About the Guest Speaker: 

Brandon Allen, Ph.D. 

Diversity & Culture of Inclusion (DCI), and Engineering Workforce Development (EWD) Program Manager, ASPIRE ERC, Purdue University. 

Dr. Allen’s research, teaching, and service efforts are in the areas of recruiting and supporting underrepresented minorities, social justice, inclusion, equity, and diversity (IED) leadership, and developing and sustaining diversity programs and initiatives. Specifically, his research identity includes topics such as Chief Diversity Officers and illustrating the benefits of diversity and inclusion programs geared towards women and underrepresented minorities. Allen received his doctorate from Purdue University (2020). His Ph.D. Thesis examined how predominantly white land-grant universities utilize chief diversity officers through a Critical Race Theory lens (Thesis Abstract). Brandon is active in helping institutions and industry leaders continue to foster a culture of being a champion for inclusion, equity, diversity, and belonging.