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

Arezoo Ardekani sits in an office and looks into the camera.

Purdue engineers test, validate novel method to improve pharmaceutical R&D

June 22, 2026

Researchers stand with mass spectrometry platform in lab.

Purdue researchers work to accelerate cancer drug discovery with next-gen tech platform

June 17, 2026

Researchers work with equipment in lab

Purdue Institute for Cancer Research secures $9.4M in renewal of its National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant

June 11, 2026

Researchers stand beside an open mass spectrometry system.

Faster chemical reactions made possible by tiny droplets

June 1, 2026