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About

Gary Ybarra is a visionary educator and engineer whose career has been defined by transforming how electrical and computer engineering (ECE) is taught and experienced. His primary research and practice areas center on engineering education reform, curriculum innovation, and K-12 STEM outreach. Ybarra’s most influential contribution is his pioneering work on a rigorous, integrated introductory ECE course at Duke University, detailed in his most-cited paper (25 citations), which reimagines foundational learning by blending theory with hands-on, theme-based instruction. This curriculum overhaul has served as a model for institutions seeking to make engineering more accessible and engaging. Beyond the university classroom, Ybarra co-created the Techtronics program (14 citations), an after-school enrichment initiative funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund that brings middle school students into direct contact with technology through exploration and design. By bridging the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications, Ybarra has not only shaped the next generation of engineers but also demonstrated a profound commitment to broadening participation in STEM. His work stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, student-centered pedagogy in engineering education.