Professor of Technology, Engineering and Design Education Aaron Clark Named Life Chair of 1909 Conference: Advancing Thought, Research, and Practice in Technology and Engineering Education

Aaron Clark, a professor of technology, engineering, and design education in the NC State College of Education and co-director of engineering education at NC State, has been named Life Chair of the 1909 Conference: Advancing Thought, Research, and Practice in Technology and Engineering Education — a position he can hold for the remainder of his career. 

The 1909 Conference is an annual gathering in the field of technology, engineering and design education that aims to advance research, thought and practice in the field and serves as a platform for educators and researchers to exchange ideas, test innovations and address key challenges. 

“This is one of the most important leadership positions anyone can have in our field of technology, engineering, and design education,” Clark said. “This position represents a tremendous honor, providing an opportunity not only to continue my work but also to collaborate with esteemed colleagues in establishing new research initiatives and endeavors that will propel our profession forward. I am excited to engage with faculty from around the globe and contribute to a conference with a remarkable 114-year tradition. This recognition is both a significant milestone and a profound honor in my career.”

As life chair of the 1909 Conference, Clark will be responsible for planning and organizing the annual conference agenda, collaborating with leaders in the field of technology, engineering and design education to bridge research to practice, and representing the field to national and international higher education organizations. 

His goal as chair is to establish an impactful research agenda through collaboration with other universities that will address the needs of the discipline. Additionally, he hopes to enhance mentorship opportunities for graduate students and cultivate training programs to prepare future leaders in technology, engineering and design education. 

“Expanding the scope of research to incorporate interdisciplinary collaboration with related fields in technology and engineering education will also be a key focus,” he said.