The rise of artificial intelligence can make it seem like FEA analysts are falling out of favor. But we think otherwise.

Joe Formacola has been an FEA analyst for more than 30 years in metro Detroit. He's experienced the ebbs and flows of the Simulation analyst profession, and he sees a bright future.

In the keynote speech at the Simulia Americas Users Conference 2025, Joe addresses FEA analysts. He discusses where the profession started and its history, where it's going, and gives an optimistic take on the future, even with the rise of AI.