After more than two decades as a biomedical engineering faculty member, Robert Crockett stepped into the role of interim dean of the College of Engineering last year. As the new academic year begins, he will continue in that role, building on the work he started and keeping the college moving forward. A familiar presence in the department and across campus, Crockett brings to the position a mix of entrepreneurial experience, academic leadership and a strong commitment to student success.
In this Q&A, he reflects on Cal Poly’s strengths, his goals for the interim period, and why staying connected to students remains central to his work.
What makes Cal Poly’s College of Engineering unique?
The obvious answer is the Learn by Doing mindset and the hands-on work. Beyond that, the students who choose Cal Poly already have a mindset of getting things done. They have many college options but pick Cal Poly for its reputation and hands-on learning. Our job is to nurture that drive through teaching, clubs, activities and everything else that shapes them into the engineers who graduate from here.
What are some of your goals as interim dean?
An interim dean’s role can vary depending on the situation. Sometimes, it’s about polishing things up and preparing for the next dean. Other times, it’s about fixing what’s broken. I’m fortunate to step in at a time when the college is running as smoothly as I’ve seen in my 25 years here. Former Dean Amy Fleischer did an amazing job — managing the budget, hiring the right people, working with departments and creating student initiatives. My role now is to keep that trajectory going so the new permanent dean inherits a strong foundation.
Tell me about your research background and interests.
My research bridges entrepreneurship and education. Over the years, I’ve started companies in haptics, biomedical devices and diagnostic products, usually during sabbaticals. Then I return to Cal Poly and bring that experience back to the classroom. That’s been my pattern — moving between startups and teaching, applying lessons from one to the other.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy working with students. One challenge in an administrative position is staying connected to them. I still lead a research group and teach a class, and I plan to stay active with student clubs, IRAs and campus events. Ultimately, we’re all here because of the students.
How do you encourage engineering students to make an impact on the community?
I encourage students to reach out to the community — local, regional, national or global — and apply their skills to real-world problems, even early in their studies. That’s what engineers do: solve problems. The more you engage with the community, the better you become at identifying the problems that truly need solutions.
What do you hope engineering students will take away from their Cal Poly education?
I hope they discover their passion here. That might happen in class, through the curriculum, or in activities outside the classroom. It might not even be in engineering — and that’s fine. The key is applying practical knowledge to something you care about, because everything else can be learned.
How do you support the college’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion?
The College of Engineering is on a trajectory to become more inclusive, more diverse and a place where people feel heard, appreciated and valued. This culture was fostered by Amy Fleischer and teams across the college — not just the Dean’s Office. My goal isn’t to make radical changes but to maintain that momentum. The key is listening first. Even with good intentions, programs can miss the mark if they don’t start with empathy and understanding.
