Hoffmann Named H. Bruce McEver Professor in Engineering and the Liberal Arts

Posted August 8, 2024

Professor Michael Hoffmann, whose innovative work on “wicked problems” has important implications for liberal arts scholars, social scientists, and engineers alike, has been named the H. Bruce McEver Professor in Engineering and the Liberal Arts, effective Aug. 1.

As McEver Professor, Hoffmann will be responsible for encouraging, cultivating, and supporting interdisciplinary exchanges among liberal arts and engineering scholars at Georgia Tech and beyond.

“I’m honored to be named the H. Bruce McEver Professor in Engineering and the Liberal Arts,” said Hoffmann. “This is a unique opportunity to further explore the intersections of engineering and the liberal arts and to advance holistic and innovative education across disciplines at Georgia Tech.”

The endowed professorship is supported by a generous gift from H. Bruce McEver, IE 1966, a longtime advisory board member and supporter of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. Professors Emeriti Steven Usselman of the School of History and Sociology and Kenneth Knoespel of the School of Literature, Media, and Communication previously held the position.

With a background that spans philosophy, public policy, and engineering, Hoffmann has consistently demonstrated a commitment to interdisciplinary research and education. 

His National Science Foundation-supported work on wicked problems — issues that are difficult to define, much less solve, because of their complexity and how people view them in different ways — led to the development of the Reflect! platform for deliberating on wicked problems.

Hoffmann also is an ethicist at the NSF-funded National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education (AI-ALOE), where he leads the “User-Engaged Design for Human Well-being” team.

As McEver Professor, Hoffmann will collaborate with faculty across the Georgia Tech campus to extend the Reflect! platform. While the current iteration is meant for use by culturally similar groups, Hoffmann plans to spend the next three years expanding its utility to culturally dissimilar groups. This will help a broader range of users understand and manage conflicts arising from different viewpoints, emotions, and identities.

Hoffmann also plans to develop a new engineering ethics class, in which students will combine their technical prowess with deliberative expertise to seek solutions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. That work will be done in collaboration with stakeholders in communities worldwide where technologies proposed by engineering students would be deployed.

Hoffmann’s appointment to this position reinforces the Ivan Allen College’s commitment to integrating the humanities, social sciences, and STEM disciplines, said Interim Dean Richard Utz. 

“Effective problem-solving requires interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that scientific advancements are communicated clearly and policy decisions are equitable and accountable to all," Utz said. “Michael’s work to overcome the difficulties inherent in solving wicked problems exemplifies the value liberal arts disciplines can provide to our colleagues in the sciences and engineering.”

Cassidy R. Sugimoto, School chair and Tom and Marie Patton Chair in the School of Public Policy, agreed, saying that Hoffmann’s scholarship exemplifies the School's dedication to interdisciplinary work.

“Michael’s ability to bridge the gap between technical and liberal arts disciplines aligns perfectly with our School's mission. His contributions will enhance our curriculum and expand the scope of research opportunities for our students,” Sugimoto said. “He is an excellent choice for this appointment.”