When Jim Dyer finishes his Ph.D. this fall, he will have logged almost 10 straight years of schooling after earning his bachelor's degree--all while working full time and raising a family.

In the past decade, Dyer has studied for and passed the exam for a professional engineer's license, earned a master's degree in environmental engineering, completed the work for his doctoral degree in plant and soil sciences, fathered three daughters and worked for the DuPont Co. Recently, he was selected as one of 84 young engineers nationwide for the National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Symposium.

At this point, Dyer admits he's ready to be done with school, while also acknowledging the value of his prolonged education. "My daughters are now 9, 8 and 5 years old, so they've always known a father who was a student," he says. "It's been a balancing act with work, family and school. I think I've been able to strike the right balance, but I'm glad to be finished with degree work.

"At the same time, the Ph.D. has provided me with additional skills that far exceed the content of what I've studied. It's taught me about the research process and enabled me to develop specialized skills that will help me in my career."

Dyer hasn't forgotten the program that enabled him to earn his master's degree five years ago while working full time. At the time, he was the first student to earn a master's degree with a thesis through the Engineering Outreach program.

"Engineering Outreach was such a positive experience for me that I've tried to stay involved," he says. "The best part about Outreach is that it gives each student the flexibility to select whatever approach is right for his or her situation."

According to Kathleen Werrell, director of Engineering Outreach and assistant dean in the College, Dyer has been a great spokesperson for the program. "He helps us with our Outreach information nights, encouraging other professionals to pursue advanced degrees through the program and sharing with them how his advanced degree has helped him in his career," she says.

Established in 1994, Engineering Outreach serves as a resource for engineers and scientists who need to continually update and expand their knowledge. The program enables working professionals to pursue graduate degrees, complete noncredit short courses and enroll in such certificate programs as maintenance engineering and composite materials.

The program also organizes professional conferences. In spring 2003, it will offer its sixth leading-edge technology conference, which will cover proteomics research.

For more information about the conference or the program in general, check the web site [www.udel.edu/engg/outreach].