Cultivating global expertise to forge the next path

Future thoughts from: Brent Lessard, 2014 Mechanical Engineering Technology graduate and co-founder of rLoop

As new tech companies emerge, breaking down geographical and physical barriers, there are more opportunities for broader participation and the creation of an unprecedented global workforce that can contribute to the rapid development of computer and engineering hardware in critical areas.

According to Brent Lessard, 2014 Mechanical Engineering Technology graduate and co-founder of rLoop, technology is moving toward more developments in augmented reality and virtual reality, machine learning, AI and robotics with the potential for humankind to make more rapid leaps in society, across cultures and in politics while helping to solve global challenges such as climate change. “With these kinds of developments, we can rapidly accelerate the rate of innovation in both software and hardware, and we want to be at the forefront of opportunities to contribute to this kind of high-impact progress.”

As co-founder of rLoop, a non-profit, crowd-funded, online think tank and talent resource that brings together experts from around the world to develop new technologies and solve global engineering challenges, Lessard has used collaborative technology to bring the organization to unbelievable heights with more than 1,300 researchers from 59 countries working together on the development of the Hyperloop, a revolutionary transportation system designed to move people and cargo great distances at the speed of sound. Once commercialized, the Hyperloop could have a monumental global economic impact by connecting the world like never before, unlocking job markets, transforming the real estate market, and globalizing world travel.

Lessard continues to use the skills and knowledge he gained during his time at DC with rLoop’s vision strongly aligned with the college’s research theme of ‘enabling technologies of the future’, with both organizations steadfast in their commitment to enabling experts, educators, and innovators to come together as a global community in order to develop the technologies needed for a more sustainable world.

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With these kinds of developments, we can rapidly accelerate the rate of innovation in both software and hardware, and we want to be at the forefront of opportunities to contribute to this kind of high-impact progress.