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.