Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering held a dynamic forum on April 17, 2025, titled “Simulation and Design Education: Closing the Skills Gaps in the Age of AI.” The event, part of the annual KK Wang Industry Day, brought together a diverse mix of faculty, students, alumni, and industry leaders to explore the future of engineering education in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Industry and Academia Unite
Sponsored by Ansys, Autodesk, and eCornell, the forum attracted professionals from prominent companies including Anduril Industries, ASM, ASML, Corning, Dominion Engineering, Moog, and SpaceX. Discussions centered on how the integration of AI and simulation tools is revolutionizing the design process, and how academic institutions must adapt curricula to ensure students are prepared for these changes.
Insights from Cornell Leaders
Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering, opened the event by emphasizing the need for stronger partnerships between academia and industry. He stressed that only through collaborative efforts can educational programs keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
David Erickson, Director of the Sibley School, along with Rajesh Bhaskaran, Swanson Director of Engineering Simulation, presented how Cornell incorporates simulation-based learning into its programs. One highlighted example involved using simulation tools in biomedical engineering courses to provide hands-on experience with real-world design challenges.
Preparing Engineers for an AI-Powered Future
The forum reinforced Cornell’s commitment to innovating its engineering education model. With AI transforming every stage of the design and manufacturing process, the university aims to ensure its graduates are not just prepared, but equipped to lead the next generation of technological development.
This initiative showcases the Sibley School’s proactive role in shaping a future-ready engineering workforce.
