About the Duffield Engineering Education Research Institute

“Our college is redefining what it means to learn, teach and lead in engineering. This new institute cements our commitment to innovation, scholarship and excellence in engineering education. It will generate new knowledge about how students master concepts and ensure it is broadly disseminated, strengthening our nation’s ability to prepare the engineers needed to forge a better future.”

— Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering

The sundial extends toward Tang Hall

Leadership

Tang Hall and the Engineering Quad

Institute Vision: Where Education Excellence Meets World-Changing Impact

We pursue a future in which engineering education at Cornell, and beyond, is transformed through research into how engineers learn, teach, work, and lead.

Profile shots of faculty listening

Institute Mission:

Our mission is to advance engineering education through research, translate that research into practice, and enable a collaborative ecosystem of scholars, educators, and leaders. To achieve this mission, we conduct pioneering inquiry into the systems of engineering education and the ways in which we study those systems. We translate those insights into practice through evidence-based resources and partnerships with units, centers, and institutes at Cornell and internationally. In addition, we create opportunities to support the individual and collective development as scholars, change agents, and educators. The Duffield Institute serves as a catalyst for amplifying the impact and reach of scholarly inquiry, advancements in research methods, and instructional innovations.

Values

  1. Developing People

    We prioritize people — their growth, their well‑being, and their full humanity. We create environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to learn and lead. Our work recognizes that educational systems are shaped not just by ideas and technologies, but by the people who bring them to life. By investing in individuals at all levels, we cultivate meaningful, sustained impact.

  2. Reciprocal Partnerships

    We are committed to partnerships that are reciprocal, ethical, and mutually beneficial. We collaborate with local communities with — not for or to — them, honoring local knowledge, priorities, and expertise. Our goal is to build lasting relationships that amplify shared strengths and create positive impact for both Duffield Engineering and the communities we are part of.

  3. Transformative Action

    We commit to transforming what we do by continually rethinking and improving our practices. We cultivate a culture where questioning is encouraged, learning is continuous, and evolution is expected. By challenging assumptions and intentionally experimenting with new ideas,, we drive meaningful progress. Our commitment to transformation ensures that our ecosystem remains responsive to the diverse realities of our learners, the dynamics of our global society and economy, and emerging technologies — positioning us to lead change with purpose and integrity.

  4. Excellence

    We uphold high standards of quality and integrity across research, practice, and partnerships. Excellence for us is not perfection — it is a commitment to thoughtful preparation, reflective practice, and meaningful follow‑through. We aim to demonstrate care and intentionality in every action, ensuring our work has lasting value.

  5. Leading by Example

    We aim to lead by example — through generosity, collaboration, and the impact of our work. We demonstrate leadership by setting thoughtful standards, sharing what we learn, and elevating others along the way. Our goal is to help shape the future of engineering education in ways that are innovative, responsible, and accessible to all.