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

People talking in a lab with Rittal and Eplan branding.

Purdue expands partnership with Rittal, Eplan with launch of engineering technology labs

September 16, 2026

Eric Barker, Preeti Sivasankar and Cherise Hall

Provost announces leadership appointments, promotions

September 14, 2026

Graphic with NSF logo and text reading ‘Congratulations Career Award Winners’ on a black background with gold and black diagonal stripes.

15 faculty chosen for NSF CAREER awards

September 10, 2026

Meera Doran, Maxwell Kawada, Christopher Peter, Peter Meshkov and Shaiv Mehra and John Anderson listen to Haley Oliver-Jischke speak.

5 engineering doctoral students selected as Purdue’s inaugural class of ARCS National Scholars

September 3, 2026