IEEE Microsystems Boston Chapter: A Year of Inauguration and Collective Synergy
The IEEE Microsystems Boston chapter, founded as a joint chapter of the IEEE UFFC Society and the IEEE Sensors Council, experienced a vibrant inaugural year. Characterized by engaging events, the chapter demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering collaboration and facilitating knowledge exchange within the microsystems community in the New England region of USA. Let's take a closer look at some of the key highlights from their impactful year.
Launch Event with Keynote Speaker Dr. Carl McCants, DARPA, USA
The journey began with a stellar Launch event that set the tone for the chapter's mission and vision. The distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Carl McCants, DARPA Special Assistant on Electronics Resurgence Initiative, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the stage. His presentation on DARPA’s initiatives in manufacturing 3D heterogeneous integrated microsystems not only inspired the attendees but also laid the groundwork for the chapter's commitment to pushing the boundaries of microsystems technology.
Image: Dr. Carl McCants delivering an engaging keynote address.
Women Leaders Panel Discussion: Breaking the Barriers & Paving a Path for Excellence
Recognizing the importance of leadership and inclusion, the IEEE Microsystems Boston chapter organized a Women's Leadership panel discussion. The event was co-sponsored by the Boston chapters of the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society and the IEEE Women in Engineering and was held at Northeastern University Innovation Campus in Burlington, MA. The panel featured accomplished women technocrats- Dr. Sophie Vandebroek, a seasoned executive renowned for her C-level roles at IBM, Xerox, and UTC; Dr. Francesca Scire-Scappuzzo, a board member of many non-profits, and mentor for accelerators and incubators; Dr. Helen Kim, entrepreneur and high-tech scientist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory; and Ms. Susan Feindt, a Fellow at Analog Devices and an advisor to several national and international research institutions and governmental committees. Dr. Maira Samary from Boston College moderated the panel. The panelists shared their experiences, insights around microsystems technology, and pathways towards navigating challenges in a professional environment. This event not only celebrated the achievements of women in the community but also served as a platform to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Image: (left to right) Allison Lemus (Vice Chair), Helen Kim, Sophie Vandebroek, Maira Samary (moderator), Susan Feindt and Francesca Scappuzzo and Adarsh Ravi (Chair)
TechTalk on Building a Medical Devices Startup
In December, the IEEE Microsystems Boston chapter organized a Tech Talk titled “So… you want to do… what?” by an accomplished tech executive, Dr. Venu Gopinathan from Analog Devices, Inc. The interactive talk focused on how engineers need to think through problem selection and execution in a growth oriented medical devices company. As the closing event for a banner first year for the chapter, it was a great opportunity to engage with the increasingly expanding microsystems community over festive food and compelling discussion.
Image: Dr. Venu Gopinathan delivering a stimulating presentation to the members of the IEEE Microsystems Boston Chapter
The Microzone Podcast
In a digital age where information flows seamlessly, the chapter embraced innovation by launching a podcast channel titled, The Microzone. The podcast features engaging discussions with prominent figures in the field of microsystems. Notable guests from this year’s interviews included IEEE Fellows - Emeritus Professor Stephen Senturia (MIT), Dr. Baoxing Chen (Analog Devices, Inc.), Professor Jesus del Alamo (MIT), and Professor Federico Capasso (Harvard University). These eminent scholars shared anecdotes from their personal careers and their perspectives on the trends in microsystems technology.
The podcast not only provided a unique platform for knowledge dissemination but also allowed the audience to gain valuable insights from the experiences and expertise of the featured guests. Here is the link to listen to the eminent leaders of the microsystems community: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FTRKpJltJ7YHIOu8lwLzf
The Future is Bright
As the IEEE Microsystems Boston chapter concludes its inaugural year, the momentum gained through these events positions the chapter as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The commitment to hosting diverse and impactful events reflects the chapter's dedication to advancing the field of microsystems, which deeply benefits the UFFC community. It also aims at creating a vibrant community for tech professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Stay tuned for more groundbreaking events, insightful discussions, and collaborative initiatives as the IEEE Microsystems Boston chapter continues to shape the landscape of UFFC technology in the years to come.
To learn more about the chapter and engage in its activities, please contact Adarsh Ravi (Founder & Chair) and Allison Lemus (Co-founder & Vice Chair) at (Click to show email).