Steven Fowler

Background

About Steven Fowler

By training, I’m an engineer. By trade, I'm an educator. By passion, I'm an innovator. I thrive on solving complex problems, finding their root cause, evaluating options, and implementing practical, lasting solutions. In the classroom, I’ve built a reputation for making difficult topics accessible (like Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics) while maintaining consistently high student ratings. I love seeing the moment a concept clicks for a student who never thought they’d understand it. My career took an unexpected turn when I first found myself in possession of 3D printer in 2007. What began as a chance encounter has become a full-on mission: I now lead efforts in developing additive manufacturing (AM) curriculum, training programs, and lab spaces where students bring their ideas to life. I’ve worked with AM for almost 20 years now and continue to advocate for its role in shaping the future of design and production. Now I teach AM to both students and engineers in the field. I’ve also led cross-disciplinary work in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), earning an $800K NSF grant to integrate drone technology into engineering, physics, and math. As a licensed Part 107 pilot, I collaborated with OU’s Aerospace Engineering program and developed budgets, curriculum, and strategy for workforce readiness. Beyond the classroom, I’ve held key leadership roles, including two terms as Faculty Senate President, where I guided diverse faculty voices into unified action and policy reform. I’m currently serving as Principal Investigator for a $1.2M NSF grant to expand innovation capacity and sponsored programs participation across three colleges. I bring a strong technical toolkit to every role I serve, including-Additive Manufacturing & SolidWorks -UAV Operations & FAA Part 107 -Microsoft Excel, VBA Macros, SPC -Thermal Sciences & Engineering Applications I also worked as a civilian engineer at Tinker Air Force Base in their Reverse Engineering and Critical Tooling (REACT) lab, applying engineering and AM principles to real-world systems with national impact. This experience shaped my pragmatic approach to engineering education and broadened my understanding of defense-related innovation. My wife and I co-founded The Zoo Review, a platform focused on education, conservation, and inspiring curiosity about the natural world.(Check us out at I welcome new connections and collaborations, especially in engineering education, AM, and workforce development.