Jason Hui is Senior Manager of Engineering for Strategic Systems at Textron Systems. He has 20+ years of professional experience in the aerospace and defense industry as a systems engineer, systems engineering manager, and program engineering manager. His technical interests are in systems engineering of aerospace and electronic systems, and engineering and technology management. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering, and his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, all from UCLA. He also received his M.S. degree in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Jason is both an IEEE Senior Member and HKN member with a long history of diverse IEEE volunteer service. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE-HKN THE BRIDGE Magazine.  His previous service to Eta Kappa Nu includes Regions 1-2 Governor from 2020-2022, Public Relations and Communications Committee Co-Chair from 2020-2021, and member of the Strategic Planning Committee in 2019. Jason is an AIAA Associate Fellow and certified Project Management Professional. He is the recipient of several awards including the IEEE New Hampshire Section Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year Award, the AIAA Sustained Service Award, and the PMI New Hampshire Chapter Individual of the Year Award.

IEEE Accomplishments and Activities

I have extensive volunteer experience across IEEE and contributed to many activities that facilitated member growth and engagement.

COMMITTEES/BOARDS:

• MGA Vice Chair-Member Development, 2024
• IEEE Recognitions Council Chair, 2024
• TAB/EAB Ad Hoc Committee on Continuing Education Development, 2022-present
• MGA Liaison to IEEE-USA Awards and Recognition Committee, 2022-present
• MGA Awards and Recognition Committee Past Chair, 2022-present
• IEEE-USA Awards and Recognition Committee Chair, 2021-present
• IEEE Awards Board Policy and Portfolio Review Committee Member, 2020-present
• IEEE Awards Board Member, 2020-present
• EAB Continuing Education Committee Member, 2020-present
• EAB Educational Products Editorial Committee Chair, 2020-present
• MGA Member Engagement and Life Cycle Committee Member, 2020-2021
• MGA Awards and Recognition Committee Chair, 2020-2021
• IEEE Spectrum Editorial Advisory Board Member, 2019-present
• IEEE Tellers Committee Member, 2019-2021
• IEEE History Committee Milestones Subcommittee Chair, 2018-2020
• IEEE History Committee Member, 2017-2020
• EAB Educational Products Editorial Committee Member, 2017-2019
• EAB Committee on Global Accreditation Activities Member, 2017-2019
• IEEE-USA Awards and Recognition Committee Member, 2016-2020
• MGA Awards and Recognition Committee Member, 2016-2017, 2019
• IEEE Awards Board Presentation and Publicity Committee Member, 2015-2017
• MGA Admission and Advancement Committee Member, 2013

REGION:

• Region 1 Awards and Recognition Committee Chair, 2016-present
• Region 1 Northeastern Area Chair, 2014-2015

SECTIONS:

• Historical Milestones Chair, New Hampshire Section, 2023
• Past Chair, New Hampshire Section, 2014-2015
• Nominations Chair, New Hampshire Section, 2014-2015
• Historical Landmarks Chair, New Hampshire Section, 2013-2015
• Chair, New Hampshire Section, 2012-2013
• Treasurer, New Hampshire Section, 2010-2011
• Membership Development Chair, New Hampshire Section, 2009-2015
• Treasurer, Coastal Los Angeles Section, 2004

SOCIETY:

• IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Member-at-Large, 2019-2020
• IEEE Engineering Management Review Associate Editor, 2017-present

CONFERENCES:

• IEEE TEMSCON Program Co-Chair, 2019
• IEEE TEMSCON Program Co-Chair, 2018
• IEEE Region 1 Student Conference, 2012-2018

OTHER:

• ABET Electrical Engineering Program Evaluator, 2014-present

Position Statement

It’s been a privilege to be a member of IEEE-HKN and I can think of no better way to give back to our honor society than by serving as a volunteer.  Over the last five years, I’ve been fortunate to work with many dedicated individuals and communities within Eta Kappa Nu interacting and learning from one another, sharing the common principles of scholarship, character and attitude.  My interest in serving as IEEE-HKN President-Elect stems from my desire to continue staying connected with a dedicated, global community of Chapters, students, alumni, and professionals while leading the society in its continued growth and engagement with academia, industry, and sponsors.  The main priorities that I plan to focus on during my term are:

a) Promote increased collaboration and partnerships with IEEE communities to further HKN member value.  As a society within IEEE, we have tremendous opportunities to partner with other facets of the organization.  This requires an individual with strong leadership experience with the know-how in breaking down silos in order to connect with various IEEE stakeholders.  My volunteer record exemplifies that.

b) Increase the society’s commitment on humanitarian initiatives and activities.  We are a service-oriented organization whose members are among the best and brightest, equipped with problem-solving skills and innovation to make a positive impact in their communities.

I completed my BS (95) and MS (97) in electrical engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri S&T), where I was inducted into the Gamma Theta Chapter.  I was active in the Chapter, including serving a term as president.  I was also an officer in the student branch of IEEE, and was named IEEE UMR Student Branch Outstanding Member for 1994-1995.  During my masters, I also served as secretary for the Optical Society of Greater St. Louis.  I completed my PhD (04) in optics at the University of Rochester.

From 2003-2009, I was an Assistant Professor of Physics at Adelphi University (Long Island, NY), and since 2009 have been an Associate Professor.    During that time, I was awarded a patent for an optical lithography process and have numerous publications and professional presentations.  More importantly to me, in the past 20 years, I have mentored the research of 55 undergraduates, including 29 from unrepresented groups in physics and engineering.  I was awarded the 2013 Adelphi University Tenured Teaching Excellence Award, and the 2022 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching from the American Association of Physics Teachers, the top national prize for undergraduate physics teaching.

From 2010-2014, I served on the National Council of the Society of Physics Students.  From 2014-2015, I served as Director of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma (the physics honor society) at the American Institute of Physics.  I was elected into the Academy of Electrical & Computer Engineering of the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2016.  I served as IEEE-HKN Regions 1 & 2 Governor for 2018-2019, and served as the chair of the IEEE-HKN Faculty Advisor Committee from 2018-2020, during which time I helped lead the effort in which resources to aid Chapter advisors were created and others greatly revised.  I was awarded Senior Member status in IEEE in 2020.  For the past two years, I have served on the Editorial Board of IEEE-HKN The Bridge, and have served as guest editor on two issues.

Position Statement

IEEE-HKN has at its core a wonderful yet difficult dual-nature.  The vast majority of members join as students, and a large fraction of activities are based in the university Chapters.  However, after often just one or two years as student members, there is then a lifetime of membership as alumni.  These two sides of IEEE-HKN often seem disconnected, but whether you are 20, 50, or 90, we are all part of the same great organization.  While I realize that the majority of the work of the President and the others on the Board of Governors is to ensure that the excellent programs already established continue to be supported, the primary goal I would have is to create more opportunities for connections at all levels.  Being more connected can aid members in their careers, and make their membership, and their lives, more meaningful.  Specifically, I want to:

• create more opportunities for Chapters to interact and work together, including remote events, in-person events, conferences, and more
• encourage more alumni activities and regional gatherings, as well as give more opportunities for alumni to engage in the society
• and most importantly to me, work to connect these two sides of our great society…finding more ways to allow the alumni members to engage with the student Chapters, while simultaneously creating a great resource of active alumni members for our Chapters to draw from.

Nothing I have said here is revolutionary to be sure, and all are things I know have been discussed and are often efforts of the Board.  I also recognize resource limitations and logistical challenges.  However, I feel there are key advances that can realistically be achieved towards these ends, and if given the chance, I would work with the Board, the national office, the Chapters, and the membership to expand and revise existing programs and create new ones to meet these goals.  I would also always keep an open ear and mind, welcoming input, ideas, and feedback from all members and Chapters.  In the end, one is President for only a year, but we are all members for life.  So my number one goal is to help all in our society feel like important members in a large community, and work with each of you to build the connections to make the community a reality.

Colleen Bailey is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of North Texas and the PI of the Optimization, Signal Processing, and Control Algorithm Research Lab (O.S.C.A.R.). She received her PhD and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo in 2017 and 2012, respectively, after earning her BS in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2010. Her area of research focuses on efficient and accurate machine learning algorithm design from the perspective of traditional optimization, signal processing, and control. She is an IEEE Senior Member.

Colleen is currently serving as the chair of the IEEE Fort Worth Section and the IEEE Fort Worth Computational Intelligence Society. She is an IEEE STEM Champion and an IEEE VoLT graduate. She also serves as the IEEE UNT Student Branch Counselor and IEEE-HKN Lambda Zeta Chapter Advisor. Colleen is the recipient of the 2019 and 2023 IEEE R5 Outstanding Branch Counselor Award as well as the 2022 UNT Advisor of the Year Eagle Award. She is the 2023 recipient of the UNT College of Engineering Faculty Teaching Award.

Position Statement

I am honored to be nominated for IEEE-HKN Region 5-6 Governor. If elected, I plan to make a difference for IEEE-HKN in Regions 5-6 and beyond. I will help facilitate the connection between professional and local chapter involvement. As someone who joined a student chapter as a professional member, I can personally attest to the benefits for both students and professionals afforded by this honor. I would also like to use my role as an IEEE STEM Champion to coordinate and assist with STEM outreach events hosted by our chapters and alumni as a conduit to the future. Finally, I hope to expand IEEE-HKN by assisting in establishing new chapters within Regions 5 and 6.

Dr. Marcus A. Huggans is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and was educated in the University City and Lutheran Parochial school systems.

Dr. Huggans completed his engineering studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). He received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and M.S. & Ph.D. in Engineering Management.  He was one of the first African American males to earn a Ph.D. in this discipline from the University. For his Ph. D. dissertation, Huggans conducted a study to determine if different Internet-based study aids helped students of different learning styles under the advisors Dr. Halvard E. Nystrom and Dr. Harvest L. Collier. The title of his dissertation was “The Impact of Learning Styles Using Web-based Asynchronous Distance Learning to Enhance Instruction by Electrical Engineering Students.” Dr. Huggans is an alumnus of the GEM Fellowship Program.

Dr. Huggans has extensive experience in the STEM field with over twenty-five years of working in the industry.  He has worked for 3M Company, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Texas Instruments Inc.

Dr. Huggans also worked at UMR now known as Missouri University of Science & Technology (S&T) as the Director of the Student Diversity and Academic Support Program.  Under his leadership, S&T experienced unprecedented growth in the recruitment of under-represented minority students in the areas of science and engineering.   He began working at the National GEM Consortium in 2006 as a Senior Recruiter and Programs Specialist, and now he is the Executive Director of Client Relations at GEM.  At GEM, Dr. Huggans recruits and conducts graduate programming to encourage under-represented minority students to pursue their graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and applied mathematics (STEM) fields. He also wrote the publications that accompany the entire student programming at GEM. Dr. Huggans has been the Finance Chair for IEEE-ITSC and was appointed to the IEEE-HKN Editorial Committee and has served on Board of Governors as Secretary.

Dr. Huggans has won several foundation grants through the National Science Foundation (NSF), Simons Foundation, 3M, Intel, and Motorola Foundations that support some of the GEM students and programming.  In 2022, GEM received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) due to work of the organization under Dr. Huggans’ leadership working with and mentoring students.  Finally, Dr. Huggans has been an invited speaker to many diversity conferences, NSF, and multiple universities as well as corporations/national laboratories to discuss the importance of a graduate degree.

Currently, Dr. Huggans resides in Dallas, TX with his wife Melanie, and their daughter Hannah and son Ellis.  In his spare time, he enjoys attending church, working with elementary, high school, and college students. He also enjoys studying various investment vehicles, including investing in real estate, stock options, and entrepreneurship.  Dr. Huggans believes that all individuals need to take control of their financial future.  It is not the vehicle that will make you financially independent; it is the dedication to it.

His Motto: “If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be Peace in the World.”

Position Statement

If elected for the Regional Governor position, I will do the following things:

1. Help grow membership in the regions that I’m assigned to as well as help bring back the ones that have gone dormant.
2. Engage IEEE-HKN Alumni so that they can become mentors for the current IEEE-HKN members on campus.
3. Look for opportunities for employers to support IEEE-HKN members with internships, scholarships, and sponsorships to further the mission of IEEE-HKN.
4. Provide leadership and advice for the IEEE-HKN Chapters, alumni, and Board.
5. Provide a voice for the region so that their successes, challenges, and suggestions are heard at the Board level.

I received a BSEE (Electronics) from Pennsylvania State University in 1964.  I served in the U.S. Navy for five years.  I then worked in Arlington, Virginia, USA for the Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), for 11 years, responsible for installation of systems on ships.  In 1980 I transferred to the Chief of Naval Material for five years, developing Policy, auditing Maintenance Planning, and overseeing procurement and operations budgets.

I then worked at NAVSEA for 15 more years; first managing its Metrology and Calibration Program; then managing its Maintenance and Configuration Management Program; and finally as the NAVSEA Command Information Systems Security Manager for more than 25 sites, and developing information assurance policy for over 60,000 government and contractor employees.

In 2000 I joined EG&G/URS Corporation, in Arlington & Dahlgren, Virginia, USA, where I was a Senior Information Assurance Specialist, developing security documentation for US Navy shipboard computer systems and FAA Air Traffic Control Systems, until retiring in 2011.

IEEE ACTIVITIES

COMMITTEES/BOARDS: President IEEE-USA, 2013; Member IEEE N&A Committee 2015; Member MGA N&A Committee 2014-15; IEEE-USA N&A Committee Member 2014-15, Chair 2015; V.P. Regional Activities, 2004-05; Member IEEE Ethics Member Conduct Committee, 2003-05; Member Information Technology Strategy Committee (ITSC), 2006-07, and corresponding Member in 2008; Member New Initiatives Committee (NIC), 2006-08; Chair Presidential Adhoc “IEEE as a Model Global Association”, 2009; RAB Vice-Chair Member Activities, 2003; Chair Member Engagement and Life Cycle Committee, 2008; Chair MGA N&A Committee, 2009; Member Individual Benefits and Services Committee, 2008; Member Admission and Advancement Committee, 1990-94; Member vTools Adhoc Committee, 2006-10; Member Life Member Committee, 2011; President-Elect IEEE-USA, 2012; IEEE-USA Critical Information Protection Committee, Member 2007-10, Chair 2009-10; IEEE-USA Government Fellows Committee, Member 2010-2012, Chair 2010; Chair 2012 IEEE-USA Annual Meeting; IEEE-USA Liaison Representative to the IEEE Ethics Committee, 1997-98; Member Nominations & Appointments Committee, 2004; TAB/USAB U.S. Technology Policy Committee, Member 1988-93 & 1982-85, Chair 1992-93; USAB Employment Assistance Committee, Member 1987-89; USAB Environmental Quality Committee, Member 1978-85, Chair 1984; USAB Ethics Committee, Member 1989-95, Chair 1994.

REGIONS: Region 2 Director, 2001-02; Treasurer Region 2, 1994-98; Region 2 Life Member Coordinator, 2009-15; Parliamentarian and Bylaws Chair, 2007-15.

SECTIONS/CHAPTERS: National Capital Area Council Chair, 1990-91; Northern Virginia Section, Chair, 1987-88; SSIT Northern Virginia/Baltimore/Washington Chapter Founding Chair, 1982-84; Director Northern Virginia Section, 2010-2013; Northern Virginia Section Young Professional Chair 2014-15.

STUDENT BRANCHES: Penn State University Student Branch Member, 1962-64.

SOCIETY: Nano-Technology Council Secretary, 2007-11; Social Implications of Technology Society: Member of AdCom 1982-93, Treasurer 1985-93, Chapters Chair 1982-85, Professional Activities Chair 1982-85

CONFERENCES:   Chair 2012 IEEE-USA Annual Meeting

OTHER:  IEEE MGA William W. Middleton Distinguished Services Award, 2017

Position Statement

IEEE-HKN Student Members are the best and the brightest, and we need to have them be involved in all the different IEEE Student Activity Programs, not just as a IEEE-HKN Representative, but as an IEEE Student Activities Leader at all levels.

IEEE-HKN has a long history as an Electrical Engineering Honor Society, but IEEE-HKN now needs to be the Honor Society for all eligible to be future IEEE Members.  This will allow IEEE-HKN to grow globally, as IEEE has grown globally.

IEEE-HKN needs to grow it’s Professional Chapters, the members of these Chapters are a source of Mentors for our new and young IEEE-HKN Members.

I would like to help make this happen if elected.

John D. McDonald, P.E., is Smart Grid Business Development Leader for GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business. John has 49 years of experience in the electric utility industry. John joined GE on December 3, 2007 as General Manager, Marketing for GE Energy’s Transmission and Distribution business. In 2010 John accepted the new role of Director, Technical Strategy and Policy Development for GE Digital Energy. In January 2016 John assumed his present role with the integration of Alstom Grid and GE Digital Energy to form GE Grid Solutions.

John was elected to the Board of Governors of the IEEE-SA (Standards Association), focusing on long term IEEE Smart Grid standards strategy. John was the Chair of the NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) Governing Board for 2010-2015 (end of 1Q) coordinating Smart Grid standards development in the US and global harmonization of the standards. John is a past member of the NIST Smart Grid Advisory Committee and Chair of its Technical Subcommittee.

John is Past President of the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES), Founding Board Member of the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC), the VP for Technical Activities for the US National Committee (USNC) of CIGRE, and the Past Chair of the IEEE PES Substations Committee. He was on the IEEE Board of Directors as the IEEE Division VII Director. John is a member of the Advisory Committee for the annual DistribuTECH Conference, on the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors and Chair of its 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Past Vice Chair of the Texas A&M University Smart Grid Center Advisory Board, past member of the Purdue University Strategic Research Advisory Council, Chair of the Tarigma Corporation Advisory Board, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. John received the 2009 Purdue University Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineer Award and the 2023 Purdue University Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award.

John teaches Smart Grid courses at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, a Smart Grid course for GE, and substation automation, distribution SCADA and communications courses for various IEEE PES local Chapters as an IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer (since 1999). John has published 150 papers and articles in the areas of SCADA, SCADA/EMS, SCADA/DMS and communications, and is a registered Professional Engineer (Electrical) in California, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

John received his B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. (Power Engineering) degrees from Purdue University, and an M.B.A. (Finance) degree from the University of California-Berkeley. John has been a member of IEEE-HKN (Eta Kappa Nu) for 52 years (inducted at Purdue University – Beta Chapter) and a member of Tau Beta Pi for 50 years, a Life Fellow of IEEE (member for 52 years), and was awarded the IEEE Millennium Medal in 2000, the IEEE PES Excellence in Power Distribution Engineering Award in 2002, the IEEE PES Substations Committee Distinguished Service Award in 2003, the IEEE PES Meritorious Service Award in 2015, the 2016 CIGRE Distinguished Member Award, the 2016 CIGRE USNC Attwood Associate Award, the 2021 CIGRE Honorary Member Award, the SECC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, and the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity Career Achievement Award in 2023.

John has co-authored five books and has one US Patent: Automating a Distribution Cooperative from A to Z: A Primer on Employing Technology (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association – 1999); Electric Power Substations Engineering (Third Edition) (CRC Press – 2012); Power System SCADA and Smart Grids (CRC Press – 2015); Big Data Application in Power Systems (Elsevier – 2017); Smart Grids: Advanced Technologies and Solutions (Second Edition) (CRC Press – 2018); and US Patent (9,853,448) on Systems and Methods for Coordinating Electrical Network Optimization (December 26, 2017).

Position Statement

When I was notified that I qualified for HKN as a second year Electrical Engineering student at Purdue University in 1971, it was a tremendous boost for my confidence and reinforced to me that I was making good decisions and my work efforts were being noticed. I was doing pretty well! My commitment was to give back to HKN when I was able, with my time, experience and financially. I can help HKN in many ways.

Fundraising – I am effective in engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds, especially with students and young professionals. I am a good role model with my wife and I donating to IEEE PES and HKN. I have a lot of fundraising experience with IEEE and with my social fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi.

Chapter Support Grant Program – I provided input to create this program and my wife and I provided the funding to kick off the program. I will help convince others to donate to the program and want to see this program grow extensively.

Strategic Planning – my experience with HKN strategic planning in 2021 and 2023 has taught me a lot about HKN governance and activities. I have seen areas where HKN strategic planning can be improved also. I have been very involved in IEEE PES strategic planning for the past 20 years.

Student Chapter Involvement – I want to get more involved with student Chapters. I met many student Chapter leaders at the 2022 SLC and as a result have given many webinars for them on technical topics and on career development topics. Every semester when I am at Purdue I meet with the Beta Chapter leaders.

Operational Planning – I have a lot of experience with operational planning with many organizations of all sizes and types.

SLC – I want to continue to participate each year in the SLC. In 2022 I gave a workshop on Key Insights to Career Management, that was well received by students, and gave a banquet talk on the new Chapter Support Grant Program at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Every year I give workshops to students at the IEEE Rising Stars Conference in Las Vegas on Key Insights to Career Management, Building and Leading a Volunteer Organization, Grid Modernization (Smart Grid) and Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Leverage Network – I have an extensive network of contacts (over 16,000 connections on Linked In) that I can leverage for donations to and partnerships with HKN and for increased visibility for HKN on Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook (and Instagram).

Mentoring – I actively mentor many students, young professionals and mid-career professionals globally. I helped create the HKN mentoring program, participated in the mentoring program pilot, and am currently participating in the mentoring program. HKN’s Career Conversation on Mentoring is Rebecca Cohen’s interview of me to discuss all aspects of mentoring. The link to this video is given to all HKN mentors and mentees to watch prior to their first mentoring session.

Jim Jefferies is a retired AT&T and Lucent Technologies executive who in 33 years rose from manufacturing engineer to vice president. He was responsible for teams that transferred glass technology from Bell Telephone Laboratories and developed fiber optic cables for AT&T. He also served as logistics vice president, responsible for worldwide supply chains, Quality Assurance, and export planning. He has led teams in major technology transfers, transitions of information technology, and organizational change. More recently, he teamed with fellow Stanford Business School graduates in an entrepreneur venture in San Francisco and served as Chief Operating Officer. . He was 2015 President of IEEE-USA supporting globalization of its policy initiatives and served as 2018 IEEE President and CEO.

He received his BSEE from the University of Nebraska and an MS in Engineering Science from Clarkson University and is a licensed professional engineer (Emeritus).  He attended the Stanford University Graduate School of Business as a Sloan Fellow earning an MS in Management.

OFFICES/COMMITTEES: IEEE Board of Directors 2012-13, 2015, and 2017-19; IEEE-USA President 2015; IEEE-USA Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy Committee 2008-16, Chair 2016; IEEE Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee 2015-16; Region 5 Director 2012-13; IEEE Audit Committee 2012-13, Chair-2013; IEEE-USA Board of Directors 2009-16; IEEE-USA Vice President – Professional Activities 2009; IEEE-USA Vice President – Government Relations 2010-11; IEEE-USA Government Activities Committee 2006-11; IEEE-USA R&D Policy Committee 2005-08; IEEE Member services Committee 2011.

REGION: Region 5 Director Elect 2010-11, Government Activities/Technology Policy Director, 2006-09.

SECTION: Denver Section Chair, 2008; Vice Chair, 2007; Professional Activities Committee, Chair, 2005-06.

Position Statement

Eta Kappa Nu is a unique organization with a long history of its own and more recently joined with IEEE. Designated as an honor society, it celebrates the connection and closing of the loop between initial scholarship and the world of a profession by recognizing both the academic achievement and elements of character, attitude, and leadership. Its designation as a lifetime commitment provides a special context for organization’s most strategic activities.

It is important to continue to grow the voice of IEEE-HKN often known for what we are but to be enriched and remembered by what we do. Providing resources to enhance Chapter strength and promote visibility of activities that network members and the professional bases that they represent should be a high priority. Chapter vitality is based on a combination of local activities, public visibility, and Chapter networking connections.  Increased visibility adds value to the words “member of HKN.” I know the positive feeling I felt whenever putting that on my resume.

HKN members often do not have a continuous connection to the organization and it is important to plan a strategy that focuses activities on the multiple important touch points. Some of those mentor or service opportunities include student induction, service projects, individual professional career transitions, or alumni reconnection.  Each of these interactions require a unique approach and outreach. The student induction level is one first opportunity to share the professional message and have students personally experience activities that open the career window. The transition to a first or changing jobs is a different opportunity to present mentor, internship and leadership messages.  Outreach and contact to secure mid career members is another opportunity for mentor. Late career members can share experience and would likely enjoy a revisit to student and early career experiences. Tailored messages can enhance the quality of interactions and grow the strength of engagement.

With the integration into IEEE, HKN has an additional opportunity to participate in partnership with other operating units of IEEE and this special group can get advance exposure to IEEE membership benefits in areas like Future Directions of Technology, humanitarian activities, and awards.

As your Board of Governors representative, I will focus on growing the visibility and voice of IEEE-HKN, resource commitment to overall Chapter health, improved tailored messages to the unique member touch point interactions, and expanded connection to IEEE Educational, Society, and career resources.  

Andrew D. Lowery has received degrees of Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (2012), Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering (2006) and dual Bachelors of Science degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering (2004) from the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU). To date, he has published 30 scholarly publications and has been awarded 5 US patents, along with filing, as inventor, for 35 pending US and global patents. He is currently a Senior System Engineer at the Volvo Group.

Dr. Lowery has been an IEEE member since 2001, Eta Kappa Nu since 2004, and is a member of the Washington Section. He is currently serving on the IEEE Board of Directors as the Region 2 Director.

Position Statement

As the MGA IEEE-HKN At Large Governor, my goals would be to

• Use my experience in academia, industry, and the start-up community to help position IEEE-HKN to better serve their members in 2024 and beyond.
• Use my experience in IEEE MGA, and on the IEEE Board of Directors, to help IEEE-HKN develop and promote useful and impactful programs, as well as leverage the resources of the MGA and IEEE Board.
• Help the next generation of IEEE-HKN members see IEEE as a tool for their future, and offer opportunities to that extent.

I am delighted to address you all today and present my candidacy for the position of Student Governor. My name is Trinh Huynh, and I am a graduating student majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in IoT, I firmly believe that my academic achievements, extracurricular involvements at the Mu Mu Chapter, and leadership experiences make me an ideal candidate for this esteemed position.

As a new immigrant, my journey in this country has not been without its challenges. However, I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and have embraced it wholeheartedly. Despite switching my career from Hospitality Management to Electrical Engineering at the age of 30 with a financial hardship, I have maintained exceptional academic performance, consistently securing a place on the Dean’s List and ranking in the top 10% of my major. Furthermore, my dedication to research has led to the publication of two research papers, both of which were recognized as the Best Student Research Paper (2nd place) at the Annual American Society for Engineering Education – Northeast section Conference in 2021 and 2022. These achievements are a testament to my perseverance and commitment to excellence.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have actively engaged in leadership programs and organizations. In 2021, I was selected as one of the inaugural cohorts for the Women Leadership Initiative, where I underwent specialized training in leadership skills. Additionally, my commitment to academic excellence and being a first-generation college student was acknowledged through my induction into the Tri-Alpha Honor Society.
For the past year, I hold the esteemed position of Chapter President of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu, where I have successfully organized numerous technical workshops, seminars, recruitment events, on-site company tours, and tutoring sessions. These initiatives have attracted more than 250 students from six majors, building their professional networks, assisting them in securing co-op jobs, and enhancing their technical skills. I have also volunteered extensively, offering my assistance to several events at my school such as Industry and Professional Advisory Conference, Wentworth Open Day, Wentworth Welcome Day, Girl STEM events, and ImpactLab. My dedication and contributions to extracurricular activities have been acknowledged with the Wentworth Bowl and Leading Leopard awards.

Moreover, I took on the challenge of undertaking two 6-month co-op positions as an IoT/Automation Test Engineer and an Electrical Engineer while simultaneously managing a heavy 19-credit semester. My exceptional performance at Keurig Dr Pepper prompted the company to visit our campus for a private recruitment event, giving other students the opportunity to connect directly with employers. As a result, two students were hired for co-op positions, and this success inspired these students to continue attracting more companies to Wentworth students.

In my role as Chapter President of IEEE-HKN, I have revitalized the organization within the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. I have facilitated tutoring sessions, organized fundraising activities, and sponsored seminars and workshops for the benefit of my fellow students. Through these endeavors, I have built collaboration and engagement among students, professors, administrators, staff, and external experts, creating a vibrant community that enriches the knowledge and skill sets of all involved.

As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my academic journey as a Robotics master’s student at the University of Michigan, covered by a prestigious fellowship, I am eager to bring my accomplishments, experiences, and passion to the role of Student Governor at IEEE-HKN. I firmly believe that my dedication, hard work, and commitment to both academic and professional development make me an ideal candidate to represent and serve my fellow students. It would be a tremendous honor for me to contribute to the growth and success of IEEE-HKN as the Student Governor for the 2024 term. I am ready to embrace the responsibilities and challenges that come with this position, and I am confident that my unique background and diverse experiences will enable me to bring fresh perspectives and make a meaningful impact within the organization.

Position Statement

If elected to the position of Student Governor, I have a clear vision and strategic plans to support the future success of IEEE-HKN. Firstly, in terms of fundraising, I will build upon my experience and leverage my strong fundraising skills to secure resources for the organization. I will actively identify potential funding sources, develop persuasive proposals, and cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors. By implementing innovative fundraising strategies and leveraging my network within the engineering community, I will ensure the financial stability and growth of IEEE-HKN. This will enable us to provide valuable programs, scholarships, and opportunities to our members, fostering their academic and professional development.

Secondly, my leadership skills will play an important role in advancing IEEE-HKN. I have a proven track record of revitalizing organizations and infusing them with energy and purpose. As Student Governor, I will provide strong and visionary leadership to the organization, inspiring fellow students to actively engage and contribute. I will build a sense of community within IEEE-HKN, encouraging collaboration and teamwork among members. By leading by example, I will uphold the organization’s values of academic excellence, character, and service. Through inclusive decision-making processes, effective communication, and the promotion of diverse perspectives, I will work towards empowering and amplifying the voices of students, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are represented and addressed.
Lastly, I recognize the importance of collaboration and communication in driving the success of any organization. As Student Governor, I will actively promote collaboration among various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and the executive board. I will create platforms and opportunities for meaningful engagement, encouraging the exchange of ideas and fostering a culture of teamwork. Through active listening, empathy, and diplomacy, I will bridge gaps and address concerns, ensuring that every member feels valued and heard. Effective communication will be at the core of my leadership approach, as I will articulate the vision, goals, and accomplishments of IEEE-HKN to both internal and external audiences. By showcasing the impact and value of our organization, we can attract new members, forge partnerships, and strengthen our position within the engineering community.
If elected as the Student Governor, I will bring strong fundraising skills, effective leadership, and a collaborative communication approach to support the future success of IEEE-HKN. I am committed to ensuring the financial stability and growth of the organization, empowering and engaging students, and promoting a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Together, we will elevate the reputation of IEEE-HKN, provide valuable opportunities for our members, and contribute to the advancement of electrical and computer engineering and related fields.

I am Edoardo Colella, and I MSc Student of Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin. My journey with the Mu Nu Chapter began in 2021 when I joined as a candidate, and I had the honor of being inducted into the Chapter in June 2022. Since the beginning, I was captivated by the HKN community and its commitment to excellence.
During my initial period as an associate, I immersed myself in various IT projects, focusing particularly on the development of our Chapter’s website. This endeavor allowed me to showcase my technical skills and contribute to creating a digital platform that would serve as a central hub for our Chapter’s activities and collaborations.
In October 2022, I assumed the role of President of the Mu Nu Chapter, marking the beginning of an exciting Chapter in my leadership journey. Alongside my dedicated board colleagues and fellow associates, we embarked on a year filled with ambitious initiatives and meaningful impact.
Together, we organized corporate training sessions and arranged visits to prominent companies, providing our members with invaluable opportunities to expand their knowledge and connect with industry professionals. We believed in reducing the gap between academia and industry, giving practical insights to our members that would empower them in their future careers.
A key aspect of our Chapter’s vision was fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our members. To prioritize their well-being, we hosted a highly successful mental wellness event, emphasizing the importance of self-care and stress management.
Moreover, we facilitated knowledge sharing and growth through a series of workshops and masterclasses that covered a wide range of topics, allowing our members to expand their skill sets. Among these events, our quantum computing session stood out, showcasing the immense potential of this field and sparking a curiosity among our members.
Throughout the year, our Chapter actively participated in events like TechX and Pathway To Industry, engaging with a wider audience and forging valuable connections. We also celebrated the sixth anniversary of our Chapter, bringing together alumni and founding members for a memorable gathering. To commemorate the occasion, we organized a thrilling treasure hunt during our Founders Day, fostering camaraderie and strengthening the bonds within our community.
Lastly, we held two induction ceremonies, welcoming new members into our Chapter. These ceremonies were a testament to the growth and influence of our community, as we expanded our network and embraced fresh perspectives.
It has been an incredible journey with my Chapters’ members and I am confident that our impact will endure for years to come.

Position Statement

As Student Governor, I would like to use the experience gained as President of Mu Nu Chapter to contribute to the international HKN community.

Among my goals is to strengthen the global network of IEEE-HKN chapters and to promote collaboration among them. By facilitating communication and knowledge sharing among chapters, we can collectively improve the impact of our organization and promote innovation in the field of electrical and computer engineering.
I would focus on expanding outreach efforts by organizing outreach programs and community service activities. By showcasing the achievements and innovations of HKN members, we can inspire others to pursue careers in this field and generate interest in the organization.

In addition, HKN alumni play a vital role in the success and growth of the organization. I would work towards establishing stronger connections with HKN alumni, leveraging their expertise and experiences to benefit current members. Alumni can provide mentorship, career guidance, and valuable industry insights to students. By organizing alumni networking events, reunions, and mentorship programs, we can foster a strong bond between current and former HKN members and create a supportive community that extends beyond graduation.

I am committed to working collaboratively with chapter leaders, members, and stakeholders to achieve these goals and ensure the continued growth and success of the IEEE-HKN community.

I am delighted to present myself as a candidate for the position of IEEE-HKN Student Governor. My journey in academia and industry, combined with my leadership experiences, has prepared me to contribute significantly to the success of IEEE-HKN.

I obtained my undergraduate degree in December 2019 from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I demonstrated academic excellence and was recognized as a recipient of prestigious scholarship awards, including the Chevron/Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Joint Venture National University Scholarship award and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) local scholarship scheme undergraduate award.

During my time at OAU, I actively engaged in leadership roles. I led various group projects and in my final year, I was nominated by the department to coordinate laboratory activities and mentor younger colleagues in the capacity of a laboratory supervisor. I also gained a strong sense of community by joining the IEEE solid-state circuits society (SSCS). These experiences nurtured my leadership skills and allowed me to contribute to the growth of my peers.

Following my undergraduate studies, I joined KPMG, Nigeria as a data scientist, where I excelled in managing multiple projects simultaneously. I led the KPMG Nigeria team in the firm’s global Signals Repository hackathon competition, securing a remarkable 3rd place among KPMG teams worldwide. My performance at KPMG led to three promotions within less than two years, highlighting my strong organizational and leadership capabilities.

Seeking deeper expertise, I obtained a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student at Tufts, conducting research in the field of AI and computer vision. My work focuses on using AI to address important societal challenges, such as wildlife conservation and intelligent transportation systems. Specifically, I contribute to developing non-invasive algorithms to track animals like elephants and deer from camera footage, eliminating the need for invasive animal tagging. Additionally, I leverage AI to estimate vehicle speed and traffic density from mounted CCTV cameras, aiding in building intelligent transportation systems for incident detection.

As a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Black in AI (BAI) communities, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within and beyond the field of engineering. I have also contributed to the academic community as a reviewer for the 2022 Virtual IEEE International Symposium on Technologies for Homeland Security (HST) and as a peer reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of IEEE-HKN and positively impact the community.

Position Statement

My plans revolve around fostering engagement, inclusivity, and collaboration within the HKN community while leveraging existing networks and resources to provide valuable opportunities for its members.

I saw the tremendous value of attending the HKN SLC and want to help other students engage with HKN to gain the useful skills and networks that I had the opportunity to receive as a member and attendee at the conference. I plan on being completely involved in the strategic planning of the student leadership conference for this year and beyond; being a beneficiary of the inclusivity of this community of communities, I am a firm believer in the power diversity brings when like-minded people with different backgrounds, culture, beliefs come together to achieve a goal, the outcome is something truly unique and remarkable. I plan to execute all my deliverables with accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, accommodating the individual needs and preferences of the people I am privileged to work with and work for.

I plan on leveraging the existing network of professionals to create an even larger network of people that align with HKN’s core values. This would increase the resources of the HKN community, which is vital to achieving our goal of molding young professionals into collaborative global citizens that make a positive impact in whatever capacity they find themselves, professionals we can be proud of. Also, with more professionals onboard in the community, more partnerships are fostered, and programs such as the graduate student mentoring program are even more successful as we have a higher mentor-mentee ratio. I would also explore creating a program like this for undergraduate students as I believe it would be highly beneficial for undergrads who possibly want to start their careers in the industry just as I did before coming for graduate school; having mentors like these would help bridge that gap between academia and industry or even help undergrads that decide to go to grad school early on.

To strengthen inter-Chapter activities and communication, I plan on reaching out to Chapter leaders, setting up regular meetings as required among Chapter leaders to listen to potential pain points and areas of improvement, and coming up with solutions to address these pain points. Ideas can be exchanged between Chapters as a form of knowledge sharing to foster collaboration and interaction between Chapters and work to get inactive Chapters more involved.

I am going to go the extra mile to ensure my duties are carried out diligently and effectively by always being a reliable and available resource to Chapter leaders and members of the HKN community, staying up to date with community policies, programs, and businesses to communicate accurate and reliable information as required. For accountability and transparency, give timely documentation on the progress of HKN programs and activities.

Serving as an IEEE-HKN student governor would be an absolute honor for me. I am passionate about working alongside driven HKN members, supporting their academic and professional journeys, and positively impacting the community. I am dedicated to personal and professional growth, and this role is an opportunity to enhance my own development while contributing to the collective success of IEEE-HKN.