Bio

Dr. Rustin Webster is an associate professor in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University and specializes in mechanical engineering and computer graphics technology. Prior to academia, he worked for an aerospace and engineering company as a mechanical engineer, product development lead, and researcher. Dr Webster designed various solutions for multiple branches of the Armed Forces, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He holds a B.S. in Engineering Graphics and Design and a M.S. in Management of Technology from Murray State University, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Webster is a certified GD&T-Technologist, SOLIDWORKS Expert, and Six Sigma Green Belt. For his teaching and mentoring of students he has been awarded the 2021 ASEE ET National Teaching Award, 2021 Purdue Teaching for Tomorrow Fellowship, 2021 Purdue Teaching Academy Pandemic Teaching Award, 2019 ASEE EDGD Rising Educator Award, and 2019 SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award. Dr Webster’s research interests include ET outreach (e.g., recruitment and retention) and design education with focus areas in CAD, instructional techniques (e.g., project-based learning), and technology.