Robert Gettens

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About

Robert Gettens is an engineering educator whose work sits at the intersection of biomedical engineering, engineering education, and entrepreneurship. His most recognized contribution, "Innovation to Entrepreneurship in the First Year Engineering Experience" (2015), garnered 19 citations and reflects his commitment to transforming how early-stage engineering students engage with design thinking. By integrating the KEEN (Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network) philosophy into first-year curricula, Gettens helped shift traditional foundational engineering courses toward cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset — a forward-thinking approach that prepares students to translate technical skills into real-world impact. His subsequent work on biomedical engineering outreach, including the development of a residential summer program for high school students, demonstrates a sustained dedication to broadening access to engineering pathways and inspiring the next generation of biomedical innovators. Through curriculum design, experiential learning, and community engagement, Gettens has made meaningful contributions to engineering pedagogy. His research reflects a clear vision: that engineering education must evolve beyond technical fundamentals to foster creativity, innovation, and purpose-driven problem solving from the earliest stages of a student's development.