2025年7月7日上午，美國西北大學機械工程系主任 Wei Chen 教授，應邀於國立臺灣大學機械系繡山演講廳發表專題演講，主題為「Data-Driven Design of Engineered Material Systems & the Future of Mechanical Engineering Education」。
在本次演講中，Wei Chen 教授除了分享自身的研究內容，也介紹了西北大學工程教育的課程設計。該校工程學院基礎課程由工學院統籌歸畫，大一學生需修習涵蓋工程分析、靜力學、熱力學等核心領域課程，並由各系所教師協同授課，以促進跨領域合作。此外，除了由工學院主導的基礎數學、物理與科學課程等必修課程，學生也須修讀結合設計思考與溝通訓練（包括寫作與口語）的課程。學校亦設有必修的總整課程（capstone），以支持整合型工程人才的培育。
她進一步介紹西北大學的 Concentration 制度，讓學生能依照個人興趣深入修習特定模組。目前工程與設計相關領域中，以設計、機器人、航太等方向最受歡迎，反映產業發展趨勢。學生亦可選擇不申請特定 Concentration，以更廣泛、彈性的方式完成主修課程，保有跨領域學習的彈性。
在人工智慧（AI）應用方面，西北大學強調 AI 與傳統工程領域（如製造、設計、材料、機構等）的深度整合，並以前瞻性思維推動跨域創新。課程與研究主題涵蓋 AI 驅動的設計方法、機器學習於製造與材料開發的應用，以及智能機構與機器人系統的開發。學生可透過選修課程與專題實作，參與機器人與 AI 系統整合，獲得豐富的跨領域學習與實踐機會。
這場演講不僅介紹了西北大學的教育實踐，也帶來對工程教育未來發展的深刻思考。對於正積極推動跨域與創新教學的臺灣工程教育社群而言，這是一場極具價值的交流。從現場的分享亦可看出，面對人工智慧的快速發展，全球頂尖大學持續探索其在各領域的應用可能，反映出工程教育在 AI 時代所共同面臨的挑戰與機會。
Professor Wei Chen from Northwestern University delivered an insightful talk on how data-driven approaches are transforming engineered material systems, while exploring new strategies shaping the future of mechanical engineering education. Her presentation highlighted interdisciplinary curriculum design, AI integration, and cutting-edge research, offering valuable perspectives for advancing global engineering education in the AI era.
Professor Wei Chen, Chair of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University, gave a keynote on July 7, 2025, at National Taiwan University. In her talk, “Data-Driven Design of Engineered Material Systems & the Future of Mechanical Engineering Education,” she explored emerging directions in engineering education driven by AI technologies.
In her presentation, Professor Wei Chen not only shared insights from her research, but also gave an overview of the engineering curriculum at Northwestern University. The foundational courses for first-year students are centrally coordinated by the School of Engineering and cover key areas such as engineering analysis, statics, and thermodynamics. These courses are co-taught by faculty from different departments, reflecting the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to core requirements in mathematics, physics, and the sciences, students also take courses that integrate design thinking with communication skills, including writing and public speaking. A required capstone course further underscores the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded, integrative engineering professionals.
She then introduced Northwestern’s curriculum concentration tracks, which allow students to deepen their studies in specialized areas such as design, robotics, or aerospace—fields closely aligned with current industry trends. Students also have the flexibility to complete their degree without declaring a concentration, enabling a broader interdisciplinary learning experience.
On the topic of artificial intelligence, Professor Chen emphasized Northwestern’s efforts to integrate AI into traditional engineering disciplines such as manufacturing, design, materials, and mechanical systems. The curriculum includes AI-driven design approaches, machine learning applications in manufacturing and materials development, and intelligent robotics systems. Students gain practical experience through electives and project-based learning, fostering strong interdisciplinary skills.
This keynote offered a clear and forward-looking perspective on how top-tier institutions are responding to technological change. For Taiwan’s engineering education community—particularly those promoting cross-disciplinary and innovation-focused teaching—it was a valuable opportunity to reflect on shared challenges and strategies. As AI continues to reshape education and industry worldwide, such exchanges help align Taiwan’s progress with global directions.