unparalleled education. There's a lot of exciting potential there."
Prior to his appointment at Texas A&M, Peterson was the head of biomedical engineering at the University of Connecticut, holding faculty positions in both the university's engineering and medical schools. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering and a member of the Engineering Technology Council of the American Society of Engineering Education.
Peterson holds bachelor's degrees in aerospace engineering and biomechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Connecticut.
At Texas A&M, Peterson developed several new degree programs, something he said is a possibility at NIU. For example, biomedical engineering, which NIU offers as an emphasis, is an in-demand field with few degree programs in the region, he said. In addition, establishing a doctoral degree program in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology will be an important step in advancing the college's research interests and reputation, he added.
"There are a lot of cutting-edge things that can happen with new engineering programs right now, especially those that properly overlap research and education," he said. "There's exciting potential there."
Peterson has more than 21 years experience in engineering and medical research on such topics as injury biomechanics and mitigation of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases. His research has resulted in the development of such devices as hand tools, robotic assist exoskeletons, surgical and dental instruments, biosensor monitoring systems and smart medical devices for home patient care, and has brought in millions in grant funding to his institutions.
While lauding NIU's academic and research potential, Peterson said what is most exciting is the chance to work with NIU students.
"I've visited a lot of universities, and NIU students were the most impressive," he said. "They're passionate, they're engaged and I'm excited to work with them."
Previous Post:Mechanical engineering students submit final projects
Next Post:Oucheriah named Online Engineering Professor to Watch