Endorsement from Dr. Richard L. Garwin

Richard L. Garwin

The Garwin Archive: https://RLG.fas.org/

February 27, 2024

To Whom it May Concern:

I am 100% on board and fully endorse Dr. Jerry Branson and his innovative BUILD program for engineering education. The resurgence of technical leadership in the United States is a strategic need; but requires the cultivation of a highly skilled and adaptively trained workforce. His program demonstrates a thoughtful response to the critical need for engineers equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary multidisciplinary challenges.

Over the last seven years Dr. Branson developed a program which has been taught in the government sector. At the suggestion of his customers, he adapted the program for use in undergraduate engineering programs and piloted the courses at the University of Louisville over the last two years. This approach is a paradigm shift focusing on working in 21st century multidisciplinary collaborative engineering teams. The program is called Team-oriented Handson Engineering: Building Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Learning Departments (THE BUILD program). He plans to take his program nationally over the next few years. It speaks for itself in my formal recommendation of him that I am encouraging its use by many of my contacts.

Having collaborated with Dr. Branson in matters of national security, engineering, and technical development, I have witnessed his dedication to solving difficult problems, bridging educational gaps, and quickly addressing national challenges in the most efficient manner. It is evident that he is not merely an advocate for change but a catalyst for it. He recognizes a problem, assembles a lean effective team, and very quickly puts a solution into practice. His vision to supplement engineers with the practical skills and collaborative mindset demanded by our increasingly complex technological landscape is commendable and practical.

After working with Jerry on several very different matters, I can highlight the profound impact and visionary contributions he brings to the realm of national security and engineering education.

After a full career of addressing national security challenges ranging from bench engineer to Technical Director of an important laboratory, Dr. Branson has continuously given back and exemplified an unparalleled commitment to advancing the knowledge and skills of the engineering workforce. I was pleased to be part of his Career Intelligence Medal ceremony, well deserved for his lifelong contributions.

The need for this program was exemplified to me in the February 23rd IEEE milestone dedication of the Invention of the Semiconductor Laser ceremony at the IBM Watson Research Center. The keynote and other speakers noted that an essential element of technical leadership, innovation, and invention was the close coupling of theoretical research and application. The researchers' ability to fully understand and participate in construction and application was essential to these key inventions. The BUILD program is aimed at building a strong US technological workforce.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Branson as a driving force behind his transformative vision. His leadership and contributions are pivotal in ensuring that the engineering talent we build remains at the forefront of global innovation. The trajectory set forth by this program is more than commendable; it is imperative to resume and maintain the technical ascendancy of the United States.

Sincerely yours,

Richard L. Garwin

IBM Fellow Emeritus