Kettering University's Diane Peters, Ph.D. Recognized with Prestigious 2024 SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award

Kettering University's Diane Peters, Ph.D. Recognized with Prestigious 2024 SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award

Today, Kettering University announces that Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Diane Peters has earned the prestigious 2024 SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This honor celebrates her dedicated contributions to engineering education over the past two decades.

The Distinguished Engineering Educator Award recognizes individuals who excel in engineering education and have made significant contributions for at least 20 years. Dr. Peters, a seasoned educator and longtime member of SWE, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing engineering knowledge and fostering the next generation of engineers.

"This award is such an honor since it recognizes that my work has made an impact, particularly on students - especially women students - and their future careers as engineers and leaders," Dr. Peters said. "I'd also like to extend my congratulations to the other winners of this award and all the other amazing people receiving various awards from the Society of Women Engineers."

Dr. Peters is known as a central figure within the Mechanical Engineering department at Kettering University who is dedicated to students and advises several organizations. She is the faculty advisor to the Kettering University chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and co-advisor to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) chapter, including the AutoDrive Challenge team. Dr. Peters also serves as the advisor to Kettering University's chapter of Tau Beta Pi, a national engineering honor society that recognizes undergraduate engineering students for distinguished scholarship and exemplary character.

Dr. Peters has also made significant contributions with her engineering research. Her work has enhanced the learning atmosphere to drive excellence and set a higher standard for engineering education. Recently, she led a team responsible for a $465,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to establish a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site at Kettering. She also led another team of faculty members that received an NSF grant of more than $398,000 for the Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies (EMERGE) project. EMERGE is meant to build meaningful partnerships among faculty and industry to help students target their research to industry needs.

"Dr. Peters's exceptional commitment to her students and the University shines through her innovative teaching and unwavering support," said Dr. Scott Grasman, Kettering University Dean of the College of Engineering. "Her profound impact on engineering education and her dedication to empowering future engineers make her a standout recipient of the Society of Women Engineers Distinguished Educator Award."

"I am incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Diane Peters for receiving the prestigious SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award," said Kettering University Provost Dr. James Zhang. "This honor not only reflects her exceptional commitment to fostering excellence in engineering education but also underscores our institution's dedication to empowering the next generation of innovators. Diane's passion for teaching and mentorship has left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues alike. Congratulations to Dr. Peters for this well-deserved recognition."

Dr. Peters holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. She also has years of industry experience with manufacturers such as A. B. Dick Company (ABDick), Mid-West Automation Systems, Western Printing Machinery, and LMS International. She has also taught at Oakton Community College and Eastern Michigan University and worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan. Dr. Peters joined the Kettering University faculty in 2013 and is now an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Dr. Peters has been the Principal Investigator on several grants, including three from the National Science Foundation, and has authored over 90 scholarly papers and publications. She also holds two patents. Her service to SWE includes a variety of positions at all levels. She currently serves on the SWE Research Advisory Council.

In October, Dr. Peters was recognized at WE24, the Society of Women Engineers' annual conference and career fair in Chicago. WE24 is the world's largest event dedicated to women engineers and technologists, offering a platform for professional development, networking, and inspiration. Several current Kettering students were in attendance for the event, including Monali Baker '26 (ME), Dahlie Rose Canalita '26 (EE), Danielle Ciokajlo '27 (ME), Adria Dixon '25 (EE), Tanisha Francis '25 (CE), Kaia Hospodarsky '27 (CS), Kayla Hughes '26 (EE), Meadow Loukmas '26 (ME), Gabrielle Miller '25 (ME), Abi Shinoj '25 (ME), and Sabrina York '25 (ME). Shelley Knust '92 (EE), Vice President of Product Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (PCRA) Cummins Inc., also served as one of the keynote speakers for the event. The SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award is one of several honors presented by SWE to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of individuals in the engineering field. Congratulations to Dr. Diane Peters for this well-deserved recognition!

Dr. Diane Peters receives 2024 SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award (Photo Credit SWE)

Dr. Diane Peters gives a speech at WE24 (Photo Credit SWE)