In This Story
Those looking to learn about the academic and professional worlds of mechanical engineering need look no further than "The Mason Mechanical Engineer" podcast.
Amidst the shift to remote learning during the pandemic, Leigh McCue, the chair of the mechanical engineering department at George Mason University, started the podcast as a way to maintain STEM outreach efforts sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). In June 2023, McCue was joined by co-host Philip Wilkerson, an employer engagement consultant in University Career Services. (Wilkerson first appeared on the podcast as a guest alongside his colleague Ann Garner in August 2022 for what is to date the most listened to episode of the show.)
“As we emerged from the pandemic and outreach events returned to face-to-face, we held onto the podcast as another way to reach students, researchers, and employers—which is one of the ways Philip’s employer engagement talents really come into play,” said McCue. After praising the podcast production knowledge Wilkerson brought to the project, McCue added that the pair work together well, as she leans toward the technical details while Wilkerson leans toward leadership and professional development.
The podcast swiftly garnered recognition: McCue published a paper with the American Society for Engineering Education about the podcast's supporting the goals of the ONR–funded grant, such as fostering interest in STEM disciplines among K-12 students in Northern Virginia, and together McCue and Wilkerson are working on a second paper showcasing the podcast’s career services-mechanical engineering collaboration.
Through insightful discussions and interviews with diverse guests, the podcast illuminates potential career and research pathways in mechanical engineering. Each episode of “The Mason Mechanical Engineer” features an interview with a member of the Mason nation, including staff, faculty, students, alumni, and industry partners.
The most recent podcast episode features Andre Marshall, the university's Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, who provides a glimpse into the multifaceted world of academic research and innovation. A mechanical engineer himself, Marshall underlines the importance of inclusivity and diversity in fostering a robust research culture. He highlights Mason's inclusive environment as a magnet for talent, emphasizing the need to cultivate a culture of belonging.
"We want to continue to cultivate that culture here at Mason, because I do believe it's a superpower of ours," Marshall said, pointing to Fuse at Mason Square as an exciting new space for collaboration. He envisions a space where "people [of different disciplines] can be in close proximity to each other, working together every day," echoing the podcast's emphasis on real-world interdisciplinary collaboration.
As "The Mason Mechanical Engineer" continues to gain momentum, be sure to check out episodes past and present for more conversations at the intersection of academia, innovation, and career development.