Aaroh Swarup is a Ph.D. student working as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on the value of upskilling the existing workforce, the integration of emerging technologies to support lifelong learning, and understanding adaptability in the engineering workforce. He has prior experience as Head of International Affairs at the Indian Society for Trenchless Technology, where he led educational programs and international collaborations. Aaroh holds a Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Deenbandhu Chhoturam University of Science and Technology, India. He is passionate about bridging research, education, and practice to promote a resilient engineering workforce in both academic and professional settings.

​Kabiru Okegbenro is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. He completed his BTech in Industrial and Technology Education (Building Technology) from the Federal University of Technology, Minna and MS in Technology Education (Building and Woodwork Technology) from the University of Lagos, Lagos. His interdisciplinary background has given him a unique perspective on the connection between education and practice. His research focuses on engineering workforce readiness, engineering ethics, and engineering practice. He is particularly interested in understanding how engineers develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, adaptability, and professional capabilities needed to successfully navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world of work. Through collaboration with educational institutions, industry partners, and policymakers, he aims to bridge the gap between engineering education and workforce needs, promoting ethical and inclusive lifelong learning pathways for diverse engineering professionals.