ASME TechCast

In a year that started to feel like “normal,” technology and the engineers behind it were a big part of the story. Listen as the staff of Mechanical Engineering magazine discuss their picks for the top engineering stories of 2023 in this special year-end edition of ASME TechCast.

A program called Space Workforce 2030 is seeking to bring in a new generation of engineers that is more diverse and talented than ever. It will significantly increase the number of women and underrepresented groups not only in the workforce, but also across aerospace engineering programs and senior company leadership. Via Van Liew, principal director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at The Aerospace Corporation, one of the many companies that has committed to the Space Workforce 2030 pledge, shares more about the program and how it's making its mark.

Alquist 3D CEO Zachary Mannheimer talks about 3D printing affordable housing and building a workforce.

Alquist 3D CEO Zachary Mannheimer talks about using 3D printers to build affordable housing and stand up a workforce.

Jorge Puente, vice president of engineering with Kelly’s Science, Engineering, Tech, and Telecom unit talks about busy engineering firms that are enjoying low turnover rates, but still report that recruitment remains a challenge.

An often-overlooked source of air pollution is the household kitchen, especially those that use gas ranges and ovens. The environmental advocacy group WEACT for Environmental Justice recently conducted a study to look at the impact of switching out gas stoves for induction cooktops in New York City public housing. Jennifer Ventrella, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering who helped conduct the study, joins ASME TechCast to discuss the results and the steps that can be taken to mitigate reduce indoor air pollution.

Moving from a technical role into a management position is difficult to navigate. Engineers find themselves in uncharted waters. Jeff Perry, founder of More Than Engineering is a software, mechanical, and manufacturing engineer. For years he has been working with engineers and helping them map out the necessary skills for becoming a quality leader in the field.

In New York City, Local Law 97 is pushing owners of large buildings to take steps to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Tristan Schwartzman, principal and director of energy services at Goldman Copeland, a New York-based engineering firm, discusses the impact of the law and the steps being taken to prepare buildings in the city for a low-carbon future.

Mechanical Engineering magazine’s October/November cover story dives into the engineering feats and solutions that brought NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to its current home, orbiting the sun about 1 million miles away from Earth. Author Lina Zeldovich shares some insights behind the story, how it came together, and pieces that didn't make the story's final cut.

This podcast discusses the seller-doer business development model and its importance in the engineering industry. It explores the significance of client experience, using Amazon as a prime example. The evolving expectations of clients and the need for emerging leaders to develop interpersonal and communication skills are highlighted. The connection between client experience and the success of seller-doers is emphasized.