Depew to research in Ireland before returning to teaching

Dennis Depew’s tenure as dean of the College of Technology ends June 30. Before he returns to the classroom — as dean emeritus and professor of industrial technology — in Spring 2012, he will enjoy a sabbatical that will take him to Dublin, Ireland.

Depew has been accepted as a senior specialist in the Fulbright program. He will conduct research on technology policy at the Dublin Institute of Technology August 20-October 1.

“This will give me a chance to retool,” Depew said. “I can learn about technology policy and the European Union and get updated information on quality assurance and management.”

Depew said his research will focus heavily on review of literature and discussions with other experts in the field.

“I will read, learn, and talk to people to try to understand better how they develop technology policy,” he said. “I also want to look at factors that influence technology policy, such as religious, political and cultural factors.”

He hopes to introduce his research into a course on technology policy for the Spring 2012 semester, to be team-taught with Melissa Dark, associate dean for strategic planning and research.

Depew hopes another outcome of this Fulbright experience will be the beginning of a study abroad course. He would like to take a group of students to Dublin or the broader European Union to observe firsthand European technology policy and innovation.

His name will be on the senior specialist roster for five years, so he will have the opportunity to conduct another overseas research trip as part of the Fulbright program in the future.