Residency 2023

Session Information for Thursday August 24^th

SESSION #1 10:15 - 11:00am
OPTION 1: 
For students completing EPD 518/618 in Spring '24 

EPD 518/618 Capstone Project
Chris Dakes, PhD, Faculty Associate, Engineering Management 
Director, Center for Innovation in Engineering Education 

Chris teaches EPD 618 Applied Leadership and Management of Engineering Organizations for MEM. As the inaugural Director of the Center for Innovation in Engineering Education in the College of Engineering, his 20+ years of experience are brought to life by conducting and disseminating research on teaching and learning, creating and sustaining cross-disciplinary courses and programs, and leading organizational change initiatives. 

OPTION 2:
For students graduating Spring '25 and later 

Getting the Most out of Networking 
Nathan Jung, PhD, Teaching Faculty, UW College of Engineering 

Dr. Jung teaches engineering communication and ethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has published widely in the humanities and has worked as a developmental editor for organizations like the American Chemical Society. 

SESSION #2 11:15 - 12:30pm 
OPTION 1: 
Design Thinking: Accelerating Digital Operations 
Skye McAllister, MEM '12, Marketing Analytics Leader, 3M 

Abstract: 
The rapid advancement of technology and increase in disruptive events has led to a paradigm shift in the way organizations conduct their operations. To stay competitive, businesses must embrace innovative approaches that enable them to adapt quickly and effectively. Design thinking, a human-centered problem-solving methodology, is a powerful tool for fostering creativity, accelerating decision making, and driving impactful advances to digital transformation. 

This workshop will demonstrate ways to accelerate and enhance digital capabilities through (1) empathy and end-user engagement, (2) mapping problem solving data visualization and (3) leveraging personas to simplify and align messaging at all levels of an organization; enabled by specific MEM learnings as well as real world examples deploying phsyical and digital solutions for 3M global manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering technology operations. 

In an era of never-ending data, artificial intelligence, and algorithms - connecting these advances with context, beauty, and an empathetic approach to development can bring your digital capabilities to the next level. 

Presenter Profile: 
Skye is a 2012 graduate of UW-Madison's Engineering Management master's degree, also earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Technical Communication Certificate in 2005. His entire professional career has been with 3M, spending over a decade leading capital automation projects as a Principal Project Engineer for global health care operations, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt role for industrial business group, and then pivoting into digital operations as a Digital Factory Manager and most recently Manufacturing Analytics Leader for Enterprise Supply Chain. Whether automating equipment or applications, Skye believes in following a person centered approach that combines elements of engineering, design and business to achieve meaningful results. 

OPTION 2: 
Life Cycle Management: Design for Manufacturing & Reliability 
Todd Treichel, PhD, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Sierra Space 

Abstract:
Lifecycle management starts at the very beginning of the product design phase and continues through end of life or product retirement. "The beginning is the most important part of the work." Product function, probability of success, duration, and useful life environment are all important factors that impact product success. Learn what it is like to work in an electro-mechanical environment and how important the topic of reliability is when managing the design, manufacturing, and test of spacecraft hardware. This session will involve interactive content, audience participation, and a demonstration of a Reaction Control System (RCS) rocket thruster. Yes, it is rocket science and it does involve some unique techniques all will find informative. 

Presenter Profile:
Todd is a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with Sierra Space.  He holds a BS in Manufacturing Engineering from UW-Stout, an MS in Management from Cardinal Stritch University, and a PhD in Management of Engineering and Technology from Northcentral University.  He is an adjunct lecturer for UW-Madison's Industrial Systems Engineering Department. For 15 years he has worked for Sierra Space, where is focused on developing, maintaining, and operating manufacturing systems toward successful fabrication, assembly, environmental testing, hot-fire testing, and mission performance.

SESSION #3 1:30 - 3:00pm 
Moving DEI from Concept to Action on Engineering Teams 
Brandon Banks, MEM '20, Business Unit Leader, John Deere 

Abstract:
In today's rapidly changing and interconnected world, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within engineering teams has become an imperative for organizations seeking to unlock innovation, creativity and long-term success. As an engineering manager, you play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and practices of your team to cultivate an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. 

In this interactive session, Brandon Banks will share concrete examples of how he has successfully incorporated DEI into his team and management style. Leveraging his extensive experience in this domain, Brandon will facilitate an honest and constructive dialogue, allowing you to ask difficult questions, share concerns and collectively develop strategies to overcome challenges. 

Presenter Profile: 
Brandon is a 2020 graduate of UW-Madison's Engineering Management master's degree. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and started working at John Deere as an intern. His career has been with John Deere since then from internship to management level, including multiple international assignments and increasingly senior positions.  Currently, he is a Business Unit Leader with John Deere Seeding in Valley City, North Dakota. 

SESSION #4 3:15 - 4:45pm
Nurturing Growth: The Power of Mentoring for New Engineers
Jessie McMasters, MEM '20, Engineer Manager, Collins Aerospace 

Abstract:
This session explores various mentoring approaches, including peer mentoring and reverse mentoring, and highlights their unique benefits. Participants will gain insights into how cultivating a culture of mentoship can foster innovation, collaboration, and employee retention.  The presentation discusses tips for setting boundaries and frameworks for successful mentoring relationships as well as tailored approaches to different mentoring relationships. This interactive presentation is designed to engage engineering leaders will be inspired to harness the power of mentorship to unlock the full potential of their teams, promote continuous learning and drive sustainable organizational growth. 

Presenter Profile:
Jessie McMasters is currently and Engineering Manager for Analysis, Design and Product Definition at Collins Aerospace in Rockford, Illinois. In this role she is responsible for developing advanced technical solutions for the Mechanical Power Conversion product line as well as discipline health management. Jessie is a 2020 graduate of the MEM program.