NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee State University engineering student Mariah McKinney has been selected to attend 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, one of the industry’s leading global conferences for designers, engineers, and advanced technology innovators. The week-long event, hosted by Dassault Systèmes, will take place in early February 2026 and attracts thousands of participants from across the world.
McKinney, a rising junior in the College of Engineering, will join an international community of SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE users for hands-on technical sessions, professional certifications, keynote presentations, and networking with top engineers and product-development professionals. For a student whose interests include mechanical design, simulation, and digital engineering tools, the opportunity is transformative.
“This conference represents a major step in my growth as an engineer,” McKinney shared. “I’m honored to represent TSU on such a global stage and excited to learn from experts who are shaping the future of design and innovation.”
A Community-Driven Opportunity
The opportunity came through Ms. Kara L. Tucker, a Nashville-based design engineer and presenter at this year’s 3DEXPERIENCE World conference. Tucker received a special “plus one” conference ticket and made it her mission to support a woman or gender-marginalized engineering student from TSU—an act of mentorship that underscores the strength of Nashville’s engineering community.
Tucker’s generosity covers all expenses for McKinney: conference registration, hotel accommodations, meals, and travel.
“I wanted to use this opportunity to uplift a deserving young engineer from my community,” Tucker said. “Mariah’s passion, discipline, and curiosity made her the perfect choice. I know she will make TSU proud.”
A Win for TSU Engineering
Faculty and staff in the College of Engineering noted that McKinney’s selection highlights both her talent and the strong industry partnerships TSU continues to cultivate.
“This is exactly the kind of high-impact professional development experience that prepares our students to compete globally,” said a representative from the College of Engineering. “Mariah’s selection also demonstrates the level of support our students receive from industry leaders and alumni who believe in their potential.”
With access to cutting-edge tools, training, and professionals shaping the future of engineering design, McKinney is poised to bring back invaluable knowledge to her coursework, peers, and future career.
A Bright Future Ahead
As she prepares to take the national stage at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, McKinney represents not only her own ambitions but the excellence of Tennessee State University’s engineering programs.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and the support behind it,” she said. “It motivates me to keep working hard and to open doors for the next generation of engineers coming after me.”
