The Engineering Communication Podcast

Matt Wiles, P.E.

In this episode , I interview Matthew Wiles, P.E. [https://www.linkedin.com/#], Vice President and COO of ECR Engines [https://www.linkedin.com/#] of Richard Childress Racing. Matt earned his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering [https://www.linkedin.com/#] department his master’s degree in the same field from the University of Wisconsin-Madison [https://www.linkedin.com/#] of Wisconsin–Madison. We talk about professionalization in engineering, breaking into the race car industry, and working effectively in team-based environments. This is a special episode because it’s also available as a full video on YouTube—be sure to check it out!  #EngineeringPodcast #MechanicalEngineering #MotorsportsEngineering #EngineeringCareers #YouTubePodcast

Dr. Marie Paretti

In the latest episode of The Engineering Communication Podcast I talk with Marie Paretti [https://www.linkedin.com/#], Virginia Tech Engineering Education [https://www.linkedin.com/#] Professor, who brings a rare blend of expertise with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, an M.A. in English, both from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison [https://www.linkedin.com/#]. She explains how her dual background shapes her view of communication and engineering as parallel systems—each rooted in inputs, processes, and outputs—and also shares what effective interdisciplinary work really requires. Marie also accounts for how she grounds her teaching in workplace practicality by understanding what your audience actually needs (which is very different from what your audience needs when you’re a student). If you're an engineering student who’s nervous about going into the workforce, this is a great episode for you. And if you’re an engineering student who’s NOT nervous about going into the workforce, this is a great episode for you.

Dr. Matt Nowinski

A few weeks ago, Amir Lahoud [https://www.linkedin.com/#] from Virginia Tech’s radio station, WUVT-FM Blacksburg [https://www.linkedin.com/#], invited me to record a special episode of The Engineering Communication Podcast for their station with guest Matt Nowinski [https://www.linkedin.com/#]—and I’m so glad I said yes! Matt brings a wealth of wisdom and great stories from his engineering career. Before joining the faculty at Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering [https://www.linkedin.com/#], he spent more than two decades at Boeing [https://www.linkedin.com/#] as a Software Engineer. His insights, advice, and experiences make this episode a must-listen for engineers at any stage of their careers. And be sure to tune in to Matt’s show, “Dr. Grind’s Office Hours,” airing Thursdays from 1:00–2:30 PM on WUVT!

Connor Herron

In this episode of The Engineering Communication Podcast, I sat down with Connor Herron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeiter#], a Locomotion Controls Engineer at Persona AI [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeiter#], where he develops software and algorithms that bring humanoid robots to life. Connor shares why engineering is, at its core, a form of storytelling, and why engineers must understand the problem they’re solving, who it impacts, and why it matters. We also dig into how to become an adaptable problem solver, a skill Connor refers to as “The Knack.” His perspective on flexibility and iterative thinking is especially valuable for early‑career engineers.  Connor also gives well‑deserved shoutouts to his mentors Alexander Leonessa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeiter#], his graduate advisor and current Department Head of Clemson University Mechanical Engineering [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeiter#] at Clemson University [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeiter#], and Benjamin Beiter, Mechanical Engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbeiter#], for shaping his approach to robotics, leadership, and communication.

Episode 34: Laura Moss

Laura Moss [https://www.linkedin.com/#] is a Stability and Radiological Analysis Engineer at GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy [https://www.linkedin.com/#]. She has a chemical engineering degree from Virginia Tech Department of Chemical Engineering [https://www.linkedin.com/#] a  master’s from NC State University Nuclear Engineering [https://www.linkedin.com/#]. We covered some fascinating topics during our conversation—everything from ethics and safety in nuclear engineering to why clear and concise documentation is critical in the field. Laura also shared some great advice for engineering students on how to stand out at job fairs and make a strong impression on potential employers.