HBCU CHIPS Network Annual Conference
September 17, 2024
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction to HBCU CHIPS Network Annual Conference
Daniel Vrinceanu, Ph.D.
Professor, Physics
Texas Southern University
Daniel Vrinceanu is a professor of physics at Texas Southern University. His research focuses on matter under extreme conditions by using a variety of methods ranging from theoretical and mathematical, to computational and artificial intelligence. He also serves as the director of the High Performance Computing Center. Before joining Texas Southern University, he served as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He obtained a PhD degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2000.
(https://coset.tsu.edu/people/daniel-vrinceanu/)
George White, Ph.D.
Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships
Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. White provides expert support in developing strategies for expansion of the Institute's innovation collaboration with corporations, government, academia and historically black colleges and university and minority serving institutions, and national labs to supplement the research enterprise at Georgia Tech.
He has co - chaired a number of Georgia Tech’s strategic research initiatives across various technology sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Hypersonics, Biomanufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Quantum Computing and Trusted Electronics in keeping with the GT vision of establishing a foundation for global leadership in these areas and more recently supported the establishment of the HBCU CHIPS Network and the Research Collaboration Forum both dedicated to increasing research collaboration with HBCUs. Dr. White works with faculty members, industry and non-profit partners to develop and sustain many of Georgia Tech’s strategic research initiatives and engagements.
He received his BA in Physics from Hampton University, and his M.S. and PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign in Metallurgical Engineering. Dr. White is a serial entrepreneur having founded and sold Innovative Packaging Solutions, and Jacket Micro Devices.
HBCU CHIPS Network Research and Development Panel
Discussion
Moderator: Frances Williams, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs
Clark Atlanta University
Dr. Frances Williams is the Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs at Clark Atlanta University (CAU). In this role, she is responsible for leading the research enterprise at CAU, including oversight of research grants, contracts, and technology transfer. She also leads initiatives to promote scholarly development of faculty, staff, and student researchers, enhance visibility of CAU research, and establish strategic partnerships. She is a Professor in the Department of Cyber-Physical Systems. Dr. Williams previously served as the Chief Research Officer (CRO)/Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research in the College of Engineering, and a Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tennessee State University (TSU).
Her technical research is in the areas of advanced materials and devices, semiconductor manufacturing, and nano - and microelectromechanical systems processing and devices. Dr. Williams received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Panelist: Shyam Aravamudhan, Ph.D.
Professor of Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN)
North Carolina A&T State University
Shyam Aravamudhan is a Professor of Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), North Carolina A&T State University. He is also the Director of Joint School’s Institute of Research Technologies (JSIRT) and Co -Director of the Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC), an NSF-funded National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) user facility. Shyam received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, FL. He previously worked as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, and as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Nanotechnology/Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Panelist: Pamela A.G. Clarke
Director, Research Development
Howard University
Pamela A.G. Clarke is a dedicated and accomplished professional with extensive experience in research development, particularly in securing grants and contracts across various disciplines. Her experience spans the entire preaward grant lifecycle, from identifying funding opportunities to proposal development. In her current role as Senior Director of Research Development at Howard University, Pamela is responsible for the design, implementation, and stewardship of research development initiatives supporting Howard University.
Pamela’s work at Howard University has included leading research initiatives that focus on Interdisciplinary Research and the development of Major Research Centers. She led the proposal development team that led to the award of the first HBCU University Affiliated Research Center from the United States Airforce, entitled, Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy University Affiliated Research Center RITA UARC ).
Pamela’s expertise lies in creating and managing robust networks that connect educational institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations. Ms. Clarke, through her research has investigated the molecular mechanisms of endocrine resistance in breast cancer to gain a better understanding of how breast cancer cells acq uire resistance to systemic endocrine and cytotoxic therapies and the effects of hormones and growth factors on breast cancer cell proliferation survival and death.
Panelist: Majed El-Dweik, Ph.D.
Vice President of Research and Economic Development
Alabama A&M University
Dr. Majed El-Dweik is the Vice President of Research and Economic Development at Alabama A&M University. He earned his B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and his Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Missouri. Amongst his many achievements, Dr. ElDweik is the inventor of the US. Patent pertaining to Rapid Detection System for Chemical and Biological Targets for the International Association for Food Protection. Dr. El-Dweik is also a Fellow of the Food Systems Leadership Institute. Dr. ElDweik has served as the Director of Cooperative of Research and Cooperative of Extension at Land-Grant University and is the founder of the Center of Nanotechnology at Lincoln University. Furthermore, Dr. El-Dweik was the Councilor of the Institute of Biological Engineering and provided Consulting to a Chemical and Biological detection system developed for US Department of Defense.
Panelist: Demetris Geddis, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hampton University
Demetris L. Geddis is the Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Hampton University. Dr. Geddis earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Hampton University and Master of Science and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has extensive research experience in the areas of integrated optoelectronics, photonic integrated circuits, micro and nanofabrication, and semiconductor materials. Currently, Dr. Geddis serves as the Principal Investigator of the HamptonBrandeis Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM), which is an NSF-funded program that brings together faculty and students from engineering, physics, and chemistry to forge new knowledge in the area of integrated photonic materials. Dr. Geddis has published over forty research publications, serves as the Past Chair of the Hampton Roads Section of IEEE and as the Chair of the Photonics Society of Hampton Roads.
Panelist: Michael Spencer Ph.D.
Professor, Chair and Director of the Center for Research and Education in Microelectronics
Morgan State University
Professor Michael G. Spencer earned his graduate and undergraduate degrees at Cornell. He joined the faculty of Howard University as an assistant professor in 1984. Spencer founded the Materials Science Center for Excellence at Howard in 1984 and served as its director. In 1999, he returned to Cornell University as professor of electrical engineering. H e served as associate dean of research and graduate studies for the College of Engineering from 2002 to 2008. At Cornell Spencer continued his research on semiconductor materials like Sic and GaN, and 2D semiconductors. Spencer has written over 350 publications, with over 18,000 citations and has co - authored twenty-four patents. He co -founded Widetronix, a company that builds low power long life betavoltaic batteries. Spencer is the founder of the International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials. Spencer is currently Professor, Chair and Director of the Center for Research and Education in Microelectronics at Morgan State University.
Industry Engagement Panel Discussion
Moderator: Pat Mead, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Engineering Education Director, The SCENE @ NSU
Norfolk State University
Patricia F. Mead, Ph.D., joined the faculty of Norfolk State University (NSU) as Professor of Engineering in summer 2004. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Mead has been a leading advocate for educational reform, with an emphasis on broadening participation for under-represented groups in STEM disciplines and educational assessment. Notable programs for which Dr. Mead has served in leadership roles include Director for the Transfer and Community College to University Programs Scholars Program (T-CUP), Education Director for the Southeast Coalition for Engagement and Exchange in Nanotechnology Education (SCENE), an NSF-funded Louis Stokes Regional Center of Excellence, and co -Director of Future Leaders and Makers in Engineering, an NSF-funded SSTEM initiative.
Mead serves on the state-wide Steering Committee for the Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST), and she is a member of the Initiating Committee for the HBCU CHIPS Network. Mead previously served as Senior Program Manager for Engineering Education at the National Academy of Engineering (2001 – 2004), and was lead manager for the Engineer of 2020: Visions of Engineering in the New Century.
Panelist: Lara Babarinsa, Ph.D.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Program Manager
Intel
Dr. Lara Babarinsa is currently serving as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager at Intel where she develops, implements, and monitors programs and strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Intel Labs organization. She has been responsible for promoting an open and inclusive work culture by assisting colleagues in their development and understanding of DEI workforce practices. Lara has helped to educate leaders and employees on how to recognize, accommodate and appreciate individual differences and how these can be bridged back to assist in meeting company business plans. Lara leads the Intel Labs DEIB Council and serves as a liaison to a wide variety of department working groups to advance the DEI spectrum within the Labs.
Previously, she served as the Associate Director, MBA Program Recruitment and Admissions at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) where she was responsible for the recruitment and placement of underrepresented minority MBA candidates. She worked extensi vely on the diversification of top MBA programs and industries across the country. She holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California, an M.A. from Bowie State University, and a B.A. from the University at Buffalo.
Panelist: Bika Carter
Director, External R&D, GF LABS
Technology and Innovation
GlobalFoundries
Bika Carter is the Director of External R&D, GF LABS at GlobalFoundries (GF) leading a global team and overseeing worldwide R&D partnerships. In this role she owns several key corporate R&D partnerships, university R&D programs, oversight for corporate-wide external R&D program management and government funded R&D opportunities. She also participates on many external advisory boards for universities, CHIPS related taskforces, agencies, etc. Her prior positions at GF include roles in the CTO office and business development. Bika’s past experience includes both engineering and business roles at IMEC, Intersil, Harris Semiconductor and Texas Instruments. She holds a M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, both from North Carolina State University.
Bika has been an active advocate of developing women engineers for many years. She is an active leader in developing women at GF, a participant in external advisory committees, an ambassador for both Universities and K- 12 programs, and mentors/coaches many early career women. Most recently, Bika championed and drove the launch and pilot of Global Journey, the first career re- entry program at GF with a focus on growing mid- career engineering women.
Panelist: Armond C. Duncan
Senior Program Manager, Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Network
Micron
Armond Duncan is a first-generation college graduate and a proud alumnus of Southern University and A&M College, an HBCU where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA as part of the Class of 2025 at Georgia Institute of Technology's Scheller College of Business.
In his role as Senior Program Manager for the MSI Network at Micron, Armond leads strategic partnerships with HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions, working to bolster resources and support for these institutions. His work includes engaging 15 MSIs and aligning initiatives with the Department of Commerce's investment to grow the semiconductor industry by 2030; this work centers on the concept of connecting academia to industry.
Armond's career has always been driven by a passion for inclusivity and diversity. He has dedicated himself to “lifting as he climbs,” ensuring that he leaves every space better than he found it. His current focus on experiential learning, curriculum development, faculty and student development, and increased research capabilities reflects his unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.
Panelist: Ron Duncan
Principal Manager, Chief Innovation Office
Synopsys
Ron Duncan is Principal Manager, Chief Innovation Office at Synopsys. He has technical and leadership experience in various semiconductor-related areas and currently focuses on emerging technology applications such as AI, quantum/superconducting computing, automotive electronics, neuromorphic computing, and silicon photonics. He has represented Synopsys at a variety of international conferences and government research symposiums. Ron received Electrical Engineering degrees from MIT and Cornell University. Prior to Synopsys, Ron held management and technical positions at Avant, ISS and Hewlett Packard. He is active in several of Synopsys’ DEI initiatives and co -leads the Synopsys black ERG, “VIBE”.
Ron is passionate about supporting the next generation of STEM talent, often gives tech talks to university/student organizations, and was one of the technologists featured in the “Chip In” episodes of the Roadtrip Nation documentary series.
In his spare time Ron is an MIT Educational Counselor, a board member for a non-profit organization, and an avid marathon runner.
Panelist: Michelle Williams-Vaden
Executive Director SEMI Foundation
Michelle Williams is the Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. In this role, Michelle oversees the organization’s scaling strategies, communications, and resource generation; she also supports partnerships involving state and federal government workforce development investments in the microelectronics industry. Michelle has supported the launch and scaling of major initiatives and secured significant funding for programs that support industry awareness and welcome underrepresented communities into industry careers. She is an accomplished speaker and writer who has presented to national and global audiences on workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Previous to SEMI, Michelle spent 15 years at the helm of nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and positively impacting policy and program development on local, state-wide, and national levels.
Panelist: R alph L. Carlton II, CPSM
Ralph Carlton has over 21 years’ experience in Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Management. Prior to supply management, he held several roles in product and test engineering. Ralph is a global sourcing and risk management professional with a wide variety of experiences in automotive, aerospace, technology (semiconductors), and various global consumer products organizations. In addition to leading Global Sourcing & Procurement, Ralph has also led Engineering & Quality teams for Fortune 500 organizations as well as organizational transformations.
Ralph has extensive leadership with global teams focused on strategy, data analytics, transformations, sourcing best practices, supplier quality, innovation, supply chain management within new product development, risk management, and supplier performance/relationship management. During his career, he has consistently served as a subject matter expert on supplier development and process improvements, negotiations/cost savings, cross functional collaboration, and talent development within supply management.
Closing Remarks
Kylie Patterson
Deputy Assistant to the President for the White House Domestic Policy Council
The White House
Kylie Patterson (she/her) serves as the Deputy Assistant to the President for Racial Justice and Equity on the White House Domestic Policy Council. In this role, she manages a team of policy experts focused on Racial and Economic Justice; Disability Policy; Native Affairs; Equality and Opportunity, including LGBTQ+ Rights; Democracy and Voting Rights; and Inclusive Federal Procurement. Previously, she served as the inaugural Chief Opportunity and Inclusion Officer for CHIPS for America at the Department of Commerce, a $50 billion investment to strengthen and revitalize U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and technological leadership.
Prior to serving in the Biden-Harris administration, Kylie spent nearly 15 years building coalitions, developing policy and directing multi-million- dollar programs to address racial, gender and wealth inequality. With a work history spanning both the public and private sector, she has worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship, Johns Hopkins University & Health System, the Pew Charitable Trusts, AFL-CIO, BCT Partners, the City of Minneapolis and Prosperity Now.
