Engineering the Future Workforce

Access to world-class education is rapidly being redefined, and learners everywhere are demanding flexible, verifiable pathways that keep pace with innovation. In this episode, we’re joined by Octavio Heredia, Director, Global Outreach and Extended Education, Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, to explore how stackable microcredentials, global partnerships and learning-emplo...

Engineering education is evolving fast — and the way we assess skills, validate learning and prepare future talent must evolve with it. In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Silwick, CFO and COO of ABET, to explore how academic assessment, peer feedback and credential recognition are reshaping pathways into STEM careers. Jessica shares how ABET is setting global standards for quality assurance,...

Blending immersive technology with sustainable thinking can help future engineers tackle real-world challenges from day one. In this episode, we’re joined by Suavi Yildirim, Graduate Research Assistant of Institute FAPS/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, to explore how immersive engineering tools like VR, XR and digital twins are reshaping sustainable design education. We dive into Suavi’s journey leading the...

Today’s students aren’t just looking for a degree; they’re looking for an edge in a fast-changing world. Employers, meanwhile, want skills they can see, not just credentials on paper. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Readey, Professor, Engineering Management, at University of Colorado Boulder, and Christy Bozic, Executive Director, Master of Engineering Management Program, at Duke Universi...

In a competitive job market, continuous learning and industry-recognized credentials are more valuable than ever, and Sophie Overstreet, Learning Consultant, and Hani Qaqish, Advanced Technical Product Manager, both of Siemens Digital Industries Software, know this firsthand. In this episode, they share insights into the evolving landscape of learning, credentials and the role of AI in education a...

Engineering education is undergoing a transformation. As technology advances and industries evolve, how do we ensure future engineers are equipped with the right skills? On this episode, we’re joined by Jacqueline El-Sayed, Chief Executive Officer of SAE International. With an extensive background spanning industry, academia and professional societies, she shares insights into the evolving landsca...

What’s the key to thriving in a world of constant change? In our inaugural episode, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, reveals how lifelong learning and digital innovation are shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Barbara shares insights that inspire action and redefine success. Key Takeaways: (03:16) Curiosity and initiative are essential for lifelong success. (08:21) Early career peer reviews bui...

What if your classroom project involved designing a Formula 1-style car to compete in an international race? In this episode of Innovation in the Classroom, Shannon O'Donnell dives into the thrilling world of Formula SAE, where innovative engineering students push the boundaries of design, performance, and teamwork. Join me as I chat with Hong Wee Lim, the Project Supervisor for the National Unive...

Hands-on learning is more than just a way to enhance your skills; it's a powerful tool that opens doors to networking, career opportunities, and personal growth. In today’s fast-paced world, where theoretical knowledge alone isn't enough, practical experiences are crucial in shaping a successful future. In this episode of our podcast, Dora Smith interviews two inspiring students, Buket Kurtulus, a...

Education across the globe has seen monumental shifts in the last four years, and the field of engineering is no exception. I am your host, Dora Smith. Today we've invited Shannon O'Donnell, who leads global academic engagement at Siemens digital industry software, to help us talk about engineering education in South Korea. Shannon O'Donnell talks to Dr. Yim,  a professor of engineering at Hongik...

Earlier this year, Siemens held the Sustainability Design Hack at their Realize Live 2023 event to address sustainability challenges and encourage college students to come up with creative and impactful solutions to these challenges. The idea behind this Design Hack was to provide students with real-life experience of sustainability challenges within the industry and give them access to mentors an...

In the world we live in, the impacts of climate change are becoming more apparent every day. Weather patterns are getting more unpredictable and severe, affecting underserved communities the most. So, what can we do through technology and education to come up with practical and sustainable solutions for these challenges? I am your host, Dora Smith. Today, I am joined by Alberto Martinetti, an asso...

Simulation technology has come a long way in recent years. Once the idea of science fiction stories, today they have become an everyday reality.  Simulation plays an important role in revolutionizing many industries. And the aerospace industry is among the sectors that have benefited from the success of simulation applications to date.  Joining us today is Jonas Edman, business development consult...

Change is inevitable! As technology students are exposed to changes, the need to change the teaching approach is becoming stronger. That’s because you want a teaching method that harnesses the skills students are gaining from their interactions with the latest technology.  On the other hand, competition in the industry has forced companies to embrace technology. However, the shortage of personnel...

When preparing students for industry, you must have the end goal in mind. You must prepare them for what the industry expects from them and what it takes to succeed and thrive beyond their classes. This can be done by ensuring that students get industry experience while still in school. Industry experience will help them see the value in teamwork, communication skills, and new technologies. Withou...

Preparing students for industry involves more than just teaching them general engineering principles. It would be best to teach them how to use the industry’s tools and the teamwork culture. This will make them more confident and ease the challenge of transitioning from student to employee. At the same time, the industry needs to adjust its approach to dealing with employees to attract new graduat...

Electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) are here to stay! While the benefits of transforming the transportation industry are undeniable, the true cost of making that transition is still unknown. For instance, what will happen to economies that rely on fossil fuels, and how will data-hungry AVs impact personal data privacy? Getting a full picture of what is required to make and sustai...

The education system was hit hard during the initial stages of the COVID lockdowns but managed to bounce back fast through digital engagements. It was especially difficult for engineering students who require a lot of practical classes and collaboration with peers. However, even as people get back to their classrooms, some of the innovative digital solutions that came from remote learning are cont...

For industries to attract and prepare the next generation of engineers, they have to create practical links with academia. This will make it possible for them to nurture the future workforce long before they graduate and seek permanent employment. This can be achieved by offering part-time opportunities to students as well as forming working partnerships with universities. Students who get opportu...

Engineering is about using science to find creative practical solutions. The question then becomes - how do we train engineers to understand the problems and work with teams to get to those solutions? The best way is to give potential engineering students an opportunity to practice the class-gained skills in the real world as part of their course.  This will prepare them to analyze problems, commu...

Engineers have played a critical role in creating the world that we live in today. They are still the people that we are looking up to and hoping they deliver many more life-changing innovations that will make our life easier, safer, and more fun. That is why the people responsible for creating those engineers are working hard to instill the right mindset in them as early as possible. They also wa...

The ability to plan ahead and adapt is one of the biggest strengths in today’s fast-changing world. In the aviation industry, this involves working on eco-friendly planes and continued investment into space tourism and exploration. Beyond that, the industry is working to ignite the passion of future aviators at an early age through initiatives such as the Experimental Aircraft Association(EAA)  Ai...

The partnership between Leoni and the University of Sonora is an exciting initiative with massive potential; it represents a considerable opportunity for young graduates. And the best part of it, it is replicable and scalable.  The University of Sonora is the alma mater of most engineers in Hermosillo, the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora, and Leoni is a German company that manufactures harn...

One of the biggest challenges of the imminent arrival of the 4.0 industry is knowing how to prepare for it. In ABET, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, they prepare students to tackle this new industry's challenges providing them with technology tools and exposing them to programs constructed to guarantee that they're prepared to ensure quality, precision, and safety in the global workfor...

Mobility in the modern world is a primary need and a concern about its impact on the environment. Researchers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals work daily to generate vehicles moved by green, renewable energy. Their final goal is to develop the technology and make it accessible and available to the masses.  In this episode, I talk with Frederik Vanmaele and Gilles De Baets, both memb...