Technology Engineering (TechE), the newest undergraduate degree program from the College of Engineering, hosted the inaugural meeting of its Industry Advisory Board (IAB) on Oct. 7.
Developed from the ground up with extensive input from industry, TechE prepares students for modern engineering challenges at the intersection of hardware and software in a multidisciplinary, interconnected world. Along with core courses in areas such as electronics, embedded systems, computer programming and computer aided manufacturing, students choose a concentration in mechatronics or embedded cybersecurity or a minor in smart agricultural systems. The degree program represents a pioneering, multidisciplinary initiative that seamlessly integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering with computer science.
“The IAB offers a wealth of industry insight to help us prepare practice ready engineers for an evolving workforce,” said Janet Brelin Fornari, director of the TechE program. “The board’s ongoing involvement will help us define how TechE will advance as a program and how our college can further support the needs of industry.”
Established to ensure educational, research and outreach programs stay attuned to the needs of industry, government, and an evolving workforce, the IAB members represent a wide cross-section of industries, including automotive, information technology, education, industrial automation, and electronic system integration.
Meet the TechE IAB members:
- Jeff Abell – professor of practice, University of Michigan
- Jason Beaudin - executive director, Educational Technology, Michigan State University
- Kenneth Bonello – vice president of engineering, Humanetics (retired); Bonello Consulting LLC
- Stacy Chung – engineering manager, Daimler Truck North America
- Heather Dashner – global industrial engineering manager, Ford Motor Co.
- Tre Dipassio - principal research engineer, Harman International
- Steve DuMont – engineering group manager, General Motors Co.
- Jared Fisher – director of data intelligence services and integration, Stellantis
- Victor Hyde – senior manufacturing engineer, Steelcase
- Chad Ivan - sales and applications manager, DTS
- Sheryl Janca - senior program manager, Autoliv ASP
- Jay Judkowitz – director of product and engineering, autonomous mobile robots, Rockwell Automation
- Leah Kunzelman – director supply chain management, Eaton Corporation
- Eyad Nayef – president ZF LIFETEC Japan, ZF LIFETEC
- Alison Peterson - director of mobility initiatives, Washtenaw Community College
- Dean Sabelhaus - director for career technical education, Chippawa Valley Schools
- David Sanders - general manager, General Motors partnerships, Microsoft
- Matt Zaleski - senior cybersecurity engineer, GM Financial
- Louis Zednick - application engineer, Autoliv
The TechE degree program’s first graduating class is expected in 2026 and will be well prepared for opportunities spanning diverse sectors of the economy. The skills cultivated in the program prepare them for industries encompassing biomedical devices, automotive manufacturing, agricultural innovation, cybersecurity, autonomous mobility, aerospace engineering, computer device development and more.
To learn more, visit Technology Engineering.
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