PLM World Academia Focus Group Update

Let me start by introducing myself: I am Bob Chalou, Academic Specialist at Michigan State University. For those that might not know, an academic specialist at Michigan State is a person who teaches 100% of their time. I have been teaching Unigraphics and NX since 1999 to about 2800 students. I have had the pleasure to present at every annual PLM World conference, except one, since my first conference Spring 2000 in Newport Beach California.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Zang, the recent past chair of the Academia Focus Group. He left our focus group in very good shape with years of dedicated service. I have some big shoes to fill. But I promise to do my best to foster and grow the group.

Please consider submitting an abstract to present at UGS Connection 2008 in Orlando, FL June 1st to the 5th. These presentations can be a wide range of topics but need to be focused on the education and training of NX and Solid Edge in an academic setting. This academic setting can be anywhere from very young users through retraining users. We are looking for tip and tricks, course delivery methods, success stories, research findings, etc. The deadline for abstract submission is January 11, 2008. Another exciting aspect is the student design competition held every conference. We are working very hard to improve the competition and include more students at the conference with volunteer opportunities which could eliminate or greatly reduce the cost of attending.

I look forward to working with everyone at PLM World and the folks at Siemens PLM Software, Hulas King,Tavia Carson and Tord Dennis. If you have any question or comments please don’t hesitate to contact me at: Bob Chalou

Please visit the Academia Focus Group

Bob Chalou
Academic Specialist
Michigan State University
PLM World Academic Focus Group Chairperson