Engineering the resurrection of a dream with Purdue’s online Doctor of Engineering

When Sarah Blakeslee decided to pursue engineering, she thought her dream of earning a doctorate was dead. Decades later, a LinkedIn post changed her life.

Now, she is immersed in Purdue University’s online Doctor of Engineering (DEng) program and researching a new suspension process that will benefit her company for years to come.

For Blakeslee, that post was revolutionary. Before that moment, she thought a doctorate could only be achieved in person, on a campus. She worried time spent pursuing innovation in industry — as opposed to in an academic setting — would put her at a disadvantage. She had no idea that her experience would be welcomed as a bonus.

“It was just a little banner that said, ‘Doctor of Engineering program.’ It was brand new. There was the first class, the first cohort, in their first semester. And it was one of the easiest decisions ever to apply,” Blakeslee said.

The death of a dream

Blakeslee planned to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biology and work in academia long before she graduated from high school.

“As a young Sarah, my first career ambition was to be a research biologist, and my ultimate study subject would be lizards in Australia – which is the most ‘out there’ dream ever,” Blakeslee said.

But in 2000, as she was working on her master’s in biology, she went to a seminar featuring a civil engineer who was working to convert elephant dung into clean fuel for battery cells. She left the seminar convinced she would have loved engineering, but since she was so close to completing her master’s in biology, it was too late to change.

“I felt like I maybe missed my calling,” Blakeslee said.

She graduated in the middle of a recession. While she found a part-time job at an environmental nonprofit, Blakeslee struggled to find a full-time role. When an engineering position finally became available at SRAM, which designs and manufactures bicycle parts, Blakeslee seized the opportunity.

“I thought, ‘I’m just going to put everything I can into getting this job,” she said.

She researched the field and discovered ways her biology and statistical knowledge were transferable to the role. She got the job.

Over the next few years, her duties took her to Taiwan about 30 times to collaborate with teams there. While there, she saw design engineers in action.

Seeing those design engineers at work inspired her to earn the master’s in mechanical engineering degree that unlocked her current role as a design engineer at SRAM.

“I really loved my job, but the thought of that dream of PhD-level work or doctorate-level work was gone,” Blakeslee said.

The sign

Then she saw the LinkedIn post for the DEng program. A week later, she applied to the program.

“I hadn’t been researching doctorate programs because I thought that dream was dead,” she said. “But Purdue is such a reputable brand that I knew this would be a program that had the academic rigor and reputation that some online programs do not have. So, I was like, if I’m going to do this, this is the program that I have to do it with.”

A dream comes true

The program’s online format allowed her to continue to live and work in Colorado Springs, Colorado, while studying.

“It’s been a really fun program to be part of,” Blakeslee said. “I feel like I’m just starting to get deeper into what my actual research focus will be, so it’s kind of exciting but daunting at the same time, if that makes sense.”

Since starting her academic journey, Blakeslee has received much support. Her research advisor has been instrumental in connecting her to people she needs to know on campus. And her professors tend to pair online candidates with on-campus students for group projects. At every turn, Blakeslee’s work background is welcomed.

“I found there is a need for people with industry experience within that research community,” Blakeslee said.

“I didn’t feel like they were shunning me because I wasn’t an academic, because I was somebody in industry. It felt like it was an asset, that they appreciated my perspective. I would say that that network is continuing to evolve.”

Blakeslee said her understanding of mechatronic systems and control theory is helping to bridge the knowledge gap between her and the electrical and software engineers she works with. Her research into ways she can help her company design “intelligent mechatronic systems as they pertain to bicycles” is advancing.

“There is no roadmap for the research,” Blakeslee said.” It’s new. It’s something I’ve never done before. So yeah, it’s pushing myself in ways that are very challenging, but at the same time, super rewarding.”

“Everyone’s journey is different.”

Learn more about Purdue’s online Doctor of Engineering at the program’s website.