RIT engineering technology professor elected president-elect of national American Society for Engineering Education organization

Rochester, New York – A longtime leader in engineering education at Rochester Institute of Technology is stepping onto the national stage. Martin Gordon, a professor in RIT’s College of Engineering Technology, has been elected president-elect of the American Society for Engineering Education, a major organization that helps shape how engineers are taught across the United States.

Gordon’s election marks a notable moment for both RIT and its engineering technology programs. A professional engineer with decades of experience in teaching, mentoring, and industry collaboration, Gordon currently serves as professor and director of external academic relations in the College of Engineering Technology. His work has consistently focused on connecting classroom learning with real-world practice, a balance that has defined much of his career.

As president-elect, Gordon will help guide ASEE as it continues to evolve in a time of growing pressure on higher education. Engineering programs nationwide are facing shrinking enrollment, tighter research funding, and rapid changes driven by technology and workforce needs. Gordon’s background, which spans academics, corporate partnerships, and public service, places him in a strong position to help the organization respond to those challenges.

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“This prestigious appointment is a significant milestone for RIT and CET, showcasing our commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence in engineering education,” said Manian Ramkumar, dean of CET. ” I am confident that under his leadership ASEE will continue to thrive and make significant strides in advancing engineering education.”

ASEE, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing engineering and engineering technology education through teaching, research, and service. Its membership includes faculty, researchers, and professionals from roughly 400 colleges and universities, along with representatives from 50 corporations nationwide. The organization plays a key role in shaping curriculum standards, promoting best practices, and supporting educators at every career stage.

Gordon is no stranger to the organization. Over the years, he has held leadership roles within several ASEE councils, including those focused on institutions, technology, and finance. His contributions have been widely recognized. In 2024, he was named a Distinguished Member of ASEE, and in 2025, he earned the title of ASEE Fellow. Both honors reflect his sustained service to the organization, his advocacy for the engineering profession, and his impact as an educator.

“My experience with ASEE has given me the perspective as a change leader,” said Gordon. “Leadership I believe is as much about listening as it is about taking action. Our mission is more important than ever as the field faces declining student enrollment, constrained research funding, and an increasingly challenging higher education landscape.”

At RIT, Gordon has built a reputation as a dedicated teacher and mentor. He received the university’s Eisenhart Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1998 and continues to combine instruction with advising and hands-on learning. He teaches courses in failure mechanics, mechanical design, and strength of materials, emphasizing problem-solving skills that students can apply beyond the classroom.

Since joining RIT in 1995, Gordon has also served as faculty adviser to the university’s Baja SAE team, guiding students as they design and build off-road vehicles for national competitions. In addition, he acts as the NCAA faculty representative for RIT’s athletics department, advocating for student-athletes and supporting their academic success.

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Beyond campus, Gordon brings specialized expertise in forensic engineering. A past president of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, he has worked extensively in vehicular crash reconstruction and product liability analysis. His experience includes consulting and providing expert testimony in both state and federal courts, giving him a unique perspective on how engineering decisions affect public safety and policy.

That expertise has also shaped his teaching. Gordon developed an undergraduate course in traffic crash reconstruction, where students design and operate custom equipment and participate in controlled crash tests conducted with the New York State Police. The course blends theory with real-world application, offering students rare hands-on experience.

Taken together, Gordon’s academic, corporate, and governmental work reflects the broad scope of modern engineering education. His vision for ASEE includes preparing students not only for technical roles, but also for leadership in sustainability, public policy, and societal impact.

“I aim to help ASEE navigate change while preserving its core mission: creating broadly accessible, high-quality engineering education that empowers students and professional to make a difference in the world,” he said.