Day 2

Life After Being a Department Head

The stresses of being a new department chair may cloud your personal goal setting. Your next step might be to move up to a higher administrative position such as dean or associate dean. However, some may choose to stay in the department head role or move into a different academic role such as a professor or director of a research center. professor or director of a research center. We will explore some potential next steps in your career.

Speakers:
• Joseph J. Rencis, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Professor, College of Aviation Worldwide, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Kenneth Ball, Ph.D., PE, Dean, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University
• Mohammad Zahraee, Ph.D., P.E., Dean College of Technology, Purdue University Northwest

Industry Engagement: The Secrets of Successful Partnerships

Industry partnerships are essential for preparing the next generation of mechanical engineers to meet evolving workforce demands. This session brings together academic leaders and industry to explore proven strategies for creating and sustaining impactful collaborations. During this session you will learn how to align curricula with real-world needs, develop experiential learning opportunities, and foster research initiatives that drive innovation. Be a catalyst for change by joining us and take home strategies that will transform your partnerships into engines of innovation, empowering students, energizing faculty, and elevating your institution’s impact.

Speakers:
• Crystal Jones, Ph.D., Senior Director of Workforce Partnerships, The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC)
• Nafiz Karabudak, Corporate University S&T Engagement & Research Portfolio Management, Lockhead Martin
• Mark Nolan, Associate Vice President of Corporate Engagement, Georgia Institute of Technology

Break and Exhibitors

Preparing Mechanical Engineers for the Energy–AI Transition: Curriculum, Workforce, and Partnerships

This workshop will engage ME leadership to define strategies for integrating AI into mechanical engineering curricula with emphasis on energy-related topics, discuss faculty development, assessment, and partnerships to prepare a future-ready engineering workforce.

Speakers:
• Arindam Banerjee, Ph.D., Paul B. Reinhold Professor and Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Lehigh University

Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology: Two Pathways, One Career

This panel examines how ME and MET prepare graduates for complementary roles within the engineering workforce. The session explores shared foundations and distinct career trajectories, addressing common misconceptions about qualifications, the impact of ABET accreditation differences and similarities (EAC vs. ETAC), and variations in PE licensure eligibility across states.

Speakers:
• Raju Dandu, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Bulk Solids Innovation Center, Kansas State University–Salina
• Ahmad Fayed, Ph.D., Interim Department Head & Associate Professor of Engineering Technology, Southeastern Louisiana University
• Joseph J. Rencis, Ph.D. P.E., Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Professor, College of Aviation Worldwide, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Mohammad Zahraee, Ph.D., P.E., Dean College of Technology, Purdue University Northwest

Awards Presentation

This formal presentation will provide notable acknowledgements honoring award recipients of the ASME Edwin F. Church Medal, ASME Ben C. Sparks Medal, and the Donald N. Zwiep Innovation in Education Award. Short presentations will be given.

Awardees:
• N. K. Anand, Ph.D., Regents Professor, Texas A&M University
• Ivana Milanovic, Ph.D., Professor, University of Hartford
• Chinedum Okwudire, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

Lunch and Visit Exhibitors

How to Make Current Challenges into Current Opportunities

With the evolving federal funding ecosystem, this panel will discuss approaches academia can take to pursue opportunities from a broader, holistic perspective.

Speakers:
• Paul Fakes, Director, Government Relations, ASME
• Olga Pierrakos, Ph.D., Program Director, Directorate of STEM Education, National Science Foundation

Building Mathematical Foundations for Engineering Success: A Collaborative Approach

Successful careers in ME and MET depend on strong mathematical skills. Yet many programs continue to see gaps between students’ ability to apply mathematical skills and the demands of core engineering courses. This workshop will provide concrete strategies to strengthen students’ mathematical foundations and will outline specific, actionable steps for faculty to enhance student outcomes, improve retention, and promote effective collaboration across math, science, and engineering disciplines.

Speakers:
• Sorin Cioc, Ph.D., Clinical Professor and Undergraduate Program Director, University of Toledo
• Maria Emelianenko, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair of Mathematical Sciences, George Mason University
• Ahmad Fayed, Ph.D., Interim Department Head & Associate Professor of Engineering Technology, Southeastern Louisiana University
• Vukica Jovanovic, Ph.D., Department Chair of Engineering Technology, Old Dominion University
• Irina Ciobanescu Husanu, Ph.D., Department Head & Full Teaching Professor, Program Director for Engineering Technology, Drexel University

Break

Defense Industry Future Workforce Panel

The defense sector represents a significant employer of mechanical engineering graduates, whether it is for defense contractors or direct government employment. This panel provides expert insight on how we prepare students to enter the defense workforce.

Speakers:
• Elissa Trueman, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Technology Officer, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Carderock Division
• Mat Winter, Vice Admiral, US Navy Retired, Winter Strategic Solutions LLC

Break/Exhibitors Open

Townhall and Closing Remarks

Optional Post Conference Hockey Game Outing

Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers
Washington, DC, Capital One Arena 7pm ($$)

• See registration for details