As the chief academic and administrative leader, the Dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute provides strategic vision and leadership to drive the college’s mission of innovation, applied research, and industry-focused learning. The Dean works closely with associate and assistant deans, department heads, faculty, staff, and student leaders to cultivate an inclusive environment that promotes academic excellence, hands-on learning, and industry readiness.
The Dean leads the Polytechnic’s collaborative efforts across six academic schools, ensuring students receive an interdisciplinary education that equips them for careers in emerging fields such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and aviation technology.
Through partnerships with industry leaders, government, and global partners, the Dean advocates for cutting-edge research and high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students to be industry-ready from day one.
Meet the Dean
Dr. Daniel Castro-Lacouture became the Dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute on June 1, 2022, bringing with him a wealth of academic and industry experience. Prior to joining Purdue, he served as a professor of building construction and executive director of the professional master’s program in occupational safety and health at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Design.
Dr. Castro-Lacouture began his academic career as an assistant professor of civil engineering at Ohio University before transitioning to Georgia Tech in 2006, where he was promoted to full professor in 2015. He led the School of Building Construction as chair for over 11 years, shaping the next generation of professionals in the field.
A proud Purdue alumnus, Dr. Castro-Lacouture earned his doctorate in civil engineering from Purdue in 2003. During his time as a student, he was a teaching assistant in the School of Civil Engineering and a staff resident at Hillenbrand Hall. He now holds a courtesy appointment in Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil Engineering. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia, followed by a master’s degree in construction management from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Prior to his academic career, he gained invaluable hands-on experience working as a project engineer in the industry.
