Melody Baglione, Professor and George Clark Chair of Mechanical Engineering, was invited to present at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Mechanical Engineering Education (MEEd) Conference held at George Mason University.

The ASME Mechanical Engineering Education (MEEd) Conference, established in 1989, is the only conference dedicated to mechanical engineering and engineering technology educators and leaders from academia, industry, and government. The 2026 conference took an in-depth look at the current and future challenges and opportunities impacting mechanical engineering education.

Professor Baglione participated in the leadership workshop, Strategies for Inclusivity in Academic Leadership, alongside distinguished engineering educators and leaders from across the country. The workshop explored strategies for reaching academic leadership roles in ways that encourage inclusiveness for all. The workshop provides actionable advice to both those interested in reaching department head and dean roles, as well as to experienced leaders fostering environments where leaders from all backgrounds are seen as viable candidates for these positions.

The workshop featured a panel of experienced academic leaders, including Jenna P. Carpenter, Dean and Professor in the School of Engineering at Campbell University; Robin Coger, Engineering Professor at East Carolina University; and Sharon Walker, Distinguished University Professor and Dean Emerita at Drexel University.