معرفی
Travis J. Fuerst is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the School of Engineering Technology within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University, West Lafayette. He has held this position since 2022, previously serving in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology from 2016 to 2022. Before returning to academia, he accumulated over 13 years of industry experience at The Boeing Company as an Engineering Workplace Coach, IT Project Manager, and Continuous Improvement Leader, complemented by 21 years of military service in the U.S. Army Reserves where he retired as a Major from USTRANSCOM in 2017.
His academic credentials include:
- Master of Science in Technology (Product Lifecycle Management) from Purdue University (2002)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics Technology from Purdue University (2000) with a minor in Organizational Leadership and Supervision
Professor Fuerst specializes in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Project Management, Continuous Improvement, and Configuration Management, integrating Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies into both industrial applications and educational frameworks. His instruction emphasizes practical skill development for industry readiness, leveraging extensive real-world experience to bridge theoretical concepts with professional practice in engineering technology fields.
His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory toward integrating Product Data Management systems into engineering education, with emphasis on digital enterprise solutions and pedagogical innovation. Key themes include parametric solid modeling applications, collaborative project-based learning frameworks, and curriculum development for PLM implementation across undergraduate programs, reflecting his dual focus on technological advancement and educational transformation.
His recognition includes:
- Purdue Polytechnic 2013 Early Career Award
Professor Fuerst actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students through project-based design learning that cultivates higher-order thinking skills, directly applying his industry expertise in risk analysis, resource allocation, and cross-functional team leadership. His curriculum development work demonstrates sustained commitment to advancing engineering education practices through practical, industry-aligned methodologies.
His leadership experience spans Boeing's continuous improvement initiatives and U.S. Army cyber operations, providing a robust foundation for developing team-based project management approaches that emphasize operational efficiency and strategic problem-solving in academic settings.
