Dean Warren Dixon explains why great engineers are curious

Engineering is fueled by curiosity and questions. Can we power a city more efficiently? How do you build a bridge that can withstand an earthquake? What does it take to build an autonomous robot that can be controlled under water? I'm Warren Dixon, and as dean of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech I'm excited for us to explore what's possible together. Whether it's seeing the world from a new perspective through aerial innovation. Oh, wow. Discovering new ways to improve local water quality. Building robots that help people thrive. Or uncovering the materials that power technologies we rely on every day. Each breakthrough begins with someone asking a question and at Virginia Tech, we’re committed to training engineers who are driven by the curiosity to discover new answers. I'm looking forward to finding the answers together. Let's go! Hokies!

1:00 Dean Warren Dixon explains why great engineers are curious

By:

Dawson Bryant

21 Sep 2026 262

A new era of engineering is here, and every innovation begins with a question. Ask Dean Warren Dixon what drives new discoveries, and he'll answer "curiosity." At Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, Hokie Engineers engage in interdisciplinary, experiential learning and groundbreaking research to tackle real-world challenges in artificial intelligence, robotics, health technologies, infrastructure, advanced materials, autonomous systems, water quality, and emerging technologies. Their questions lead to breakthroughs that create positive change in Virginia communities and around the world. And when they find an answer, they keep asking what's next. Are you ready to discover what's next for you? Find your answer here: https://go.vt.edu/uoJJ6

Academics

Campus Experience

Culture

Impact

Research

Global Impact