Durgin, who joined the faculty in 1971, earned his bachelor's and doctoral degrees at Brown University and his master's at the University of Rhode Island. The current Kenneth G. Merriam Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Durgin has held a number of posts at WPI, including assistant to the provost for multidisciplinary activities and dean of graduate studies and research. He is a former head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, was head of research and development at the former Alden Research Laboratory, and held the George I. Alden Chair. He played a central role in establishing the Aerospace Engineering Program, the Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Processes Laboratory, and the Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership.
Durgin says he sees the implementation of new undergraduate programs, the expansion of graduate and research programs, and the recruitment of faculty and students as activities of critical importance to WPI.