Janet Callahan

More about Dean Janet Callahan

Janet Callahan is the 15th dean of the College of Engineering at Michigan Technological University. She believes that diversity in an equitable and inclusive environment is essential for the development of creative solutions to address the world’s challenges, and is dedicated to fostering life-long learning.

Callahan earned her degrees at the University of Connecticut at Storrs, starting with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, followed by a master’s degree in metallurgy, and finishing with a doctoral degree in materials science. She competed for and was awarded a National Science Foundation post-doctoral fellowship to conduct research in Melbourne, Australia, and then joined Georgia Tech as a member of their materials science and engineering department.

Callahan joined Boise State University in Idaho to help launch its new undergraduate program in materials science and engineering. She was appointed founding associate dean of the College of Engineering, and then served as chair of the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering before joining Michigan Tech.

“Here at Michigan Tech, in the College of Engineering, our vision is to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world,” notes Callahan. Her approach to engineering education involves encouraging learning, and exploring knowledge—for both instructors and students. “Excellence in teaching can be learned,” says Callahan. “And excellence in learning can be taught. We owe it to our students to foster the wonder of discovery and problem solving from the moment each student sets foot on campus.”

Callahan is a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), a Fellow of The American Ceramic Society (ACerS), a member of the Society for Women Engineers (SWE), and a volunteer for ABET, the accreditation body for engineering programs. She is also a member of AIChE, TMS, and ASM International. And a lifelong member of Girl Scouts!