Engineering Beyond the Classroom - Ross Smith’s Impact at IDEELab
- Katie Lang
- Feb 7
- 3 min read
In the heart of Mississippi State University’s engineering innovation lies IDEELab, a cutting-edge facility designed to push the boundaries of education and hands-on learning. At the helm of this high-tech space is Ross Smith, the Director of IDEELab and Assistant Professor of Practice. His mission? To bridge the gap between theory and real-world engineering challenges, ensuring students leave with not just a degree, but a skillset that makes them industry-ready. We sat down with Smith to discuss the challenges, innovations, and future of IDEELab.
Q: IDEELab is at the forefront of experiential learning. What’s one behind-the-scenes challenge that most people wouldn’t expect?
Ross Smith: "Honestly, one of the biggest challenges isn’t the technology—it’s the mindset shift. Students come in used to structured classroom settings where there’s always a ‘right’ answer. In IDEELab, we throw them into open-ended problems where they have to figure things out on their own. That transition can be uncomfortable. They have to learn how to fail, how to iterate, and how to problem-solve in a way that mimics what they’ll face in industry. It’s not just about teaching them how to use a CNC machine or a 3D printer; it’s about teaching them how to think."
Q: How do you balance maintaining high-tech equipment while ensuring students have maximum hands-on access?
Ross Smith: "That’s a constant balancing act. On one hand, we want students to get as much time as possible working with advanced manufacturing tools, but on the other hand, these machines require regular maintenance to stay operational. We’ve built a system where students are responsible for upkeep as part of their learning process. They don’t just get to use the equipment—they learn what it takes to maintain it, which builds a deeper respect for the tools they’ll work with in their careers. We also rotate machines in and out of service strategically, so there’s never a complete downtime for any major area of the lab."
Q: With rapid advancements in technology, how do you ensure IDEELab stays ahead of the curve?
Ross Smith: "It’s about two things: adaptability and partnerships. We constantly evaluate emerging technologies to see what’s relevant, but we also don’t jump on every trend. Instead, we focus on what’s sustainable and applicable in industry. Our partnerships with manufacturing companies, aerospace firms, and even startups help us stay aligned with what’s actually being used in the field. Plus, we encourage students to bring in ideas—they often come in with fresh perspectives on new tech, and we love to explore those with them."
Q: If you could change one thing about how engineering is traditionally taught, what would it be?
Ross Smith: "I’d break down the silos between disciplines much earlier. In industry, you’re rarely working on a project that only involves one type of engineer. You’ve got mechanical engineers working with electrical engineers, computer scientists, industrial designers—you name it. But in school, we tend to separate those fields too much. That’s something we’re actively addressing at IDEELab by fostering interdisciplinary projects. The earlier students get used to collaborating across disciplines, the better prepared they’ll be for the real world."
Q: Looking ahead, where do you see IDEELab in five years?
Ross Smith: "Bigger, more collaborative, and even more industry-integrated. We’re working on expanding our space and bringing in even more cutting-edge equipment. But beyond that, I want IDEELab to be a place where industry professionals regularly interact with students—whether that’s through mentorship, project collaborations, or even co-developing curriculum. We’re not just building a lab; we’re building a bridge between academia and the workforce."
Under Ross Smith’s leadership, IDEELab is reshaping engineering education, demonstrating that true innovation extends beyond research labs and into hands-on experiences. By fostering an environment where students actively engage with real-world problems, IDEELab equips them with the critical thinking and technical skills necessary for the evolving engineering landscape.
The ongoing work at IDEELab highlights the value of experiential learning, proving that students excel when they have the resources and freedom to innovate. As technology advances and industry collaborations deepen, IDEELab is set to remain at the forefront of engineering education.
The engineers who walk through its doors today will be the ones designing, building, and solving the challenges of tomorrow.
Connect with Ross Smith & IDEELab
Interested in learning more about IDEELab’s initiatives? You can connect with Ross Smith directly to discuss collaborations, student opportunities, or facility tours.
Contact Information
W: 662.325.7719 | C: 662.790.3090 | F: 662.325.7223 | E: rsmith@me.msstate.edu
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