College of Engineering and Computing hosts mechanical engineering education conference

George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) hosted the American Society of Mechanical Engineering’s Mechanical Engineering Education Conference (MEEd) from March 29 - 31 on its Mason Square Campus. 

Since its inception in 1989, MEEd is the only conference designed for mechanical engineering (ME) and engineering technology educators and leaders from academia, industry, and government. Participants consider current and future challenges and opportunities impacting ME education. 

Leigh McCue, chair of CEC’s ME department, served on the organizing committee and said, “Leveraging George Mason’s strong Northern Virginia presence, we are able to offer unique panels drawing from the industry base in our region; for example, I was particularly excited for a defense industry future workforce panel which included John Main of DARPA, Elissa Trueman of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, and Mat Winter, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret) and now with Winter Strategic Solutions.” 

Other George Mason faculty and staff on the program were Colleen Berg, associate chair for undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering; Bonnie Crews, CEC senior director of advancement and alumni relations; Maria Emelianenko, chair of mathematical sciences in the College of Science; Lewis Forrest, assistant vice president for University Life; Nathan Kathir, professor and director of senior projects in Mechanical Engineering; Ariela Sofer, divisional dean for the Volgenau School of Engineering and professor of Systems Engineering and Operations Research; and Janis Terpenny, professor in Systems Engineering and Operations Research and Mechanical Engineering and ASME Fellow. ME student Joseph Daly was a panelist. 

Andre Marshall, the university’s vice president for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, also gave remarks. He said, “George Mason is honored to host MEEd as educators and leaders explore interdisciplinary, applied, and inclusive pathways in mechanical engineering education—ensuring our programs reflect the realities of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Topics this year include mathematical foundations, AI, advanced manufacturing, fundraising, and industry engagement. George Mason used the hosting opportunity to showcase novel laboratories such as Liling Huang’s Energy Exploration Center; Xuesu Xiao’s RobotiXX Laboratory; and Brett Josephson’s (Costello College of Business) AFCENT Futures Lab, which particularly highlights the multidisciplinary, collaborative nature of George Mason’s research and education ecosystem.  

Dean Ken Ball opened the event by introducing ASME President Lester Su, who then introduced keynote speaker and President of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), Tsu-Jae King Liu, who spoke about the importance of communicating the value and benefits of an engineering education to the general public. She cited the NAE’s report, “Changing the Conversation,” and its guidance on talking points for engineering educators trying to reach young people. 

The session “Training A Workforce for 21st Century Manufacturing” explored how engineering programs can adapt curricula, integrate hands-on experiences, and strengthen problem-solving skills to align with evolving industry standards and workforce needs. Among the panelists was Shannon O'Donnell, Global Future Workforce Engagement Lead for Siemens Digital Industries Software. “There are many benefits to industry and academia collaborating in and beyond this event. It helps new graduates, in particular, through a stronger lifelong learning ecosystem, supporting learners’ digital mindset and skillset.” said O’Donnell.

At the conclusion of the conference, which included two days in sessions and a pre-conference event day, some attendees boarded a bus and went into the District for a Washington Capitals hockey game. McCue said, “With the cherry blossoms in bloom, this is a wonderful time to show off George Mason and our region, and I’m so honored we were able to host MEEd.”