Get to know ‘guitar lab,’ the Purdue class that’s changing students’ paths

Experiential learning opportunities are found across campus. Get to know “guitar lab,” the Purdue class that’s changing students’ paths and shaping college experiences for Boilermakers from a variety of majors.
The class, officially named MET 34900, is led by Mark French, professor of mechanical engineering technology in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Students create musical instruments to understand not only manufacturing, but also project management and problem-solving. Everyone has something to gain from guitar lab.
The class sparks interest, generates enthusiasm and, in some cases, changes trajectories. Alyssa Fernandez, a teaching assistant, found her passion for mechanical engineering after building her guitar. One of her peers, Lyndsay Moye, secured a role at Gibson Brands Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, based on her connection to French. A student, Keith Lucena, looks forward to finding a career of his own that makes use of the same processes as the guitar lab curriculum.
No matter their background, Boilermakers can step into the room and begin planning and building. Through instruction from French and time in the workshop, innovative lessons are learned.
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0:00 - What is guitar lab?
0:25 - Learn about Mark French
1:05 - Begin class
2:34 - Meet student Keith Lucena
4:03 - Get to know teaching assistant Alyssa Fernandez
7:54 - Visit Lyndsay Moye at Gibson
9:41 - Dive into experiential learning
11:53 - Learn about innovation at Purdue
12:58 - See the finished products
#Purdue #PurdueUniversity #Boilermakers #BoilerUp

[@TechPurdue]

Mark French exemplifies everything that makes Purdue great! Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute is incredibly proud of Prof. French and the way that he inspires students to accomplish even more than they first thought possible.

[@zapoi67]

Very impressive ! Greetings from Switzerland 🙂🇨🇭

[@PurdueUniversity]

@zapoi67 Thanks so much!

[@griffin9649]

I'm an MET student at Purdue right now. I can't wait to take this class next year!

[@PurdueUniversity]

So happy to hear this @Griffin!

[@jojotrommlerExtraBougEe]

🎸 Love The Purdue Family! My daughter is an Alumni "She MASTERED it"! Everything about Purdue is Excellence 🖤💛🚂🆙️🔨⏬️

[@PurdueUniversity]

So happy to hear this @JoJo Trommler loads more than a dishwasher 🍊!

[@eapspurdue8354]

Love this!

[@PurdueUniversity]

Thank you @EAPS Purdue!

[@GingerTyPerior]

This was such a fun class! It was my favorite one I’ve ever taken here!

[@PurdueUniversity]

@Gingertyperior Love to hear it!

[@MLMWarriors]

Wow