Juan C. Lucena

Juan C. Lucena is a Professor of Engineering, Design and Society at the Colorado School of Mines, where he serves as Director of the Humanitarian Engineering Undergraduate Program. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies (STS) from Virginia Tech and dual BS degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Research Interests: Dr. Lucena focuses on transforming engineering education and practice to advance social justice, sustainability, and humanitarian goals. His work examines how engineering cultures intersect with globalization, poverty eradication, and community empowerment, particularly in contexts like extractive industries, waste recycling, and water access for marginalized populations.

Publications: His influential books include Engineering Justice (2017), Engineering Education for Social Justice (2013), and Engineering and Sustainable Community Development (2010). These works analyze the political, ethical, and cultural dimensions of engineering education and practice.

Awards & Grants: Dr. Lucena has led multiple NSF-funded projects, including Global Engineers: Ethnography of Globalization in Engineering Education and Enhancing Engineering Education through Humanitarian Ethics. He has also collaborated on research such as Engineers and the Metrics of Progress, exploring the relationship between engineering and national identity.

Teaching & Mentorship: He teaches courses like Engineering Cultures in the Developing World, Humanitarian Engineering, and Engineering for Sustainable Community Development. Dr. Lucena emphasizes mentoring students to become ethically driven engineers committed to serving underserved communities.