Oakes is an internationally recognized leader in engineering education and community-engaged learning. He has dedicated his career to improving the ways students learn engineering and to integrating engineering education with engagement in underserved communities globally. He has directly taught over 9,000 students in courses ranging from core first-year courses to upper-level design courses, and honors courses. Prof. Oakes has conducted 117 workshops for teachers and faculty in 19 countries that engaged over 4,000 participants from 35 countries. 

Through his work in the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program, he has impacted more than 18,000 students at Purdue University, more than 40,000 students through the EPICS Consortium, and more than 11,000 students through the EPICS in IEEE Partnership. 

Oakes is one of the founders of the School of Engineering Education at Purdue, which was the first engineering education school in the world. He has integrated his scholarship into education, publishing 120 refereed journal and conference papers on teaching, learning, and engagement, as well as 13 books and book chapters. He is an internationally known expert in teaching and engagement and sought-after speaker on community engaged learning.

The Duncan Fraser Award Recognizes individuals who have made innovative and meritorious contributions with a significant impact on the advancement of engineering education.

Related: https://www.ifees.net/initiatives/duncan-fraser-award/