BOHEMIA, NY -- North Atlantic Industries (NAI) recently welcomed faculty leaders from Stony Brook University's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) for a roundtable discussion with NAI's recent engineering graduates. The visit provided an opportunity for Stony Brook faculty to gather industry perspectives on the skills employers value in new engineers and explore how undergraduate engineering curricula can continue to evolve to meet the needs of a changing profession, including the thoughtful incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts into engineering education.

The discussion focused on workforce needs, the knowledge and skills employers seek in new graduates, and academic preparation for careers in engineering. Participants also exchanged perspectives on current and emerging topics affecting the profession—including AI, product development, and systems design—and how those subjects can be reflected in undergraduate engineering curricula.

Representing Stony Brook University were Robert Kukta, Senior Associate Dean for Education and Innovation; Pamela Abshire, Chair and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Peter Milder, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director for Electrical and Computer Engineering; along with faculty leaders from the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Undergraduate Student Office. The diverse group of academic leaders brought expertise from across engineering disciplines, reflecting Stony Brook University's commitment to preparing students for successful engineering careers.

"Preparing the next generation of engineers requires ongoing collaboration between universities and industry," said Bill Forman, President and CEO of North Atlantic Industries. "We were pleased to welcome the Stony Brook University faculty and provide our recent engineering graduates with the opportunity to share their perspectives on the knowledge, skills, and experiences that have been most valuable as they transitioned from the classroom to the workplace. Conversations like these help strengthen undergraduate engineering education and better prepare students for successful careers."

NAI is committed to supporting STEM education and fostering partnerships that strengthen undergraduate engineering education. By sharing real-world industry perspectives with academic institutions, NAI is proud to help prepare the next generation of engineers for the evolving needs of the engineering profession.