Nicole Akers is the assistant director of research for the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. She is an army veteran and spent many years in social work before coming to Virginia Tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in counseling from Bluefield University, a Master of Education from Liberty University, and is currently working on a Ph.D. in higher education administration at Virginia Tech.

1. What is your favorite part of working at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering?

Getting to see our engineers solve real-world problems.

2. What projects are you currently working on in the College of Engineering?

There is so much great work going on in the College of Engineering. I am supporting an incredible team of engineers and scientists working on a proposal to study the complex patterns of space weather in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Those weather patterns can cause disruptions in satellite communications, GPS signals, and even our electrical grid.

Recently, I co-submitted a project proposal to secure some ongoing funding for a program that prepares undergraduate students for graduate education. The program runs from April to December, and it offers students the opportunity to work closely with a writing coach. Students participate in group sessions and individual counseling to craft written components of the graduate student application as well as funding opportunity applications, such as fellowships. 

It’s a lot of fun, and it’s been super successful. It has helped increase our admissions rate for the students.

3. What are some of the impacts the Industry 4.0 for the ACE Workforce has had on the region?

We have delivered sessions of Train the Trainer Module 1 in Roanoke, the New River Valley, Lynchburg, and Botetourt, reaching 21 companies in our region. We’ve got stellar participant feedback saying the lean manufacturing training – which looks at ways to reduce waste in the manufacturing process – was so helpful and that additional training would be even more beneficial. We have modified our project plan and are going to be offering another lean session.

Also, we have reached over 140 students in Virginia through our middle school STEM outreach program.

4. How has the Industry 4.0 project helped to retain talent in the region?

This project provides professional development training in addition to hands-on manufacturing support. Through the Train the Trainer program, participants learned presentation and communication skills and how to understand change. We had folks in our sessions where this was the first time they had ever presented to an audience. They learned real professional development skills as well as technical skills from GENEDGE to then take back to their home companies. Companies are investing in their people through participation in this program, helping to retain talent in the region.

5. What are the next steps for the Industry 4.0 project? 

We are so excited to be finishing the technical assessments for companies in the region. We have been reviewing feedback and working on implementation road maps. We’re going to choose one or two technologies for companies to implement. In addition, we’re also working on finalizing and delivering Module 2, which is focused on cybersecurity, quality in manufacturing, and technical communication.

6. In your experience with the GO Virginia program, what do you like most about being a grantee?

The GO Virginia program has created a collaborative and engaging ecosystem that makes real, measurable impacts on our community through financial investments. The board is clearly very passionate about retaining talent in our region, and I appreciate their support and encouragement. They have really cheered us on throughout this project.

7. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Not everything requires a reaction.

8. What is the most memorable place you have ever visited, and where is a place you would like to go in the future?

The most memorable place I have visited is Rome, Italy. I enjoyed seeing the architecture and learning about the history of the region. We also had such a sweet and intimate experience with a local family where they invited us into their home and did some home cooking for us. It was very special. 

I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland because it’s so green and beautiful. 

9. What is the last book you read that you would recommend? 

I am currently reading Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. I definitely recommend it. It provides practical tools and techniques for productive conversations when emotions are high. One of the things that my husband and I have said for many years is that whenever you dread having a conversation it means it must be incredibly important, and so we need to be prepared to have those conversations in a productive manner.