Dr. Ben Zoghi is a visionary leader in engineering education, an expert in emotional intelligence for technical professionals, and an esteemed researcher in artificial intelligence, leadership, and advanced technology integration. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Zoghi has been at the forefront of transforming engineering leadership by blending technical excellence with human-centric leadership principles.
As the Associate Dean for Advanced Studies and Industrial Partnerships and Executive Director of the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership at Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dr. Zoghi is committed to equipping engineers, scientists, and technologists with the leadership skills necessary to thrive in today’s fast-evolving industries. His work focuses on the intersection of engineering, leadership development, and emotional intelligence, bridging the gap between technical expertise and strategic decision-making.
Prior to joining SMU, Dr. Zoghi spent 37 years at Texas A&M University, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Interim Department Head of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. He has been instrumental in driving research initiatives that integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor-based technologies into engineering solutions. His contributions have earned him recognition as a thought leader in both academia and industry, with numerous invited talks at global conferences.
Dr. Zoghi is widely known for his research and development in RFID/sensor technology, AI-driven decision-making frameworks, and leadership transformation through emotional intelligence. He has authored nine books and book chapters and published over 125 peer-reviewed conference and journal papers. His research has received more than $15 million in funding, underscoring his impact on the eld of engineering and technology leadership.
Dr. Zoghi’s career spans decades of pioneering work in engineering leadership, research, and corporate engagement. At Texas A&M University, he served as the Assistant Agency Director for Corporate Relations at the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, facilitating industry-academic partnerships that have shaped engineering education and workforce readiness. His tenure as Program Coordinator of Industrial Distribution and Director of the Thomas and Joan Read Center positioned him as a key figure in technical education reform
Dr. Zoghi’s research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, RFID/sensor technology, and the application of emotional intelligence in engineering leadership. His work has influenced industry best practices and academic curricula, integrating AI-driven decision-making models into real-world business and engineering applications.
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