Welcome to the Future of Work Faculty Academy Spring Forum, where bold ideas meet real-world action under the powerful theme of Research, Growth, and the Workforce. This dynamic event brings together visionary educators, innovative researchers, business leaders, and industry partners from across Southwestern Pennsylvania to shape the future of education and work. With a day filled with compelling keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and collaborative conversations, participants will explore how academic research and industry needs can align to fuel regional talent pipelines and economic resilience.
The Forum is packed with high-impact experiences, including interactive research collaboratives, where higher education faculty, K-12 educators, and business/industry partners gather in table groups to address critical workforce challenges. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with regional employers—from small startups to global manufacturers—to explore current needs, growth initiatives, and innovation opportunities. Exciting demonstrations in robotics and autonomous systems provide hands-on exposure to the cutting-edge technologies redefining work across sectors, especially in transportation autonomy and advanced manufacturing.
This is more than a professional event—it’s a launchpad for connection, inspiration, and meaningful change. Whether you're exploring how to integrate a leadership growth mindset, immersing yourself in AR/VR learning technologies, or discovering how robotics can augment workforce gaps, the Spring Forum invites you to actively shape a thriving future. Be part of the movement to align education with innovation, and join a community committed to building opportunity, adaptability, and equity in the future of work.