Live Events

5 Misconceptions I Had About Control Engineering

Session Start Time End Time
Session 7 29 Oct 2025, 9:00 AM EDT 29 Oct 2025, 10:00 AM EDT

Overview

Are you studying control engineering but wondering how it really connects to the world outside the classroom? Join veteran aerospace engineer and educator Brian Douglas as he unpacks the five biggest misconceptions he had when starting his career. With more than 20 years designing guidance and control systems for spacecraft and aircraft, Brian knows the gap between theory and practice—and he’s here to share what he wishes he’d known earlier. Expect relatable stories, practical advice, and an honest look at what being a control engineer is really like. Best of all, you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions live, and Brian will answer them directly, making this a rare opportunity to learn from one of the field’s most experienced voices.

Highlights

  • Discover five common misconceptions about controls in the industry and how to overcome them.   
  • Gain practical advice on transitioning smoothly from academia to professional engineering roles.   
  • Learn from Brian's 20+ years of experience designing control systems for aerospace applications.   

Who Should Attend

Engineering students and faculty

About the Presenter

Brian Douglas is a seasoned controls engineer with over two decades of experience designing guidance, navigation, and control systems for spacecraft and aircraft at Boeing and Planetary Resources. Currently, he works at MathWorks as part of the technical product marketing group, where he focuses on making controls engineering accessible and exciting for a global audience. Brian is widely recognized for his educational contributions, including the creation of the Map of Control Theory, hundreds of YouTube videos on controls (such as the MATLAB Tech Talk series), and the popular comic *Negative Feedback*. His passion lies in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world engineering applications, inspiring students and professionals alike.

5 Misconceptions I Had About Control Engineering

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