Greetings from Northwestern Engineering
A message from Dean Schuh
As I write this in early May, we are at a difficult moment for our research enterprise. As has been widely reported, a significant portion of Northwestern’s federally funded research is subject to stop work orders. This research is a critical part of our dual mission—we bring together the best minds from around the world for both education and the development of new knowledge that moves society forward.
As we navigate this environment, sharing the impact of what happens inside our laboratories and our classrooms has taken on new importance. Our work drives an ever-increasing research portfolio that benefits our safety and security, health and wellness, and economic prosperity.
This issue of our magazine highlights just a small sample of projects that are advancing their fields in ways that will better society. Researchers in our new US National Science Foundation Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity Engineering Research Center (HAND ERC) are working to develop dexterous, intelligent robot hands that can assist humans with manufacturing and caregiving. Northwestern has a long history of innovation in robotics, and this multi-institutional collaboration will build on those successes to advance hardware, augment robot learning with embodied AI, and move that new technology out into the world.
As we build new systems that assist us, our faculty are also developing new biohybrid devices that can be integrated within us to treat disease and optimize performance. These materials, patches, and implants are on the leading edge of healthcare and are the result of engineering feats in materials science, mechanics, and electronics.
Both robotics and biohybrid systems have the potential to greatly impact our society—but we are also working to solve problems that have a big impact locally. Our first-year Design Thinking and Communication students partner with local businesses, non-profits, and individuals to learn design thinking, tackle unique problems, and come up with innovative ideas—such as a better microwave interface for adults with developmental disabilities and a redesigned carrying case for occupational therapists’ devices.
We remain deeply committed to advancing engineering research and educating the next generation of talent who will continue our long legacy of impact. Engineers thrive in times of rapid change, and our work is as important as ever. I have no doubt that our entire community will come together to chart a path forward that advances our work while staying true to our mission that has guided our institution for generations. I am grateful for your continued support and partnership.
Dean, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science