Truchard to present keynote at Expo07

An ISA: International Society of Automation product story

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Aug 9, 2007

NI President and CEO and Engineering Hall of Fame Award Winner Dr James Truchard will give a Keynote/Rimbach Lecture on realigning the engineering education system at ISA EXPO 2007

With more than 40 years of experience working with machine and process engineers using advanced technology to improve machine design and production, Dr Truchard has also guided the National Instruments efforts and involvement in engineering education in university, secondary, and primary education.

Truchard will deliver the opening keynote address on Wednesday, 3 October at 0830.

His presentation, 'Repairing the Educational System to Meet Industry's Innovation Demands' will focus on how industry trends in multidiscipline design and advanced software tools are speeding innovation.

He will elaborate on the essential steps to overhaul engineering education, and will also highlight on-going successes in revamping education.

"Today's education system is not broadly aligned to produce engineers with the breadth of understanding, the hands-on experience, and the theoretical foundation required to supply industry with the talent required to drive innovation," states Truchard: "To produce innovation, companies must streamline R+D teams and rapidly iterate on new design ideas quickly".

Many throughout the industry have expressed concern about the education of young engineers and their ability to jump into the workforce and be productive immediately.

Dr Truchard co-founded National Instruments in 1976.

Recognised as an industry leader, Truchard was elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and was named as the University of Texas Distinguished Engineering Graduate.

In 2001, Truchard was honoured by Frost and Sullivan as the CEO of the Year for the test and measurement industry.

In 2002, he was inducted into the Engineering Hall of Fame by Electronic Design Magazine.

The Rimbach Lecture is made possible by the generosity of the Rimbach family.

Honouring Richard Rimbach, long considered the father of ISA, for his lifetime service to the industry and his leadership in founding the Society, the Rimbach Lecture Series reflects Rimbach's vision in technology advances, training, and motivation.