2020 Bender of Twigs Honoree

If you’ve met Shawn Ehrstein, chances are you remember him. Most days, he is friendly, laid-back, and calm. But when the situation calls for it, he can be a bulldog—stubborn, strong-willed, independent, and outspoken. These dual facets of his personality are exactly what make Shawn such a vital asset to the WSU-NIAR team.

Shawn's relationship with Wichita State University began in the late 1980s as a student assistant in the CAD/CAM Lab at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1992, a master’s in electrical engineering in 1996, and an M.B.A. in 2000—all from WSU. His full-time career took off in 1996 as manager of the CAD/CAM Lab. He was promoted to associate director in 1999, and later to director of CAD/CAM and Emerging Technologies, a title that only begins to reflect his impact on the university.

Shawn has continually been a pioneer in bridging technology and education. In the early 2000s, he worked with what is now WSU Tech (formerly Wichita Area Technical College) to bring NIAR curriculum to technical college students. When NIAR and WSU Tech came together under one roof at the National Center for Aviation Training in 2010, Shawn played a pivotal role in integrating labs and curriculum to better serve aviation partners.

As applied learning became a focal point in industry collaboration, Shawn led a pilot program with Bombardier Learjet. This initiative laid the foundation for many of Wichita State’s most impactful partnerships with global names like Spirit AeroSystems, Airbus, Textron, and NetApp.

Shawn’s leadership was again front and center with the creation of the 3DEXPERIENCE Center in the first building on Innovation Campus. This collaboration with Dassault Systèmes brought cutting-edge capabilities in additive manufacturing, robotics, reverse engineering, and extended reality to WSU—drawing international attention and partnerships with firms such as BCG and Deloitte. This positioned Wichita State as a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Most recently, Shawn is spearheading NIAR’s digital twin initiative for the U.S. Department of Defense. Under his leadership, more than 100 students are supporting efforts that will allow the DoD to better analyze and maintain its aircraft fleet—enhancing readiness and extending aircraft lifespans.

Shawn is endlessly loyal and driven to keep WSU on the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing. He builds strategic industry and government partnerships, explores new technologies, and mentors both college and high school students. His presence is understated, but powerful—he doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet commands attention when it’s time to deliver results or make an impact.

Shawn Ehrstein is one of those rare leaders you want in your corner—whether it’s in a high-stakes meeting or simply sharing a laugh in a casual moment. His contributions have left a lasting mark on Wichita State and will continue to shape its legacy for years to come.