Board Member Focus: Shawn Freeman

Shawn Freeman sits on the SIMCenter's External Advisory Board, the group of volunteers from various industries that meets bi-annually to help guide SIMCenter initiatives. He is currently the SIMULIA R&D Applications Director for Dassault Systèmes, which provides simulation services for product design and development. In his role there, Mr. Freeman relays the needs of clients to Dassault's research and development team, defines key focus areas for technology, and contributes to market analyses. These duties have furnished him with an extensive understanding of simulation technologies and the business environment surrounding them.

Mr. Freeman uses this understanding to identify research, difficulties, and areas of interest that are common to both industry and the SIMCenter. "Sharing this with SIMCenter helps them to establish programs and initiatives that appeal to potential commercial partners," he says. His involvement is beneficial to himself, as well: through the SIMCenter's connections, he can keep abreast of new initiatives and innovations in the simulation sector.

It was his natural interest in technology that led Mr. Freeman to this sector. "I was a 'take it apart and see how it works' kid," he recalls, "including disassembling a tube radio when I was three (it was still plugged into the outlet at the time)." Now, as a member of the External Advisory Board since 2017, Mr. Freeman is committed to building awareness about simulation technology among the next generation. "Future products will, increasingly, be designed, tested, and experienced in a virtual world, long before any physical version is ever created," he says. "Engineers that are not well prepared for this future will struggle to apply their knowledge and stay relevant." Through his association with the SIMCenter, Mr. Freeman hopes to ensure that today's students develop the skills they will need to succeed.