Dalton "Ross" Smith serves as the Director of the Innovation Design and Engineering Education Laboratory (IDEELab) at Mississippi State University (MSU). He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MSU. Smith's professional journey includes roles such as Facilities Engineer at Caterpillar Inc., where he specialized in facility design and lean manufacturing, and Supplier Quality Engineer, focusing on quality assurance and supplier development. In 2022, he returned to MSU as an Instructor in the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering and was later appointed as an Assistant Professor of Practice in 2024. As IDEELab Director, Smith has been instrumental in securing significant funding, including a $10.5 million grant aimed at expanding workforce development opportunities for mechanical engineering students. His efforts have been pivotal in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry application, ensuring students are well-prepared for the engineering challenges of the future.