Kirsten Davis, assistant professor of engineering education at Purdue University, has been selected to receive the Outstanding Experiential Education Research Award from the Society for Experiential Education (SEE).

The award recognizes Davis’ significant contributions to advancing experiential learning through research. According to SEE, this year’s nominations represented a highly competitive pool of scholars, but Davis’ work distinguished itself as "a testament to the meaningful work being done to advance experiential learning." She was formally recognized at SEE’s 54th Annual Conference, September 7–10, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

“This recognition highlights not only Dr. Davis’ creativity and dedication to experiential education, but also Purdue’s leadership in rethinking how students engage in hands-on, inquiry-driven learning,” said Edwin Blanton, chair of the SEE Awards Committee.

By receiving SEE’s Outstanding Experiential Education Research Award, Davis joins a distinguished community of educators and researchers whose work continues to shape the future of experiential education worldwide. "I am excited to continue my research on experiential education through a new project exploring how engineering students develop global competence," Davis said. Several of these projects can be found on her GLIDE (Global Leaning Initiatives for the Development of Engineers) website.

Founded in 1971, SEE is a nonprofit membership organization that advances the theory and practice of experiential education. The organization defines experiential education broadly to include internships, service learning, global experiences, and other hands-on, inquiry-driven opportunities. SEE’s Experiential Education Academy has certified more than 800 educators and practitioners; its Fellows Program supports scholar-practitioners and advanced doctoral students; and its Awards of Excellence, including the award Dr. Davis will receive, honors exemplary contributions that strengthen the field.