Virtual Panel Discussion Sessions

Session 1: Professional Career Experiences

Moderator

Srikanth Vasudevan Pillai

Srikanth Vasudevan Pillai received the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree from Cochin University of Technology in 2009 and Master of Technology (M.Tech) from Government Engineering College (RIT) Kottayam in 2012. From 2009 June to 2010 August, he was with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of College of Engineering Munnar. Later he joined as Assistant Professor in Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Amrita University, Kerala, India in 2012. He moved to Canda in 2019 and is now pursuing PhD at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. His research

interest is focused on Control of Electrical drives, Permanent Magnet Motors and Power Electronics. He has several IEEE papers to his credits. Mr.Pillai has been an active volunteer of IEEE ever from his studies. He was elected as the Chair, IAS SBC Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (Government Engineering College, Kottayam) during 2011-2012. From 2012 onwards he is serving the IAS, as IAS Student Branch Chapters Area Chair R-10. He received the “Outstanding Student Branch Chapter Area Chair Award” in 2012 and 2013, from IAS CMD, in recognition to the activities in 2012 and 2013 respectively as SB Chapter Area Chair R-10. In 2013, he is also appointed as the IAS Student Branch Development Committee Chair. He is associated with IE/IA/PEL Societies Jt.Chapter Kerala Section as Secretary, starting from 2013 onwards. His volunteer activities have contributed a significant growth in IAS Chapter Development in R-10, especially in India. During 2014-2015 he was the Vice Chair, Chapter and Membership Development, IAS Chapters and Membership Department. Mr. Pillai is council member of IAS from 2012 onwards. Mr. Pillai is a recipient of “IAS Outstanding Young Member Services Award 2019“ for his services to the IAS.

Panelists

Lesley Arakkal, Distribution Planning Engineer at Eskom Holdings Ltd, RSA | IAS CMD member since 2014 | CMD Awards and Contest Committee Chair (2016-present) | Recipient Outstanding CMD Officer Award 2016 | CMD Chapter Promotion Programs Standing Committee Chair 2018 | CMD Chair (2019-present) | Founder chairwoman of University of Pretoria SB IAS Chapter | WIE chairperson University of Pretoria IEEE student branch

- Steps to Professional Growth through IAS Volunteering and Smart Career ChoicesPower Point PresentationAbstract: An overview of how my own personal experience volunteering for the Industry Applications Society has helped my professional growth and tips on how to make good career choices when you first start working to strengthen your professional career.

Sumit Chhabria, Electronics Systems Engineer at Multicorpos Llc, USA. (Automobile Industry) | M.S. (Electrical Engineering Systems and Controls, University of New Mexico, USA). IEEE IAS YP Chair & IAS CMD Students, YP and WIE Events Committee Chair

- Put Your Best Foot Forward to Keep the Learning Curve Rising

Sharing experience on: study abroad (moving from India to USA for graduate studies, scholarship application), job hunt (networking, automobile industry), IEEE volunteering.

Pía Torres, Professor of Project Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Favaloro University, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Business Developer Manager & Consultant in Energy Efficiency, Process Automation and Optimization & Sustainability | United Nation Sustainable Development Goals Promotor | IEEE Industry Applications Society Standing Committee for Equity Diversity and Inclusion Chair | IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee

Project Support & Oversight Ad-Hoc Committee Chair | IEEE Young Professionals Hall of Fame Award | IEEE Women in Engineering Inspiring Member Award | - Personal and Professional Development – Challenges of Young Professionals in the 4.0 IndustryMany young people who are searching for their first job opportunities are not clear about the qualities sought in the available profiles. These young professionals not only have a goal set for their future, but also have personal interests: they want to take time to travel to other countries, space for family and friends, and continuous looking for new opportunities. Currently, most young people are concerned about entering a large company but for a short period of time, approximately 1 to 2 years.Companies and industry have changed to be able to subsist on today's world, and not only seek the best averages and technical knowledge, but critical thinking, logic and entrepreneurial spirit are essential to develop day after day.In addition, the acquired extra knowledge, such as computer courses, languages and soft skills, are very valued. Ability to know how to listen to others, good communication, exchange knowledge, teamwork and leadership are strongly required.Someone who is willing to develop an empathy with customers, colleagues and boss, capable of solving problems in a fast way without losing control of the situation is a must.Volunteering, complementary courses, cultural, sports and recreational activities are excellent sources to acquire these skills. The key is to know how to promote them and use them to empower our professional and personal development.

Yao Yingbei, Graduated from Southwest University, Nanjing, China | Senior Engineer of State Grid Company Limited of China | Member of IAS CMD in different positions 2010-16 | Winner of the IAS CMD Thesis Contest 2011- Being a Female Engineer in China Power Point presentation / InteractionSharing experience on balancing the work, life, and unlimited self construction.

Yanni Zhong, PhD, CEng, Advanced Engineer at Siemens Gamesa, UK | Public Relations Committee Chair, IAS CMD | IAS R8 Europe STB Area Chair 01/2016-01/2018. Founder Chair of the University of Strathclyde SB IAS/PELS Chapter.- How to Practice Engineering ThinkingPower Point presentation

Abstract: What is engineering thinking? Is it common sense, trial and error, or simply being smart and creative? Different people have different opinions, but what we don’t realize is we apply engineering thinking subconsciously in our daily life. In this presentation, I would like to share my personal view of engineering thinking and how I applied it to my study and job.

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Virtual Panel Discussion Sessions

Session 2: Covid, Social and Humanitarian Experiences

Moderator

Anthony C. Davies, Emeritus Professor, Dept. of Electronic Engineering, King´s College London, UK. | IEEE R8 History Activities Coordinator. | IAS Industry Applications Society Distinguished Lecturer 2017-2018 and Prominent Lecturer 2019-2020. | IEEE Region 8 Director 2003-2004. | Formerly IEEE Circuits and Systems Society Vice President for Region 8. | Formerly IEEE Region 8 Vice Chair for Technical Activities.

ANTHONY C. DAVIES was born in Rainham, Kent, 1936, Military service: British Army, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (1955-7), trained as Telecommunications Mechanic, and the last year as a Leading Artisan Sergeant.

B.Sc(Eng) Electrical Engineering, 1st Class Hons (1963) Southampton University, MPhil (1967) University of London, PhD

(1970) City University London.

General Electric Co. in Coventry (1961-63): main work on Filter Design and PCM systems design.

Lecturer (1963), Reader (1970) and Professor and Director, Centre for Information Engineering (1982) at City University

London.

Professor, Department of Electronic Engineering, King’s College London (1990-9).

Visiting appointments: One year as Lecturer, University of British Columbia (1968-9); One year as Visiting Full Professor,

Purdue University (1973-4); One year Royal Society Fellowship, British Aerospace, Army Weapons Division, Stevenage

(1987-8).

Short course teaching including courses on microprocessors for George Washington University in London, Berlin and

Washington DC (1979-1981); Consultant to Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, Portland, Dorset.

Retired 1999, awarded title ‘Emeritus Professor’ at King’s College London, Former Visiting Professor (from 2002) and now

member of Industry Advisory Board, Kingston University, Surrey, England.

Married, two children: Daughter with PhD in Pharmacology, now Trials Manager, Wales Cancer Trials Unit, Cardiff, Wales.

Son with BMus, freelance classical musician (violin)

Some IEEE volunteer-responsibilities:

Present: Region 8 History Activities Coordinator (2013)

Previous:

IEEE History Committee (2012); TAB Society Review Committee (2005-2007); IEEE Region 8 Director and member of IEEE Board of Directors (2003-2004); Region 8 Vice Chair, Technical Activities (Jan 2001-Dec 2002); Region 8 Chair of Chapter Coordination Committee (Jan 1997 to Dec 2000); Region 8 Vice President of Circuits and Systems Society (elected from Jan 1998 to Dec 2001) ; Chair of UKRI Section of IEEE (1992 and 1993) ; Chair of UKRI Circuit Theory Chapter (title later Circuits and Systems)

Memberships and Awards:

Chartered Engineer, IEE Fellow, BCS Member and IEEE Life Fellow.

Circuits and Systems Society Jubilee medal, IEEE Millennium medal in 2000. Ladislas Kozma Medallion awarded 2016 by

Budapest Technical University.

Panelists

Megha Tak, Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), USA | Duke MBA | Member of IAS CMD since 2014 | IAS YP Chair 2015-2018. Recipient of the IAS Outstanding Young Member Service Award 2017. Founder Chairwoman of Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information Technology (DA-IICT) SB IAS Chapter.- Considering MBA in the times of COVIDAbstract: Understanding the differences in the style of teaching, interaction and recruitment at US business schools. How you can prepare yourself best for business school admission.

Liu Xiaoyi, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | Graduated from Shandong University, Jinan, China. | Lecturer, State Grid Technology College, China. - China’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of a Chinese graduate studentPower Point presentation

Abstract:Abstract: From the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, China has made a lot of efforts over the past six months. People may wonder what measures China has taken to prevent and control the epidemic situation. As a graduate student, I will introduce what changes happened in my life. And as a Chinese, how my opinions changed in these months.CHINA, this word, has new meaning. Care, Help,Immediate action, New technology.Altogether.

Lay Naik, Studying Mechanical Engineering 4th year, A.D. Patel Institute of Technology (ADIT), Gujarat, India | Chairperson, IEEE ADIT SB IAS Chapter | Best Cadet Gujarat Army Wing - How we manage to do successful events during lockdown in COVID periodPower Point Presentation

Johanna Castellanos, PhD Student in the area of power and energy (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia). | Mechatronics Engineer with master on Electronic Engineer with emphasis in control systems | Former IAS SB Chapters Area Chair Region 9 | Former Chairwoman of Colombia Section IAS Chapter | Founder Chairwoman of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana SB IAS Chapter

- Energy solution to improve the educational conditions of an indigenous community in La Guajira ColombiaHumanitarian project presentation, Power Point

Pía Torres, Professor of Project Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Favaloro University, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Business Developer Manager & Consultant in Energy Efficiency, Process Automation and Optimization & Sustainability | United Nation Sustainable Development Goals Promotor | IEEE Industry Applications Society Standing Committee for Equity Diversity and Inclusion Chair | IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee Project Support & Oversight Ad-Hoc Committee Chair | IEEE Young

Professionals Hall of Fame Award | IEEE Women in Engineering Inspiring Member Award | - Humanitarian Technology – Social Engineering & Tech Educational Program ManagementIn a globalized world, every profession or occupation is tangentially interconnected with technology, therefore it is not a novelty that we need more engineers, scientists and technologists to be able to face these changes.In order to achieve our goals and develop these professions, we just need to be more inclusive and strongly involve women. That is our challenge!There are still not enough role models to inspire new generations to follow a technical professional path, in spite of the massive media it is not easy to publicly identify successful women or men in those fields. Unfortunately, we still need to "See" to "Believe".We start from the base that there are certain stereotypes among some professions: men are discriminated in health care tasks, children and the elderly (nursing, gerontology, kindergarten teachers) and on the contrary the scientific professions are not “socially suitable” for women, especially in hard engineering such as mechanics, electronics, electricity, etc.The social construction, games and toys of early childhood, the ghost of mathematics and physics as difficult and boring subjects. Also, the lack of alternatives and promotion of vocations regardless of gender, do not help in the selection of sciences as a future professional in general, and much less in girls.Example of a Social Engineering & Tech Educational Program in Argentina that seeks to encourage scientific-technological vocations in children from undeserved communities, using programming and robotics, electronics, electricity, energy and sustainability playful exercises and motivational activities.The objective is to promote integration and diversity, from the point of view of gender and socio-economic, by presenting a learning experience which can positively influence their future professional choice in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math’s).

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Virtual Panel Discussion Sessions

Session 3: IEEE Career, Leadership and WIE Experiences

Moderator

Costas Stasopoulos Manager at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), Nicosia, Cyprus

COSTAS STASOPOULOS was born in Cyprus, a European Union member state. He then moved to the United States where he studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Rutgers, New Jersey, USA. Then he received a Master in Business Administration (MBA), Management concentration, from the Maastricht Business School of Management, Netherlands. Upon completion of his studies he worked for three years for SITA, the world's leading service provider of integrated IT business solutions and communication services of the air transport industry. Then he moved on to the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), the major electricity provider of Cyprus, where he held various Engineering Specialist and Management positions. he currently holds the position of Planning Manager at the Transmission Department. His main interests include Renewable Energy, Smart Metering, Drones and Smart Grids.He is one of the founding members of the Cyprus Section, moving through the levels of hierarchy to the position of Chair. He held the positions of IEEE Region 8 Secretary from 2007-2012, IEEE Region 8 Director-Elect 2013-2014, IEEE Region 8 Director 2015-2016 and IEEE Region 8 Past Director 2017-2018. He took active part in numerous IEEE committees both Regional and International. He is at present the IEEE MGA Vice Chair (2020 and 2021).

Panelists

Sumit Chhabria, Electronics Systems Engineer at Multicorpos Llc, USA. (Automobile Industry) | M.S. (Electrical Engineering Systems and Controls, University of New Mexico, USA). IEEE IAS YP Chair & IAS CMD Students, YP and WIE Events Committee Chair- How to Get Involved with IEEE Activities After Graduation IAS YP activities, membership benefits for young professionals, YP funding opportunities, CMD students, YP and WIE activities.PDF Presentation, Q&A session / interaction.

You Lin, PhD Student, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX USA. | Graduated from Shandong University, Jinan, China | Founder Chairwoman of Shandong University SB IAS Chapter- My Experience in Attending IEEE Activities as A FreshmanAbstract: Many young researchers may wonder how to get started with IEEE activities. I'd like to share some of my shallow experiences, from attending the first IEEE conference to founding

a student chapter and hosting student events. I hope this will provide some useful advice for young researchers who want to get involved but don't know how to get started.

Pooja Singh, Data and Business Intelligence Analyst at Thornburg Investment Management (USA) | MBA (University of New Mexico) | IAS CMD member since 2019 | Current IEEE IAS CMD WIE Subcommittee Chair- Women In Industry- WIE Programs/ ActivitiesPower Point presentations.

Akshay Krishnan, Final year Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) student pursuing Computer Science and Engineering degree from College of Engineering Karunagappally (CEK), Kerala, India. | Chair, IEEE SB CEK | General Chair, IEEE International Power and Renewable Energy Conference IPRECON 2020- IEEE Experience as a Student Member in CEKPower Point presentation

Abstract: My way from student to the leadership in the Student Branch. Specialties of the IEEE SB activity in Kerala. Conducting more SB chapters activities in a powerful team. How it led to the general chairmanship of IPRECON 2020, the first IAS student-led technical paper conference in India.

Anandhu S. Kumar, Sr. Light Design Engineer at Wipro Lighting, India | Graduated in Bachelor of Technology from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India | Student Branch Chapter Coordinator of Kerala Section IAS/IES/PELS Joint Chapter | Student and YP Coordinator of Kerala Section PES Chapter- SB experiences in the Kerala Section IES/IAS/PELS ChapterPower Point presentation