About our Advisor
Dr. Jerrod A. Henderson
Dr. Henderson is an Instructional Assistant Professor and Director of the Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies (PROMES) for the Cullen College of Engineering at the University of Houston. Dr. Henderson began his career as a Chemical Engineering faculty member and education outreach coordinator for an NSF funded Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems (Nano-CEMMS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has dedicated his career to try to increase the number of students pursuing a career in STEM. Dr. Henderson believes that exposing students to STEM early will have a lasting impact upon their lives and academic pursuits. He has been recognized by local and national news/magazines, community organizations, and institutions of higher learning. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Henderson was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Engagement. In fall 2017, Dr. Henderson was recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as an Inspiring STEM Leader.
Dr. Henderson’s research interests are in engineering identity formation and persistence among underrepresented students, especially African-American men. He is a part of two NSF funded projects: ITEST (PI) and S-STEM (Co-PI). Dr. Henderson is a highly sought after presenter and motivational speaker. His role as faculty advisor for the UH student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers continues to bring regional and national recognition to the award winning chapter.