NW Valley Times

GCU mechanical engineering professor Dr. Luke Mayer has been named a Campus KEEN Rising Star, an honor recognizing professors with less than 10 years of experience who are driven by an entrepreneurial mindset.

Mayer, who teaches introductory-level engineering programming, thermodynamics, and fluids, learned earlier this summer that the awards committee for the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) selected him for this recognition. The award is given to junior professors at KEEN partner schools who demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach to teaching.

As a Campus Rising Star, Mayer is also nominated for the National Rising Star Award, which will be announced in spring 2025. He is the fourth member of GCU’s engineering faculty to receive recognition from KEEN.

"Luke goes above and beyond to make sure that students are engaged in the material," said Dr. Michael De Gregorio, assistant dean in the College of Engineering and Technology. "He will often come up with fun projects to highlight principles they have been discussing in class and activate deep learning."

Mayer's office features various gadgets used to engage students in practical activities. One such project involves tiny motors that help students navigate mazes while enhancing their programming skills. Another activity uses photo resistor sensors to teach data recording and troubleshooting.

“I just want to make it a more creative class with projects that connect students to programming and stir up creativity,” Mayer said.

Mayer received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas Tech University and initially aimed for lab work but always had a passion for teaching. His parents were missionaries who taught in Africa, influencing his decision to pursue education.

One significant opportunity came when he taught mechanical engineering at Texas Tech Center in Seville, Spain, helping American students studying abroad stay on track with their programs.

Reflecting on his teaching journey so far, Mayer emphasized innovation and creativity as key components of his educational approach: “When we work on these projects... I kind of can see what they’re getting out of it and what they’re not getting out of it.”

Lana Sweeten-Shults can be reached at [email protected] or at 602-639-7901.