Hands-on ‘guitar lab’ one of Purdue’s most popular courses

Media are encouraged to share, post and publish this content

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

In the technology course Stringed Instrument Design and Manufacture, Purdue students combine engineering and manufacturing skills with teamwork to design, build and take home their very own guitar. It’s a one-of-a-kind college experience that’s open to all majors.

Mechanical engineering technology professor Mark French teaches “guitar lab,” which is one of the most popular courses on campus. He finds that his background has greatly influenced his instruction style and created a unique ability to connect with students.

“I have an advantage that most professors don’t have,” he says. “I was never an especially good student.”  

Read more on The Persistent Pursuit website.

Media contact: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Research News

Three headshot photos in a black and gold graphic

National Academy of Inventors names 3 Purdue faculty as 2025 fellows

December 12, 2025

Five Purdue professors wearing hard hats and reflective vests stand in front of an electric semitractor on a roadway

First highway segment in U.S. wirelessly charges electric heavy-duty truck while driving

December 3, 2025

Man sitting in lab

Plant ‘first responder’ cells warn neighbors about bacterial pathogens

December 2, 2025

A close-up of kaolinite on Mars

Findings suggest red planet was warmer, wetter billions of years ago

December 1, 2025