As we embark on another exciting year, I am reminded of the incredible opportunities and challenges that come with leading one of the nation’s premier mechanical and aerospace engineering programs. At the Sibley School, our mission has always been to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and prepare our students to shape the future. This year’s accomplishments showcase the breadth of our impact – both in education and in the larger engineering community.
From transformative educational spaces to the remarkable journeys of our students and alumni, we continue to advance the frontiers of engineering. Our cover story highlights the Manufacturing Learning Studio, an ambitious effort to reimagine our machine shop as a next-generation space for hands-on learning. This facility will provide students with access to cutting-edge manufacturing tools and techniques, ensuring that they graduate ready to tackle real-world challenges. This initiative reflects our commitment to experiential learning and has become a major focus for alumni engagement and support.
Equally inspiring is the story of Katherine Ruelan ’27, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the first recipient of the Cornell Veterans Engineering Scholarship. Katherine’s transition from military service to mechanical engineering at Cornell is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Thanks to the generosity of alumni Gordie Vap ’96, M.Eng. ’97, and Tracy Vap ’96, this scholarship is empowering veterans to bring their unique skills and perspectives to our academic community.
This issue also celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni and faculty, from the groundbreaking research of our newest faculty members to the exceptional career of Henio Arcangeli, M.Eng. ’87, whose leadership in the automotive and aerospace industries exemplifies the global impact of a Cornell education. Additionally, we highlight the launch of Cornell’s first Ph.D. program in robotics, a truly interdisciplinary initiative that positions us at the forefront of a rapidly growing field.
As always, these successes are made possible by the dedication and support of our alumni and friends. Whether through mentorship, engagement or philanthropy, your contributions play a vital role in shaping the Sibley School’s future. I encourage you to consider supporting initiatives like the Manufacturing Learning Studio, which will leave a lasting impact on generations of Cornell engineers.
Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission. I look forward to continuing this journey together as we inspire innovation, foster excellence and prepare the next generation of engineering leaders.
David Erickson
SC Thomas Sze Director and Sibley College Professor
Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering