Endorsement from Dr. Kevin M. Walsh

Office of the Dean

March 1, 2024 I am writing to offer my wholehearted endorsement for funding the BUILD program to a national level. As the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at the JB Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the positive impact of the BUILD program on our school. The BUILD program pilot at our engineering school provided our students with the proper technical skills, the hands-on practicality, the innovation curiosity, and a holistic understanding of today’s engineering challenges that are needed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Under Dr. Jerry Branson's pioneering leadership, the BUILD program emerged as a transformative force in our engineering education. The innovative “bridging the gap” between academic knowledge and real-world applications yielded exceptional results. Over the last two years, Dr. Branson spearheaded pilot courses that have showcased the program's effectiveness and garnered enthusiastic support from students, faculty, and industry partners.

The BUILD program also brings to the table the essential elements needed by the semiconductor industry, which is vitally critical to our nation’s security. It develops very capable and experienced engineers who are ready to design, develop, apply, and manufacture the highest quality world-class technology and products. With this funding, Dr. Branson’s innovative program can be appropriately scaled to bring its benefits and attributes across the nation. From my academic and industry experience, I know this program is sorely needed to fulfill the national need for engineers capable of creating modern technology that can be practically and efficiently manufactured.

As Dean of our Graduate Studies and Recruitment, a role focused on the matriculation and retention of STEM graduate students from underrepresented populations, I can tell you that this program is well-designed to attract a wide base of talent. Dr. Branson's focus has been in developing a program aimed at fostering “enthusiasm of learning” and the “eagerness to work hard” to learn the difficult challenges of engineering, but at the same time making the experience enjoyable and fulfilling through innovative hands-on learning. As a result, he has made engineering more accessible and attractive to a diverse population. His BUILD program students are uncharacteristically highly-motivated to do the hard work and put in the long hours necessary to become exceptional engineers with hands-on practical training and experiences. He has attracted students who would have otherwise not considered an engineering career. In this role, too, Dr. Branson has succeeded.

The BUILD program's emphasis on practical skills, teamwork, hands-on experience, and a holistic understanding of engineering challenges aligns seamlessly with the goals of shoring our national technical and manufacture infrastructure. As we navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the BUILD program can play a crucial role in cultivating a workforce that is not only well-prepared but also agile and adaptable to industry needs.

I am confident that supporting the BUILD program through national funding will strengthen our nation’s commitment to cutting-edge engineering education and contribute significantly to vital workforce development. The BUILD program's track record and its potential for continued success make it a worthy recipient of funding.

Thank you for considering this endorsement. I am available to provide any additional information or answer questions to support the BUILD program's application.

Sincerely, Prof Kevin M. Walsh

Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies Founding Director of the UofL MicroNanoTechnology Center (MNTC) Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Speed School of Engineering University of Louisville (502) 852-6289 walsh@louisville.edu University of Louisville • Louisville, KY 40292 P: 502.852.6281 F: 502.852.7033 E: speed@louisville.edu W: louisville.edu/speed