Lessons on Learning, AI, and the Future from Tufts Faculty

Tufts University School of Engineering educates tomorrow’s leaders and innovators by delivering the tools to meet current and future industry demands. Recently, School of Engineering faculty members, including Marty Allen, Fabrizio Santini, Ming Chow, and Lisa DiOrio gathered to discuss the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolving landscape of technology and education. Drawing on their own experiences, they offered unique insights about teaching online, the importance of fundamentals in technical disciplines, and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. The discussion outlined below is especially relevant to students and STEM professionals, highlighting what it takes to succeed in tech careers and achieve longevity in the field.

Why is Interdisciplinary Learning Critical for Data and Computer Science Students?

The School of Engineering online programs take an interdisciplinary approach to education, which faculty agreed is essential to addressing complex problems in technology and society. They stressed that knowledge across fields like engineering, mathematics, and computer science helps professionals succeed in the evolving tech landscape.

By recounting how they’ve applied mathematical concepts in areas like engineering and data science, the speakers spotlighted the need for interdisciplinary learning in preparing students for new challenges. Marty Allen provided one example: “Linear algebra is so incredibly useful. It’s all over artificial intelligence and machine learning. It’s fundamental to graphics and signal processing. It’s huge.”

What Are the Biggest Challenges in Transitioning to Online Teaching?

Students and faculty have benefited from the transition to online teaching. Instructors enjoy the ability to record and revise lectures so they don’t have to teach the same lecture repeatedly, yet can still optimize content and keep lessons up to date. The online format also facilitates personal connections. As Allen put it, “With online teaching, it’s only 20 to 30 students in a class—as opposed to in-person classes, which are often larger. Seeing their names on the screen helps, and working closely in small groups creates more personal connections. I actually get to do all the lab stuff and the recitation stuff that my TAs normally do. For that reason, I know a lot of my online students better than my in-person students. Honestly, it’s a nice feature.”

Online teaching has required some adjustments. DiOrio, who typically moves around and uses multiple boards to keep on-campus students focused, has had to adjust her teaching style. She explains. “I used to move around the room; now I have to put out the same energy sitting still.” Fabrizio echoed Lisa’s sentiment: “I move my hands a lot; keeping students engaged online meant finding new ways to channel that energy.”

How Do Faculty Balance Academia and Industry?

Tufts faculty members typically maintain academic and industry roles, integrating aspects of each to enhance the other. According to Santini, “Teaching helps me stay on top of the latest techniques and connect with the field.” Similarly, DiOrio appreciates the balance of teaching and industry work and feels that it gives her “a nice perspective because they complement each other.” 

Faculty members’ practical industry experience adds significant value in the classroom, especially in areas like AI and cybersecurity; it helps instructors bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. DiOrio uses her industry knowledge to prepare students for challenges they may face in the field. Santini connects the topics he teaches to real-world problems or potential applications, finding it rewarding to “see that light bulb go off in students.” 

Chow shared a unique perspective of how his industry experience informs his teaching: “Being out in the real world exposed gaps in my education I now aim to fill for my students.” Between his own experience and his role as a DEF CON attendee and senior leader of the conference security team, Chow has noticed a serious skills gap that he sees worsening over time, observing: “There are a lot of mid-level professionals working in technology who can’t even explain the basics.” These experiences motivate Chow to continue teaching and help bridge the technology education gap for students.

What Advice Do Faculty Have for Staying Motivated and Adaptable in Evolving Fields?

Staying motivated and adaptable is integral to success in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Having realistic expectations can help students remain engaged and focused. DiOrio explained that “most of your time in industry isn’t spent creating new things—it’s spent maintaining or improving them. Teaching students to prepare for that reality is invaluable.” She noted that stakeholders often change their minds; nimbleness is a critical virtue in tech industries.  

Online students typically bring practical work experience to the classroom. According to DiOrio, “Students in the online program are here to get skills, not just a degree,” adding that acquiring the appropriate skills makes it easier to succeed in future roles. DiOrio encourages students to develop lifelong  learning habits; “It makes life more interesting and makes you more valuable in the workplace,” she observed.

Why Is Understanding Fundamentals Crucial in STEM?

While faculty talked about the importance of staying on top of and adapting to new technologies, they also stressed the importance of understanding fundamental skills to thrive in the future. DiOrio talked about how relying on prepackaged solutions can be problematic for people who don’t understand fundamentals because they won’t know how to fix problems when they arise, noting: “You need to understand what’s under the hood; it makes a huge difference in your adaptability.”

Understanding foundational concepts is also essential in AI, cybersecurity, and other advanced fields because they provide the framework to solve problems and adapt to changes. As Chow explained, “Understanding how things work is at the core of cybersecurity and technology. It’s critical for long-term success.”

How Can Schools Better Prepare Students for Real-World Challenges and the Future of Technology?

Chow cautioned that “the skills gap in technology is glaring, especially in areas like networks and cybersecurity.” To address this shortfall, the faculty emphasized the importance of hands-on learning to ready students for industry challenges and emerging technologies. The practical experience students gain through labs, internships, and projects enables them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios while connecting with industry professionals. These opportunities, coupled with a solid foundation in fundamentals, build technical competencies and help students refine their communication skills (another area Chow identified as deficient in the real world).  

What Advice Do Faculty Have for Students Navigating Their Careers?

The faculty encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning and adaptability as they embark on their careers. Allen told students, “Don’t lose your enthusiasm for learning. It’s key to staying adaptable and successful in your career.” He also cautioned against getting stuck in a job without opportunities to learn new things, a predicament that can lead to burnout.

Similarly, DiOrio stressed that students should remain adaptable and seek continuous learning opportunities throughout their careers. She warned that some jobs may become obsolete as technology advances; “If you can be adaptable and keep learning, you’ll have a successful and fun career,” she advised. Santini warned students that relying on technologies like AI can become a trap that causes you to “lose interest in learning new things.” 

Key Takeaways from the Panel

As the faculty mentioned throughout the discussion, adaptability, engagement, and interdisciplinary learning play a crucial role in career success, longevity, and satisfaction. Students who master the fundamentals and remain engaged will set themselves up for rewarding careers. Connect with an enrollment advisor to leverage these insights in your educational journey and learn more about how these programs can shape your professional endeavors. 

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