Next-Gen Design and Manufacturing Workforce Development​

The Next-Gen Design and Manufacturing Workforce Development cluster builds a talent pipeline for advanced manufacturing by designing education, training, and industry-aligned upskilling ecosystems. It develops curricula, stackable credentials, and experiential learning models that connect classroom learning to real manufacturing practice. The cluster emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning and work-based learning pathways that improve job readiness. Outcomes are measured through competency, performance, and placement metrics aligned with regional workforce needs.

A distinctive strength is integrating emerging technologies into scalable training—such as digital twins, XR-enabled labs, and data-driven learning analytics. The cluster creates repeatable training modules that can be delivered across universities, community colleges, and industry partners. It also supports entrepreneurship and innovation pathways so learners can translate technical skills into products, startups, and process improvements. This makes the cluster a bridge between CEPDAM research capabilities and sustained economic impact.

Representative Research Topics:

• XR/immersive training modules for manufacturing skills and safety (simulation-based learning)

• Digital twin–enabled remote labs for scalable hands-on education and assessment

• Competency-based, stackable credentials and micro-certifications aligned with industry needs

• Work-based learning models (co-ops, internships, apprenticeships) with measurable learning outcomes

• Learning analytics and evaluation frameworks for workforce programs (skills inference, SRL, performance metrics)

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Group Members

• Muditha Senanayake, Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences - mmsenanayake@ncat.edu​
  
• Zhaohui Wang, Assistant Professor, Computer Systems Technology - zwang3@ncat.edu​
  
• David Schall, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering - jschall@ncat.edu ​
  
• Balakrishna (Balu) Gokaraju, Professor, Computer Systems Technology - bgokaraju@ncat.edu​
  
• Renzun Zhao, Associate Professor, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering - rzhao@ncat.edu​
  
• Andrea Ofori-Boadu, Associate Professor, Built Environment - andreao@ncat.edu​
  
• Taher Abu-Lebdeh, Professor, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering - taher@ncat.edu​
  
• James D. Kribs, Assistant Professor, Applied Engineering Technology - jdkribs@ncat.edu​
  
• Elizabeth Newcomb-Hopfer, Associate Professor. Family and Consumer Sciences - eanewcom@ncat.edu​
  
• Mohammad Azad, Associate Professor, Chemical, Biological and Bioengineering - emaazad@ncat.edu​
  
• Shyam Aravamudhan, Professor, Nanoengineering - saravamu@ncat.edu
  
• Gerard G. Dumancas, Professor, Chemistry - ggdumancas@ncat.edu
• Roberta Claro da Silva, Associate Professor, Family and Consumer - rcsilva@ncat.edu 
• Hui Yi, Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Statistics - hyi@ncat.edu
• Nelson Granda, Assistant Professor, Applied Engineering Technology - nagranda@ncat.edu

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