Sessions

Saturday Sessions

8:45 A.M. -9:35 A.M.

What They Didn’t Teach You in Engineering School

with Peter Seller (University of Michigan), Lynn Hegewald (Purdue University), and Jennifer Groh (Florida Tech), moderated by Drew Lowery (IEEE Region 2 Director)

The shift from school to the “real” world is filled with unexpected challenges. This session will highlight key insights that are essential for students as they step into the workforce, whether in academia or industry. Representatives from three different schools will share their valuable perspectives, drawing from years of experience.  

Engineering with Purpose: Opportunities with IEEE Humanitarian Technologies

with Sampathkumar Veeraraghavan (2023 IEEE-HKN President)

This session will focus on opportunities with IEEE Humanitarian Technologies, IEEE’s Tech for Social Impact hub. IEEE HT is a consortium of programs and initiatives – supported by a global network of volunteers and technical professionals – working together to apply technology to solve the world’s most pressing problems. Its vision is to support IEEE volunteers around the world carrying out and supporting impactful humanitarian technology activities at the local level. Attendees are invited to join to learn more about how to leverage programs and funding opportunities to shape the future and create sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.

Obstacle Intelligence at John Deere

with Ria Ghosh (John Deere)

The construction industry has one of the highest rates of injury; Industry workers all know that safety is the number one priority, especially given that the job site is never the same two days in a row.That’s why John Deere has developed precision technology using Camera, Radar, machine learning , that gives you eyes everywhere and protects anyone and anything in close proximity. So even when your machines are moving backward, the job is always moving forward.

 Manipulating Maxwell’s Equations into a Career in Remote Sensing

with Dr. Chris Valenta (GTRI)

Maxwell’s equations are the governing set of theory that forms the foundation of classical electromagnetics. Practically, they describe the interaction of radio frequency and optical waves with the environment via interactions with the complex conductivity, permittivity, and permeability of the constituent media. Remote sensing instruments use this fundamental knowledge to provide users information about the environment to provide long-term climate monitoring, detect gas leaks, create highly accurate geospatial data products, and assist in autonomous driving, among many others. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is one such method of remote sensing which is becoming increasingly popular as a result of its high spatial and angular resolutions as well as the ease of interpreting its data products. This talk reviews the author’s journey through learning about the fundamentals of LIDAR through a less than typical career path, some common and uncommon applications of LIDAR, and personal anecdotes along the way.

9:45 A.M. – 10:35 A.M.

Our Chapter Needs Money: HKN Chapter Support Grant Workshop

with Sylvie Leal (IEEE-HKN Chapter Support Specialist) & Michael Benson (HKN Chapter and Ritual Committee Chair)

Looking to fund your Chapter’s activities and events? Don’t miss this workshop! Get all the information you need about the HKN Chapter Grant Program, hear from grant recipients, brainstorm proposal ideas, and even submit an application on the spot!

Career Advancement through Effective Communication

with Adam Greenburg (IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society), Steve Watkins (IEEE Education Society), Hamid Krim (IEEE Signal Processing Society), Chamika Sudusinghe (IEEE Systems Council), moderated by Sean Bentley (IEEE-HKN 2025 President)

This panel discussion will explore how strong communication skills can open doors to new opportunities, enhance professional relationships, and help individuals stand out in a competitive job market. The session will cover a range of communication strategies essential for career advancement, including personal branding, public speaking, writing clear and impactful emails, and delivering persuasive presentations.

DATA: THE KEY TO YOUR FUTURE!

with Rakesh Kumar & Witold Kinsner (IEEE DataPort) and Katie Brinker (IEEE Instrumentation & Measurement Society)

The advancements in data analysis, AI and machine learning are accelerating at a very fast pace!  Researchers need data – lots of data! – and tools to help them manage research data.  IEEE DataPort is a data management platform that can help all researchers who need datasets or to store and manage their data.  This panel discussion will provide:

Find Your Technical Home

with Fred Schindler (IEEE Vice President of Technical Activities)

IEEE has a home for virtually every technical interest. It can be challenging finding your technical communities. We’ll review the overall IEEE organization and then review the societies, technical councils and other communities in Technical Activities. Let’s find your home and help you get engaged to support your professional career.

AI and Emerging Technologies: Transforming Communication, Education, and Society

with Pam Brewer (IEEE Professional Communications Society), Y.C. Wang (Digikey), and Jesse Kirkpatrick (IEEE-TechEthics), moderated by Ryan Bales (2024 IEEE-HKN President)

This panel will explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in professional communication and education. As AI revolutionizes the way professionals interact, collaborate, and communicate, it simultaneously reshapes educational environments. The panel will address the ethical, professional, and societal implications of these technologies, including their potential to enhance or disrupt human connections, the evolving nature of digital literacy, and the responsibilities of both individuals and organizations in navigating this technological shift. Key topics will include privacy, equity in education, and the professional skills needed to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.

 

1:30 P.M. – 2:20 P.M.

Member Engagement Session

With HKN Alums Joe Greene, Christian Winingar, and Adam Hudson

Membership is the backbone of our organization, linking our local chapters to the broader resources of IEEE-HKN and IEEE. However, chapters may face challenges in identifying and engaging crucial communities beyond their undergraduate host departments. This session aims to clarify the different member types within HKN, highlight the unique benefits each brings, and share best practices for successfully integrating these external communities into chapter activities and operations.

Empowering the Next Generation: IEEE-USA’s Programs for Students and Young Professionals
with Annie Perrin Grisham (Policy Associate at IEEE-USA)

Join IEEE-USA Policy Associate Annie Perrin Grishom to discuss IEEE-USA’s role in helping Washington craft public policy.  Better yet, come learn how you can get involved in our efforts to educate and influence members of Congress and other decision makers across the United States.  From Fellowships on Capitol Hill to internal policy committees drafting official IEEE Policy Position Statements, there are a host of ways HKN members can engage with IEEE on Public Policy.  As one of IEEE-USA’s professional advocates in Washington, Annie Perrin is right in the middle of debates over AI, research policy, the regulation of space travel, and other issues that affect you and your career. IEEE-USA wants you to be part of these debates. Come learn how.

 Race to the top! A talk with NASCAR driver Austin Green

with Austin Green (NASCAR)

Since Charlotte is at the center of NASCAR Racing, what better way to learn about the sport than hear directly from a NASCAR Driver!   Twenty-three-year-old Austin Green started racing go-carts at the age of four and has worked his way up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year.  Austin will talk about his journey in racing and what it is like to drive a vehicle at over 150 mph.  Although Austin says he might not be able to answer your detailed engineering questions about the vehicles, he can tell you about how technology is used in racing.

 So You Think You Might Want to Attend Grad School….

with Peter Seller (University of Michigan) Lynn Hegewald (Purdue University), and Jennifer Groh (Florida Tech)

This panel session explores the compelling reasons to pursue graduate school, highlighting the personal, professional, and intellectual benefits of advanced education. Attendees will hear from representatives from three schools, sharing insights on how graduate studies can enhance career prospects, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a deeper passion for research. The discussion will also address common concerns about the various commitments of graduate school, offering practical advice for prospective students at ANY stage of their journey. Join us to discover how graduate school can be a transformative stepping stone to achieving your academic and career aspirations.

Green Energy:  Engineering a Cleaner Future

with Andy Chen (IEEE Systems Council), Payman Dehghanian (IEEE Industry Applications Society), Tiefu Zhao (IEEE Power Electronics Society)moderated by Sean Bentley (2025 IEEE-HKN President)

While the term green energy often evokes political and economic debate, it also presents a wealth of interesting engineering challenges across a wide range of areas.  Panelists will discuss topics including the generation, integration, reliability, and security of green energy systems.  Learn about a rapidly growing industry where power electronics meets AI to address one of the most important challenges facing society today.

2:30 P.M. – 3:20 P.M.

PR & Comms 101

with Katie Brinker (Chair of IEEE-HKN Public Relations and Communications Committee)

Getting the word out about your chapter and events is crucial for generating engagement and sustaining your membership. In this session, we’ll talk about how and where to advertise, available resources to make the process easy and sustainable, and best practices. 

 Transitioning to the Real World

with Drew Lowery (IEEE Region 2 Director), and Jim Signorile (Lockheed Martin) 

What is life after college like? How can you best prepare for your first foray into your career?  This session will share ways that you can avoid common pitfalls and will cover how to: negotiate your salary, meet your employer’s expectations, leverage professional development offerings, and launch your career in ways that will bring you rewards for years to come.

Changing the World with Semiconductors

with Kathy Herring Hayashi (IEEE Region 6 Director) 

Join us for a discussion on Careers in Semiconductors with Kathy Herring Hayashi, IEEE Region 6 Director and Chair, IEEE Global Semiconductors. This event will provide a brief yet insightful overview of the field of semiconductors and overviews of some of the cutting-edge research and practical applications shaping the industry today.   Whether you are new or currently in the Semiconductor field, engage in discussion of the impactful world of semiconductor technology.

Quantum Computing:  The Need for Engineer

with Greg Byrd (IEEE Computer Society)

We are quickly seeing the development of quantum computing, moving from physics research labs to large-scale industrial systems.  Many of the challenges to make these systems reach their full potential require engineering solutions.  Panelists will discuss some of the various physical implementations, the key engineering challenges these face, and how you can make an impact in this rapidly evolving industry.

Advisor Roundtable

with Steve Watkins (Gamma Theta Chapter)

Calling all HKN Chapter Advisors: This session provides an opportunity to network and discuss issues relevant to guiding IEEE-HKN Chapters. Using the Key Chapter Checklist as a template, we will explore successful advising practices followed by participant-guided conversation. Be sure to bring your questions and suggestions!