Day 1

Opening Session and Keynote: The Current and Future of Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Intelligence in Mechanical Engineering
The field of Mechanical Engineering has educated students and advanced research in the design of physical systems that solve real world problems. As the world becomes more digital in nature and AI/ML models leverage such data to discover novel insights, the question is "what will be the role of Mechanical Engineering in the age of AI/ML?" Recent advancements in AI/ML have resulted in these models achieving comparable performance in domains that were once considered the expertise of human engineers in Mechanical fields, ranging from Deep Reinforcement Learning control systems to Generative AI for 3D designs and physics-based simulations. How will or should the field of Mechanical Engineering adapt to remain relevant in the 21st century age of digitization and AI/ML?

Opening Remarks: Thomas R. Kurfess, Ph.D., P.E., President 2023-24, ASME

Keynote Speaker:
• Conrad Tucker, Ph.D., Director, Carnegie Mellon University – Africa, Associate Dean for International Programs-Africa, CMU

Moderators:
• Michele Miller, Ph.D. and Jonathan Cagan, Ph.D

Artificial Intelligence in the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum
This panel session will motivate the need to incorporate AI and machine learning into the mechanical engineering curriculum. A panel of academics and researchers will discuss the basic understanding and skills that mechanical engineers will need to incorporate these new technologies in their work. The panelists will give examples of what is being taught or developed today, outline gaps that need to be addressed, and describe a future curriculum.

Speakers:
• Levent Burak Kara, Ph.D., Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
• Faez Ahmed, Ph.D., ABS Career Development Assistant Professor Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Moderators:
• Jonathan Cagan, Ph.D and Harish Cherukuri, Ph.D.

Lunch – Update on ASME Student Engagement

Speakers:
• Ty Booker, Senior Manager, Programming and Engagement, ASME
• Geraldine Gooding, D.Eng., Director, Engineering Education and Outreach, ASME

Industry Collaboration in Mechanical Engineering Education
This session will explore the various ways that academia and industry can work together to educate the next generation of mechanical engineers. Industry involvement is essential for identifying the needs of the future workforce. Panelists will discuss collaborations such as industrial advisory boards, cooperative education programs, and adjunct faculty teaching.

Speakers:
• Glen Case, Founder, Chief Technologist, Hermeus
• Mary Frecker, Department Head and professor of mechanical engineering, Riess Chair of Engineering, and director of the Penn State Center for Biodevices
• Bob Frederick, Ph.D., Propulsion Research Center Director, Professor, Mae, The University of Alabama (Huntsville)
• Manish Kumar, Global Head of Strategy, Business Development and Sales, Siemens Energy

Moderators:
• Elliott Bryner, Ph.D. and Rungun Nathan, Ph.D.

New Technologies Revolutionizing Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)
This session focuses on new technologies that are driving change and modernization in ME and MET education. Our programs need to prepare students for industries that did not previously exist and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to use new technologies. This session will address the pedagogical evolution that is needed to prepare students to join the workforce in this era of sophisticated technologies such as digital twins, microfabrication, the Internet of Things, and quantum technology.

Moderators:
• Karim H. Muci-Kuchler, Ph.D. and Leigh McCue-Weil, Ph.D.

Five @ 5
The Five @ 5 session is a forum for ME and MET department leaders to present on the innovative practices being implemented at their institutions. Topics might include curriculum development, student recruitment/retention, faculty recruitment/retention, faculty development, co-curricular programs, mentoring, and more. Each speaker will have exactly 5 minutes to present. This is an opportunity to showcase successful initiatives, learn from each other, and build community around shared challenges. Must be a registered MEEd attendee to participate.

Learn more about this opportunity to present.

Moderators:
• Harish Cherukuri, Ph.D.