Biography

Dr. Jennifer DeBoer is an associate professor of engineering education and mechanical engineering, and director of practice for education and youth at the Applied Research Institute. She integrates global and local engagement in both research and teaching — empowering youth to become problem-solvers in their own communities. Her work spans programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Jordan as well as Purdue’s Global Learning Community, impacting hundreds of students and educators worldwide.

One colleague noted that “Dr. DeBoer roots her work in Purdue’s land-grant tradition with a global scope for community engagement, connecting Indiana residents to international communities, and learning from communities around the world to find new ideas for addressing local community needs.” Through initiatives such as her NSF-funded study abroad and International Research Experiences for Students programs, humanitarian engineering courses, and refugee education models, DeBoer exemplifies how globally informed research and teaching can foster equitable access to engineering education and strengthen community resilience both locally and globally.

Research Interests

Awards & Honors

• Purdue University Office of Global Partnerships Outstanding Leadership in Globalization Award-Faculty Comprehensive Award 2025
• AERA/NSF Dissertation Fellowship 2011
• Co-director, International Institute for the Development of Engineering Academics