On this episode of The Tech Ranch, Dave Blair fills in as host for the “Guru of Geek” Marlo Anderson, alongside “Tech Geezer” Jim Walsh, who is at the control panel making sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes.  In-studio guest  Dr. Terry Pilling, Associate Professor of Engineering, University of Mary, Bismarck, shares his knowledge with listeners about math and science, focusing specifically on engineering. Even though Marlo is enjoying a family cruise vacation, he is definitely missing out on another fantastic show.

Engineers Are Under Rated

Dr. Terry Pilling has lived in the Mandan, North Dakota, for a few years. Originally from Canada, he eventually moved to western North Dakota while CEO for a wind power company. Today, he is an Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Mary in Bismarck. His professional resume is astounding, it left Dave and Jim in utter amazement. Dr. Pilling completed his:

* Undergraduate Degree in Engineering and Physics, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

* Masters Degree in Nuclear and Particle Physics, Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

* PhD in Theoretical High-Energy Physics & String Theory from North Dakota State University, Fargo

His Post Doctoral work includes:

* Joint Institute of Nuclear Research, Russia

* Joint Astronomy Center, Hawaii

Did we mention Dr. Pilling is also a Professor? At any rate, these days, Dr. Pilling can be found on the University of Mary campus teaching and helping the university build a state-of-the-art engineering program. Blue prints have been completed by Metal Building Contractors and construction will begin soon on a new engineering building that will be complete with classrooms, laboratories and testing facilities. Projected completion of the new facility is 2018. Even though the university currently has a bachelor program in engineering, Dr. Pilling says the new facility and program is approaching the field of engineering unlike any other program the department knows right now. Classroom learning will be combined directly into lab classes so students can use application during lecture. One particular aspect of the new program Dr. Pilling is looking forward to is the new website that will be available to students. Within the website, there will be several connections to firms that are looking for individuals to test and create projects. Dr. Pilling stresses a modern curriculum will produce the best engineers possible.

Dr. Pilling is optimistic about the future of the engineering department at the University of Mary. He stresses that students who are interested in math and science should consider pursuing a degree in engineering. He also is aware that many students find math and science to be “boring.” Dr. Pilling believes that the minds of students can be changed if  more passion is put into teaching the subjects. If the teacher is engaged, the student is more likely to be engaged too. Though computer skills are essential in this day and age, Dr. Pilling has a philosophy that computer knowledge is almost an automatic learning skill for students and classrooms should spend less time teaching about computers and more time teaching how a computer works.