2025 AMIE Annual Conference Guide

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE:

HOSTED

OURMISSION

AMIE is a catalyst that forges Industry, Government, and Academic partnerships that support programs to advance student’s interest in engineering.

OURVISION

AMIE is the premier organization that develops industry, government and university partnerships to achieve a robust engineering workforce.

OURVALUES

As a coalition of Industry, Government Agencies and the ABET accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Engineering Schools, AMIE is committed to:

• Promote and encourage students to pursue engineering degrees

• Facilitate the recruitment of HBCU engineering coops, interns and graduates to member organizations

• Provide a forum for member organizations to exchange ideas on “Best Practices” and “Lessons Learned” related to developing a robust engineering workforce

• Facilitate the forging of Engineering Research and Technology Transfer partnerships between the AMIE HBCU’s and the AMIE non-academic members

IN HEALTH TECH

At Abbott, we believe the future of healthcare is shaped by bold ideas and diverse perspectives. That’s why we’re committed to supporting emerging talent as they build technologies that keep hearts strong, nourish bodies, improve mobility, and deliver breakthroughs that help people live healthier lives.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and grow your career in a place where your contributions matter, we invite you to join us—and help shape what’s next in health tech.

Learn more at: abbo.tt/amie-25 Connect with us:

AMIE Introduction to Data Science in Healthcare DO WORK WITH IMPACT

JOIN US!

Date: Monday, September 8th

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Place: AMIE Conference at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU)

Who: All students welcome, early-career professionals, faculty, data scientists, AMIE industry partners

Discover how data science is driving innovation in healthcare and medical devices. Learn about real-world applications like clinical trial analytics and predictive modeling and how data is shaping smarter decisions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Engaging lectures

• Hands-on workshops

• Interactive demos

• Group discussions

• Tools like Python, R, SAS, and cloud-based platforms

MEET THE EXPERTS

DIVINE EDIEBAH, PHD

Advisor Clinical Data Scientist –Vascular

WHY YOU SHOULD COME

• Learn how data science is used at Abbott to solve real healthcare challenges

• Build practical skills you can use in your studies or career

• Discover exciting career paths in data science

Principal Clinical Data Scientist –Vascular

CONNECT WITH US:

KANITHA PHALAKORNKULE, PHD

GREETINGS FROM THE AMIE CHAIR

On behalf of the AMIE Board of Directors and our dynamic ecosystem of partners, I want to personally welcome you to this year’s Annual Conference and extend my thanks and appreciation to our host, Prairie View A&M University!

For more than three decades, this community of corporate advocates, government leaders, and HBCU Engineering Deans have collaborated to make a collective impact in the lives of students across the country. This has been a year of unprecedented challenges that have required many of us to think differently and make strategic adjustments in order to continue our support of AMIE. I thank you for your transparent conversations, thoughtful advice, and steadfast commitment that enables us to build on the solid foundation of our founders, while we pursue a sustainable future for this outstanding organization.

This year’s conference theme is “Engineering the Future: Innovate, Integrate, Inspire” and we appreciate every attendee, panelist, speaker, sponsors and especially our planning committee for bringing this vision to life, as we convene in beautiful Prairie View, TX. A special note of appreciation to the PVAMU faculty, staff and students for making us feel so welcome and ensuring that this conference is not only impactful, but also enjoyable!

The long-term viability of AMIE is all of our responsibilities, and it starts now! Please take the time to build new relationships and evolve existing partnerships. Let’s use these moments to exchange knowledge, enhance innovative programs, launch strategic initiatives, celebrate accomplishments, and improve the pipeline of talented students and research projects, to ensure that our AMIE impact is strong for generations to come!

For those of you here for the first time, welcome and I look forward to meeting you and discussing the possibilities. For our returning attendees, thank you for your continued support. Please enjoy the conference and make the most of these mini moments, so that we can stack them up into many moments and memories!

Sincerely,

Reggie Humphrey AMIE Chairman

REGINALD HUMPHREY AMIE BOD CHAIR

WELCOME FROM THE AMIE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

VERONICA L. NELSON AMIE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Welcome to our 2025 AMIE Annual Conference hosted by Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Our Annual Conference will again feature prominent speakers and inspiring panel discussions focused on “Engineering the Future: Innovate, Integrate, Inspire - Pushing Boundaries, Creating Change”.

Over 30 years ago, AMIE was created to expand corporate and government alliances with the ABET accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Schools of Engineering to implement and support programs to attract, educate, graduate and place students in engineering and computer science careers to develop a robust workforce.

This year has brought extraordinary challenges, prompting many partners to make thoughtful and strategic adjustments to continue supporting AMIE. We are deeply grateful for your steadfast commitment to our mission, programs and HBCU Schools of Engineering.

This year’s conference is a unique, high-impact opportunity to engage directly with Deans of the ABET-accredited HBCU Schools of Engineering—leaders who are shaping the future of innovation, talent, and research excellence. We have added a student track to educate students on Data Science, Intellectual Property and the tools needed to transition from the Classroom to Career. Whether you’re from industry, academia, or government, the conference offers strategic value and actionable insights.

I would like to thank our conference sponsors, Prairie View A&M University and the members of the 2025 AMIE Annual Conference Planning Committee. This year’s conference would not be possible without their continued support, vision, hard work, passion and dedication. I would also like to thank all of our conference speakers and attendees. Our conference would not be successful without your commitment and support. Thank you and have a great 2025 AMIE Conference!

Sincerely,

Veronica L. Nelson Chief Executive Officer AMIE, Inc.

GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR OF PRAIRIE VIEW, TX

To the AMIE member institutions, corporate partners, and sponsors,

On behalf of the City of Prairie View, it is my honor to welcome you to the 2025 AMIE Annual Conference hosted by Prairie View A&M University’s Roy G. Perry College of Engineering.

This year’s conference, themed “”Engineering the Future: Innovate, Integrate, Inspire,”” underscores the transformative power of engineering education, diversity in STEM, and strategic partnerships that advance equity and innovation across industries. The city of Prairie View is proud to support AMIE’s commitment to cultivating talent, expanding opportunity, and pushing boundaries that drive lasting change.

Prairie View stands at the intersection of tradition and progress-home to one of the nation’s top HBCU engineering colleges, and a growing hub for research, innovation, and workforce development. As the City Mayor, I invite you to experience the rich culture of our community, the excellence of our academic institutions, and the collaboration that fuels our shared goals.

We are thrilled to welcome distinguished leaders from across academia, industry, and government to our city. Your presence here not only supports the future of engineering but also uplifts the mission of empowering underrepresented students to become the next generation of innovators and change-makers.

Enjoy your time in Prairie View. We are honored to be part of your journey toward engineering a more inclusive and innovative future.”

Sincerely,

Mayor Ron Leverette

Mayor of Prairie View, Texaas

RON LEVERETTE PRAIRIE VIEW MAYOR

TOMIKA P. LeGRANDE, Ed.D. PRESIDENT

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dear Conference Attendees,

It is with immense pride and heartfelt enthusiasm that I welcome you to Prairie View A&M University, host of this year’s AMIE Annual Conference.

We are honored to partner with the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), distinguished corporate leaders, government officials, accomplished professionals, and emerging student innovators for what promises to be a truly groundbreaking and interactive experience. This convening stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and strategic insight—reflecting the very values that drive our institution forward.

As the #4 producer of African American engineers in the nation*, PVAMU takes this opportunity not only to welcome you but to stand in shared purpose: advancing excellence, equity, and impact in engineering and computer science. This university has long served as a launchpad for bold thinkers and skilled innovators who are redefining the boundaries of discovery and leadership across industries.

Our Roy G. Perry College of Engineering is nationally recognized for its high-caliber academic programs, dynamic research environment, and robust corporate and federal partnerships. With state-of-the-art facilities—including a cutting-edge research center and a collaborative innovation space—our college is home to undergraduate and graduate programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and computer engineering, as well as computer science. We are deeply committed to preparing students to solve complex challenges in energy, infrastructure, A.I., robotics, cybersecurity, and more.

The AMIE Annual Conference exemplifies the power of convening:

• To engage with world-class leadership,

• To explore pioneering public-private partnerships,

• To recruit exceptional talent, and

• To shape the future of workforce development and research across critical sectors

Whether you are an industry executive seeking innovation, a policymaker advancing equity, a dean driving transformation, or a student envisioning your future, this event will spark dialogue and forge partnerships with lasting impact.

On behalf of the entire Panther community, welcome to Prairie View A&M University, where leaders emerge, innovation thrives, and excellence lives.

Sincerely,

Tomika P. LeGrande, Ed.D. President

WELCOME

FROM THE DEAN ROY G.

PERRY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Empowering Innovation: Research Capabilities of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering

At the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University, research is not only a pillar of our academic mission it is a driving force for technological progress, industry innovation, and societal impact.

This brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the research expertise and active projects of our faculty across all departments. Designed to inform and inspire collaboration, the document is intended for our partners in industry, government, academia, and prospective researchers who share our commitment to advancing engineering solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

With 12 state-of-the art research centers, over 20 advanced laboratories, and faculty engaged in cutting-edge domains including artificial intelligence, microelectronics, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and space technology, our College stands at the forefront of innovation. We lead interdisciplinary initiatives, secure competitive federal funding, and translate discoveries into real-world applications that benefit both our communities and global stakeholders.

Whether you are seeking strategic collaborators for grant proposals, partners for R&D, or insight into the future of engineering education and workforce development, this brochure showcases the breadth and depth of what we offer.

We invite you to explore our research areas and join us in building the next generation of engineering solutions.

Dr. Pamela Obiomon

Dean, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering

Prairie View A&M University

DR. PAMELA OBIOMON DEAN, ROY G. PERRY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

September 7-9, 2025

ANNUALCONFERENCE 2025

Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, Texas

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th (Westin Oaks Hotel)

12:00 PM –6:00 PM REGISTRATION

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM DEAN’S WELCOME RECEPTION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH (Prairie View A&M University)

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM BUS TRANSPORTATION TO PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM REGISTRATION

8:30 AM – 9:00 PM BREAKFAST

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM OPENING SESSION

Welcome Reginald E. Humphrey, Chair, AMIE Board of Directors and Director, Community & Social Impact, General Motors

Keynote

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Dr. Pamela Obiomon, Dean, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University

General Michael X. Garrett, Speaker, General, U.S. Army (Retired)

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM TRACK 1: ADVANCING HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES FOR ALL THROUGH DATA SCIENCE AND AI

MODERATOR: Dr. Divine Ediebah, Advisor Clinical Data Scientist, Abbott

PANELISTS:

Dr. Kimberly R. Jones, Dean, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University

Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Norfolk State University

Dr. Seungchan Kim, Chief Scientist and Executive Professor & Director, Prairie View A&M University

Kanitha Phalakornkules, Principal Clinical Data Scientist, Abbott

TRACK 1: AMIE ENGINEERING COMMERCIALIZATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP LAB (EXCEL)

MODERATOR: Dr. LaRico Treadwell, Chief Executive Officer, E4 Power Consulting

PANELISTS:

Dr. Garry Brown, Jr., ESQ. Chief Legal Officer, E4 Power Consulting

Afam I. Okeke, ESQ, MBA, CIPP/US Assistant Legal Counsel, E4 Power Consulting

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM TRACK 1: DEAN’S ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: ENGINEERING TOMORROW - HBCU LEADERSHIP ON WORKFORCE READINESS AND INDUSTRY-ALIGNED EDUCATION

MODERATOR: Dr. Zhengtao (Z.T.) Deng, Dean, College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences, Alabama A&M University

Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Dean, College of Engineering, NC A&T State University

Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean, School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation, Hampton University

PANELISTS:

Dr. Kimberly R. Jones, Dean, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University

Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University

Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean, Clarence M Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering, Morgan State University

Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Norfolk State University

Dr. Pamela Obiomon, Dean, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean, College of Engineering, Tennessee State University

Dr. Mark H. Weatherspoon, Dean, College of Engineering, Texas Southern University

Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Dean, College of Engineering, Tuskegee University

Dr. Devdas Shetty, Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of the District of Columbia

Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean, College of Engineering and Technology, Virginia State University

Dr. Rachel Vincent-Finley, Senior Associate and Vice Dean for Strategic Innovation and Transformation, College of Sciences and Engineering, Southern University and A & M College

TRACK 2: INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE SPONSORED BY ABBOTT

PRESENTERS:

Kanitha Phalakornkules, Principal Clinical Data Scientist, Abbott

Dr. Divine Ediebah, Advisor Clinical Data Scientist, Abbott

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM TRACK 1: SECURING

MODERATOR: Michael Hollis, Jr., Vice President, Civil Programs, Stellar Solutions

PANELISTS:

Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean, Clarence M Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering, Morgan State University

Gerome Burrell, Divisional Vice President of Product Security, Abbott

Dr. Mohamed F. Chouikha, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Chief Scientist & Executive Director of the SECURE Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Prairie View A&M University

Tameika Hollis, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, The Aerospace Corporation

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean, College of Engineering, Tennessee State University

TRACK 2: FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: MASTERING THE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

MODERATOR: Cora Buckner, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, Abbott

PANELISTS:

Cheryl Batleman, Sr. Talent Acquisition Representative, University Relations and Recruiter, The Aerospace Corporation

Debra Curry, Research & Development Senior Manager, Systems Engineering, Hematology, Abbott

2:00 PM –3:00 PM

Connor P. Tassi, Senior Specialist, Talent Acquisition, Global Early Careers Team, Abbott

Lori Walton, Manager, HR Strategy and Operations, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Dr. Pamela Obiomon, Dean, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University

Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Dean, College of Engineering, Tuskegee

TRACK 1: DRIVING THE FUTURE: AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES, TRANSPORTATION, INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION, AND THE ROLE OF ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS

MODERATOR: Reginald E. Humphrey Director, Community & Social Impact, General Motors

PANELISTS:

Dr. Nathan Brooks, Senior Technical Fellow, Electromagnetics & Antenna Systems, The Boeing Company

Dr. Gamaliel Cherry, Office of STEM Engagement Director, Johnson Space Center, NASA

Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Dean, College of Engineering, N.C. A&T State University

Dr. Judy A. Perkins, Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering Department and Director for the National Center for Infrastructure Transformation (NCIT), Prairie View A&M University

Dr. Devdas Shetty, Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of the District of Columbia

Dr. Shelley Francis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, EVHybridNoire

Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean, Clarence M Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering, Morgan State University

TRACK 2: FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER BREAKOUT SESSIONS

FACILIATOR: Avalyn Pace, Strategic Programs Manager, AMIE, Inc.

DISCUSSION LEADERS:

Cora Buckner, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, Abbott

Yvette Clayton, University Relations and Recruitment Manager, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Maranda Hedgepeth, Talent Acquisition Strategic Advisor, Human Resources, General Dynamics Information Technology

Desira Stearns, Strategic Diversity Outreach Director, Leidos

Connor P. Tassi, Senior Specialist, Talent Acquisition, Global Early Careers Team, Abbott

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM 2025 AMIE RESILIENCE HUB SUMMER PROGRAM

MODERATOR: Veronica L. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, AMIE, Inc.

PRESENTERS:

Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley True LA Church CARECEN

4:00 PM – 4:40 PM 2025 AMIE DESIGN CHALLENGE

MODERATOR: Avalyn Pace, Strategic Program Manager, AMIE, Inc

PRESENTERS:

1st Place – Virginia State University

2nd Place – Hampton University

3rd Place – Jackson State University

4:40 PM – 5:40 PM ANNUAL CONFERENCE INDUSTRY SHOWCASE AND RECEPTION

5:40 PM – 7:00 PM BUS TRANSPORTATION TO THE WESTIN OAKS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 th (Prairie View A&M University)

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM BUS TRANSPORTATION TO PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM BREAKFAST

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM WELCOME & ENGINEERING OVERVIEW

WELCOME:

Dr. Carmen Carter, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Prairie View A&M University

Dr. Rajan, Vice President of Research, Prairie View A&M University

KEYNOTE: Dr. LeGrande, President, Prairie View A&M University

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM BREAK

10:00 AM – 10:20 AM Dr. Qian, AI Agent – Edge Computing

10:20 AM – 10:50 AM Dr. Doe, XR/VR Augmented Reality

10:50 AM – 11:20 AM STUDENT PRESENTATIONS, ROTC Robotics Demo

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM LUNCH

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM PHOTOS

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM TOUR

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM K-12 STEM OUTREACH

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM BUS TRANSPORTATION TO THE WESTIN OAKS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 th (Westin Oaks Hotel)

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dinner and Awards Ceremony

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th (Westin Oaks Hotel)

7:30 AM – 9:30 AM BREAKFAST

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AMIE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (BOARD OF DIRECTORS ONLY)

DISTINGUISHEDGUESTS

GENERAL MICHAEL X. GARRETT

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, GENERAL, U.S. ARMY (RETIRED)

General Michael X. Garrett is an executive leadership advisor, public speaker, and military family advocate based out of Charlotte, N.C. He is the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He sits on the Board of Directors for Textron, First Command Financial Services, Inc. and the Semper Fi & America’s Fund. He also serves as an Executive in Residence, Fayetteville State University, Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security with the Middle East Institute, and a Senior Mentor for the Army War College.

The son of an Army Command Sergeant Major, and the father of two young adults on their own military and military family journeys, Garrett has spent his entire life in and around the U.S. Army.

He is a proud Xavier University alumnus, where he earned his ROTC commission as an Infantry officer in 1984. He served his formative years in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. Over a decade, he wore the scrolls of the Regimental headquarters and each of its three Ranger battalions, before commanding an Infantry battalion of his own in the 82 nd Airborne Division.

His 38-year active military career culminated in three years commanding U.S. Army Forces Command and its 750,000 combat and support personnel across the United States, from 2019- 2022. His earlier command tours include U.S. Army Central and its Soldiers serving throughout the Middle East; U.S. Army Alaska; and the Army’s first Alaska-based airborne brigade, which Garrett established and deployed into Iraq in the mid2000s.

Garrett’s awards include the Ellis Island Honors Society’s Medal of Honor, honorary doctorates from Methodist and Xavier University, and multiple U.S. military decorations including the Distinguished Service and Defense Superior Service medals. He is also a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Since retiring from the military, Garrett and his wife Lorelei settled in Charlotte, and enjoy spending time with their two children and grandchildren.

DR. TOMIKIA P. LEGRANDE

PRESIDENT, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande became the ninth president of Prairie View A&M University on June 3, 2023, bringing extensive experience in higher education leadership. Her prior roles include Vice President for Strategy, Enrollment Management, and Student Success at Virginia Commonwealth University, among others. Nationally recognized for her expertise in student success and strategic planning, Dr. LeGrande is a champion of student-centered innovation.

At PVAMU, she launched PV Cares, a pioneering model that assigns each undergraduate student a dedicated CARE team to support their academic journey. She also created the Division of University Advancement, strategically aligning fundraising and alumni relations with institutional priorities.

In 2024, she unveiled the bold strategic plan Journey to Eminence: 2035, focused on operational effectiveness, academic relevance, student success, research, and partnerships.

Demonstrating her commitment to real-world learning, Dr. LeGrande introduced the Presidential ExecutiveIn-Residence program in 2025, connecting students with transformative industry leaders.

A results-driven leader, Dr. LeGrande is reimagining student support and institutional responsiveness— strengthening PVAMU’s role as a national model of educational excellence and access.

DR. ASHIR NASIM

VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT, SENIOR VICE PROVOST FOR FACULTY AFFAIRS, AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY, EFFECTIVENESS AND SUCCESS, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Nasim has over 15 years of leadership experience at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he held senior roles including Vice President and Senior Advisor to the President, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and Vice President for Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success. A full professor of Psychology and African American Studies, he also chaired the African American Studies department, where his curriculum reforms led to record growth in enrollment and student success.

He founded VCU’s Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry & Innovation (iCubed)—a nationally recognized faculty cluster hire program focused on interdisciplinary research. Dr. Nasim has served as lead evaluator for several NSF-funded programs supporting underrepresented students in STEM.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Nasim has secured nearly $20 million in research funding and published over 75 peer-reviewed works. His research on youth tobacco use has informed bothVirginia’s prevention programs and national policy on flavored tobacco products.

He began his academic career at James Madison University and was an AAC&U Preparing Future Faculty Fellow. Dr. Nasim holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Child Developmental Psychology from Howard University, a B.A. in Psychology and Biology from Augusta University, and is a Gulf War veteran.

DR. PAMELA OBIOMON

DEAN, ROY G. PERRY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Pamela Holland Obiomon is the first female dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University. Since joining the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2003, she has held several key leadership roles, including department head in 2013. Under her leadership, the department secured over $20 million in research funding through the Chancellor’s Research Initiative.

This funding led to the creation of prominent research centers, including the Computational Biology and Bioengineering Research Center, Cyber Security Research Center, Center for Advancing Innovation in Smart Microgrid, and the Center of Excellence in Big Military Data Intelligence.

Dr. Obiomon earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, an M.S. in Engineering from PVAMU, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. Her professional experience includes teaching at Rochester Institute of Technology and engineering work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Her research covers a broad range of topics, including radiation effects on electronics, smart systems, AI bias mitigation, and microelectronics. With more than 52 publications and over $20 million in funded projects, Dr. Obiomon is a dedicated scholar, leader, and mentor committed to empowering the next generation of engineers.

DR. DIVINE EDIEBAH

ADVISOR CLINICAL DATA SCIENTIST, ABBOTT VASCULAR

Dr. Divine Ediebah is an Advisor Clinical Data Scientist at Abbott Vascular, where he leads the development and application of machine learning and advanced statistical models to enhance clinical trial design, regulatory strategy, and patient outcome prediction in cardiovascular medicine. With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of biostatistics, AI, and clinical research, he specializes in transforming complex real-world and clinical trial data into interpretable, scalable, and actionable insights.

Dr. Ediebah has spearheaded the creation of patented predictive tools such as xDAPT, a survival-based machine learning model for ischemic and bleeding risk stratification, and the DEHK machine learning algorithm, which leverages fractional flow reserve data for real-world outcome prediction. His work has directly supported regulatory submissions to agencies including the FDA and BfArM and has been published in top-tier journals such as The Lancet and JACC.

He holds a PhD in Biostatistics with a focus on quality-of-life research in oncology and is widely recognized as a thought leader in AI-driven evidence generation. Dr. Ediebah’ s work bridges data science and clinical impact, advancing the role of AI in regulatory science and personalized cardiovascular care.

Recognized as a thought leader in AI-driven evidence generation. Dr. Ediebah’ s work bridges data science and clinical impact, advancing the role of AI in regulatory science and personalized cardiovascular care.

DISTINGUISHEDGUESTS

KANITHA PHALAKORNKULES

PRINCIPAL CLINICAL DATA SCIENTIST, ABBOTT

Kanitha Phalakornkules a Principal Clinical Data Scientist with a PhD in Health Informatics. She specializes in integrating data science into clinical trial operations. In her role, she leads initiatives that utilize advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and automation to optimize trial oversight and enhance operational efficiency. Her work involves the development of standardized data models, data governance frameworks, intelligent dashboards, and digital monitoring tools that facilitate real-time, risk-informed decision-making. Recognized for her leadership across functions and awarded for her innovative contributions, Kanitha is instrumental in modernizing data strategies to improve trial efficiency, quality, compliance, and transparency.

DR. SEUNGCHAN KIM

CHIEF SCIENTIST AND EXECUTIVE PROFESSOR & DIRECTOR (CCSB), PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Seungchan Kim is a Chief Scientist and Executive Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of the CRI Center for Computational Systems Biology at the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). Prior to this appointment, he was the Head of Biocomputing Unit and an Associate Professor at Integrated Cancer Genomics Division of Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). He was one of the founding faculty members of TGen, founded in 2002, by Dr. Trent, then-Scientific Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, leading computational systems biology research at the institute. He was also an Assistant Professor in the School of Computing, Informatics, Decision Systems Engineering (CIDSE) at the Arizona State University from 2004 till 2011. Dr. Kim received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agriculture Engineering from the Seoul National University, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Texas A&M University. He also got his post-doctoral training at the Cancer Genetics Branch of National Human Genome Research Institute.

Dr. Kim’s research interests include: 1) mathematical modeling of genetic regulatory networks, 2) development of computational methods to analyze multitude of high throughput multi-omics data to identify disease biomarkers, and 3) computational models to diagnose patients or predict patient outcomes, for example, disease subtypes or drug response. His studies have had a large influence on the development of computational tools to study underlying mechanisms for cancer development and better understand the molecular mechanisms behind cancer biology and biological systems.

MICHAEL HOLLIS, JR.

VICE PRESIDENT, CIVIL PROGRAMS, STELLAR SOLUTIONS

Michael Hollis is Vice President of Civil Programs. He joined Stellar Solutions in June 2022 after an extensive career in publicly-traded global engineering companies. Prior to Stellar Solutions, Hollis served as Program Director of Intelligence Community Systems Solutions at Jacobs (previously KEYW). Prior to 2020, he led a successful 16-plus year career at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he was promoted several times, most recently to Business Development Manager. He also served as Program Manager for a substantial classified program and as Systems Engineering and Integration Test Lead.

He holds an MBA from University of Maryland, College Park, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University. He currently serves on the Clemson University’s Honors College Advisory Board.

GEROME BURRELL

DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCT SECURITY, ABBOTT

Gerome Burrell, Divisional Vice President of Product Security for Abbott, leads the company’s medical device cybersecurity team, focusing patient safety, global regulations, and works closely with the healthcare community to develop and mature cybersecurity policies and procedures.

Gerome has over 23 years of IT/Cybersecurity experience in the highly regulated federal government and defense industry where he led global teams responsible for delivering full- spectrum cyber capabilities and cyber resilient systems for our nation’s defense, intelligence community and global security partners. Serving in a variety of government positions with increasing roles of responsibility at several counterintelligence and

security agencies, Gerome focused on safeguarding national security assets.

Prior to joining Abbott, Gerome was responsible for all cybersecurity operations and strategy for a diverse portfolio at Lockheed Martin Corporation. He is also a 10-year veteran of the US Navy, where he served as a member of the Information Warfare Community.

Gerome attended South Carolina State University while active duty and received a B.S. degree in Information Computer Systems from Strayer University, followed by a M.S. degree in Management from Florida Institute of Technology. Gerome also attended Carnegie Mellon and Cornell University, where he obtained executive leadership certificates.

DR. MOHAMED F. CHOUIKHA

PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND CHIEF SCIENTIST & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURE CYBERSECURITY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Mohamed F. Chouikha is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Prairie View A&M University and serves as the Chief Scientist & Executive Director of the SECURE Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Prague Polytechnic University (Czech Republic), and both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Before joining PVAMU in 2018, Dr. Chouikha served in various leadership roles at Howard University, including Department Chair and founding Director of its Computer Engineering program.

At PVAMU, he leads vital cybersecurity research and education efforts and has been recognized for securing substantial funding—notably a $515,208 award from the National Science Foundation to advance hardware trust via novel detection techniques.

TAMEIKA HOLLIS

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, AEROSPACE CORPORATION

Tameika Hollis is vice president and chief information officer of The Aerospace Corporation. In this role, she provides leadership to Aerospace’s information technology, security, and safety organizations, and is responsible for developing enterprise solutions that protect information belonging to the U.S. Air Force, intelligence community, and commercial customers. Hollis oversees operations, strategic planning, and policy initiatives for computing resources and infrastructure, corporate security, environmental, health and safety, and the development of programs and services critical to the success of the corporation. She assumed this position in October 2024.

An experienced national security executive with more than 25 years of experience in information technology services and people management in the aerospace and defense industry, Hollis is the former chief executive officer of Illuminate, where she engineered successful portfolio management by leveraging new approaches to business development, intelligence, technical integration, and strategic planning to introduce sustainable solutions for clients operating in the intelligence, cyber, aerospace systems, and defense industries. Prior to that, she held leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Northrop Grumman for more than 17 years where she made significant contributions to the long-range strategic plans of various business units. Hollis’ career also includes various positions at Boeing and Raytheon.

Hollis has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and lead high-performance teams in technically sophisticated environments. She is adept at managing large, multilocation projects, improving processes, and initiating change to enhance value-added solutions.

JACYLYNNE IGLESIAS

SENIOR CYBER SECURITY ANALYST, FEDERAL CIVILIAN/TECHNOLOGY SHARED SERVICES, GDIT

Jacylynne Iglesias is a Cyber Security Analyst with over eight years of IT and Cybersecurity expertise. She delivers exceptional customer technology service and support to six state and local government customers. Proficient in access and event management tools such as Active Directory, Varonis, Netwrix, and Centrify, Jacylynne is known for quickly mastering new environments, stepping up to meet urgent needs, and translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable guidance for customers. Jacylynne’s collaborative approach has strengthened operations, streamlined processes, and empowered users. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology and Information Management, a Bachelor of Science in Management of Computer Information Systems, and certifications including CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Technology Associate, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and Google Cloud Digital Leader.

DISTINGUISHEDGUESTS

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jacylynne has earned GDIT’s Spot Award (2022) and Hero Award (2024). She is committed to mentorship, from guiding interns and colleagues to inspiring cybersecurity students at her son’s middle school. Beyond work, she is an accomplished beekeeper, livestock owner, and community educator through the Alamo Area Beekeepers Association and Hives for Heroes.

Jacylynne embodies GDIT’s mission—combining technical excellence, leadership, and service to drive innovation, strengthen teams, and positively impact her community.

REGINALD E. HUMPHREY

DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL IMPACT, GENERAL MOTORS

Reggie Humphrey currently serves as GM’s Head of Community & Social Impact in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He leads a team focused on four key workstreams: Corporate Reputation/Recognition, Employee Giving, Employee Resource Groups, and Partnerships. Prior to this role, Reggie served as an HR executive leading the DEI Center of Excellence and Partnerships teams from 2021-2024. For nearly a decade, he led the growth and development of GM’s supply chain inclusion efforts, driving innovative programs and high-value partnerships.

Reggie began his career journey in 1995 as a Production Supervisor at the Moraine Assembly Center in Moraine, OH. In 1998, he relocated to the Detroit metro area and has since worked in several operational and strategic planning roles within multiple organizations including Order Fulfillment, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Purchasing.

In addition to Reggie’s core responsibilities, he serves as a voluntary board member for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) and the Tuck Diverse Business Executive Education Programs at Dartmouth College.

Reggie holds a B.S. in Finance from Alabama A&M University and a M.S.A. from Central Michigan University.

DR. NATHAN BROOKS

SENIOR TECHNICAL FELLOW, ELECTROMAGNETICS & ANTENNA SYSTEMS, THE BOEING COMPANY

Dr. Nathan Raen Brooks is a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow in Electromagnetics & Antenna Systems, providing technical leadership as an executive-level engineer. He previously led Boeing’s Assured Operation with a 5G+ team, delivering strategic and technical support to task forces across the Boeing enterprise and aerospace industries concerning aviation interference from current and future telecommunications. Beginning his industry career in 2007, he provides technical expertise and consultation in developing architectures and algorithms for Boeing’s Signal Intelligence & Electronic Warfare antenna systems. Additionally, he is the University Innovation Lead within Boeing’s Enterprise Technology Office, where he targets explicitly developing relationships and funding research with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Dr. Brooks has over 20 years of experience in electromagnetics and numerical optimization, including graduate and postdoctoral research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS), and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). He has received multiple awards at the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) conference, the 2019 NSBE Golden Torch Lifetime Achievement in Industry Award, and the 2020 Boeing Defense Engineer of the Year.

Nathan and his wife began raising their family as freshmen at Florida A&M University (FAMU), and both graduated with degrees in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Brooks was FAMU’s first doctoral graduate in Electrical Engineering. He is an active member of the Boeing Black Employee Association, Howard University Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Industry Advisory Board, other FAMU boards, Boeing’s Focal teams for multiple HBCUs, AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering) Board of Directors, and other committees concentrating on increasing diversity in STEM fields. He spends most of his time volunteering within his church and with various organizations, focused on bettering his communities through service, example, and mentorship.

DR. GAMALIEL CHERRY

OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, NASA

Dr. Gamaliel Cherry has served over 20 years at NASA, focused on supporting missions and projects through the transformation of people, culture, and capabilities. He serves as the Office of STEM Engagement Director at Johnson Space Center, overseeing the strategic execution of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement activities. Gamaliel continues to leverage his passions to contribute to NASA in the areas of Organization Development (OD) and Executive Coaching.

DR. JUDY A. PERKINS

PROFESSOR, CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTOR FOR THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSFORMATION (NCIT), PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Judy A. Perkins is a Professor in PVAMU’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, a TAMUS Regents Professor, the Google Endowed Professor, PVAMU Regional Director with Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, PVAMU Campus Liaison with Texas Department of Transportation, and the Director for the National Center for Infrastructure Transformation (NCIT). NCIT is the first HBCU-led national USDOT University Transportation Center. Dr. Perkins has a long history of serving as a civil engineering educator. She taught in the Departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Southern University, the University of New Orleans, and North Carolina A&T State University. From 2004 – 2011, she was the first African American and first female to serve as the Head of PVAMU’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Department.

Moreover, Dr. Perkins is an active researcher focusing on transportation asset management, logistics, hurricane evacuation analysis, and engineering education. Through her research involvement in 2023, Dr. Perkins’ research team received the largest competitive grant ever awarded to PVAMU, and the total project amount of the 5-year USDOT award is $40 million dollars. This was a historic achievement for PVAMU and TAMUS.

Dr. Perkins is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and a licensed professional engineer.

LARICO TREADWELL

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, E4 POWER CONSULTING

LaRico Treadwell, Ph.D. (PI, Chemist/Material Scientist), has 10+ years in Government and Scientific Research. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Inorganic/Solid State Chemistry from Louisiana State University, where he researched metal and ceramic structureproperty relationships. Dr. Treadwell has developed new synthesis techniques for materials at the nano and micro scales and advanced processing methods for composites, nanocomposites, and metal alloys various program and applications. Dr. Treadwell garnered expertise in 3D printed corrosion sensors, hybrid materials, autonomous smart devices, nanomaterials, nanocomposites, and fiber- reinforced composites. He has over 40 publications and more than 15 patents.

Dr. Treadwell is the CEO of E4 Power Consulting, which is dedicated to enhancing the representation of minority and underrepresented populations in STEM fields and higher education. With partnerships across numerous Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and non-profit organizations, E4 Power Consulting has successfully secured and applied for over $100 million in grant funding to support initiatives designed to elevate underrepresented groups with numerous clients. The firm has conducted more than 30 workshops and seminars aimed at professionals at all levels of employment, focusing on skill development and leadership in numerous fields. Additionally, E4 engages in extensive outreach and community involvement initiatives, creating pathways for underrepresented individuals to access educational and professional opportunities. By organizing conferences and collaborative events, E4 Power Consulting fosters meaningful dialogue and networking opportunities, driving systemic change in equity and promoting diversity within higher education. Through innovative strategies, the firm addresses complex organizational challenges, empowering individuals and communities to thrive in a competitive landscape.

DR. GARRY BROWN,

JR., ESQ. CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, E4 POWER CONSULTING

Dr. Garry Brown, Jr. is not just an intellectual property (IP) attorney, he’s a trailblazer in the field. As a key member of Technip (T.EN) intellectual property division in Houston, TX, he specializes in securing and managing a global patent portfolio, negotiating high- stakes agreements, and driving innovation by collaborating with engineers to protect cutting-edge technologies. Dr. Brown’s expertise is backed by a rich academic and professional journey. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Mississippi, followed by postdoctoral research for the City University of New York-John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he investigated the global impact of environmental pollutants, particularly heavy

DISTINGUISHEDGUESTS

metals. His legal career was shaped at Lewis & Clark Law School, including an internship at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a patent examiner in Electrochemistry. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Brown is deeply committed to expanding opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM and IP law. As a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, an HBCU known for producing top-tier talent in science and medicine, he understands the power of mentorship and representation. Dr. Brown currently services as the Chief Legal Officer for E4.

AFAM I. OKEKE, ESQ., MBA, CIPP/US

ASSISTANT LEGAL COUNSEL, E4 POWER CONSULTING

Afam I. Okeke is a forward-thinking attorney specializing in business and technology law. He is the Founder and Managing Attorney at A.I. Okeke Legal, PLLC in Houston, Texas, where he advises a wide range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, in the technology, real estate, and finance industries. He also serves as Assistant Legal Counsel at E4 Power Consulting, Inc. His practice focuses on drafting and negotiating key agreements, such as non-disclosure, licensing, and joint venture agreements. As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), Afam has extensive knowledge of data privacy and cybersecurity, assisting clients with regulatory compliance and developing strong privacy policies. He is a respected thought leader, having written and spoken on important subjects like Deepfakes and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Afam holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Loyola University New Orleans, along with a Certificate in Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. This combination of legal and business expertise enables him to provide comprehensive and commercially-aware advice. He is admitted to practice law in Texas, California, and New York. Afam is also dedicated to community engagement and enjoys an active lifestyle.

LORI WALTON

MANAGER, HR STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION

Lori Walton is driven by her life purpose to inspire change in the world as part of her 25+ years of working at notable Fortune 500 companies in HR, marketing and social impact. Throughout her career, she’s managed corporate talent pipelines, academic and community partnerships, employer branding and product marketing.

Currently, she serves as a HR Manager at Lockheed Martin and Chief of Staff to the Vice President, HR Strategy & Operations for HR strategic planning, operational excellence, HR Compliance, and HR technology platform. Previously, she has served in leadership roles to attract top talent, strategically partner with universities for academic programming, skills development and early career recruitment and manage partnerships for talent development and employee recognition.

She’s personally dedicated her life’s work to help address disparities globally in communities by helping to increase access to quality education, job placements, healthy food and safe housing. She’s actively supports a number of organizations as a Board member and/or mentor including Impact100 Oakland County and All Hands and Hearts. Also, she’s an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

She is a native of Michigan and an HBCU graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration.

CORA BUCKNER

SENIOR MANAGER, TALENT ACQUISITION, ABBOTT

Cora has been part of the Talent Acquisition team at Abbott for 15 years. She has been a Senior Manager in University Relations since 2013. In 2019, she transitioned from the Global University Relations & Intern Programs group to Strategic Alliances where she manages the Abbott Co-op Program and STEM partnerships.

Cora began her career with Abbott as a Search Consultant. As a Search Consultant, Cora supported commercial sourcing for all businesses in the US. In that role, she built strong alliances with her business partners and external organizations. She later became the Manager of Commercial Sourcing. After four years, Cora moved to Diversity Recruitment. In that role, she continued to strengthen the Abbott brand within diverse communities by developing strategic marketing programs.

Prior to joining Abbott, Cora worked for GE Commercial Finance as a Recruiter. She spent over 10 years in

the search and staff augmentation industry prior as a recruiting manager supporting the technology industry prior to joining GE Commercial Finance.

Cora is a Duty Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) board member. Cora holds a Bachelors’ degree in Communication from Trinity College.

YVETTE CLAYTON

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND RECRUITMENT MANAGER, LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION

Yvette Clayton is a University Relations and Recruitment Manager at Lockheed Martin, where she leads a team of campus managers who foster meaningful student engagement and pipelining initiatives at national schools. Yvette cultivates strong relationships with university leaders and Lockheed Martin executives to drive collaborative efforts that yield lasting impact.

With a background that spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Yvette brings a unique blend of expertise and experience to her role. She spent over a decade as the director of career development services at an HBCU, where she launched innovative programs, such as a sponsorship initiative; was invited to serve as a co-PI on a $2.96M grant with STEM faculty, and forged relationships that resulted in a tripledigit increase in employer recruitment and engagement. Yvette’s contributions earned her many awards, including the esteemed Employer of the Year award from the Division of Student Affairs.

Yvette firmly believes that a smile or genuine word can have a positive impact someone’s day. She cherishes time spent with her husband, children, family and close friends. After losing her beloved rescued Lab, Yvette is nurturing a new passion for plants.

CHERYL BATLEMAN

SR. TALENT ACQUISITION REPRESENTATIVE, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND RECRUITER

Cheryl Batleman is a Sr Talent Acquisition Representative at The Aerospace Corporation. She is responsible for campus activities and recruiting new graduates, interns and Co-op candidates for the corporation, building and developing relationships with students and campus administrators and organizations.

Prior to joining Aerospace, she held several similar recruiting and management roles during her 15-year tenure at the Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Batleman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park.

The Aerospace Corporation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing complex problems with agility, innovation, and objective technical leadership across the space enterprise and other areas of national significance.

DEBRA CURRY

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SENIOR MANAGER, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, HEMATOLOGY, ABBOTT

A career highlighted by progressively responsible positions in systems engineering, program management, aircraft certification, regulatory management, and automotive design. Over the past 20 + years, she’s worked with multiple diverse institutions and organizations globally and demonstrated ability to create and maintain positive relationships. After graduation she joined Ford Motor Company where she worked both domestically and internationally primarily in truck operations. When an opportunity to return to Texas occurred, she became an aerospace engineer working on military and commercial helicopters at Bell Helicopter. Today, she is a R&D Senior Manager working in Systems Engineering in Hematology at Abbott. She is responsible for leading, directing and developing a team of systems engineers to execute on projects by accurately evaluating and assessing complex processes, identifying possible solutions and driving to issues resolution.

In addition to her work responsibilities, she’s an active member of her community and church. She serves on the Board of Directors for Building Future and Families; an organization that advocates and provides a voice for the concerns of foster and adoptive children and their families. She also serves as an officer at her church, St Paul AME Church. As the treasurer of her children’s school Parent Teacher Association (PTA), she’s responsible for the fiscal responsibility of the organization. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she serves on the social action and membership committee of the North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is the proud mother of 3 children, Jonathan, Alona and Madison.

DISTINGUISHEDGUESTS

MARANDA HEDGEPETH

TALENT ACQUISITION STRATEGIC ADVISOR, HUMAN RESOURCES, GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Maranda Hedgepeth is a strategic leader in talent acquisition and cultural transformation at GDIT (General Dynamics Information Technology), where she serves as a Talent Acquisition Strategic Advisor. She focuses on building inclusive workplace cultures, enhancing employee engagement, and creating pathways for internal mobility and mentorship.

With over a decade of experience in talent strategy, Maranda carries a passion for empowering individuals and driving organizational change through innovative people strategies. Her work bridges talent development with people-centered engagement- helping to cultivate environments where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. As an executive coach and a champion of professional advancement, she is known for her ability to connect with people, elevate leaders, and spark meaningful transformation.

Maranda has led high-impact initiatives that empower diverse talent, foster innovation and reshape organizations. Her passion for people and purpose has earned her recognition for her outstanding work in advocacy and empowerment of underrepresented communities through technological advancement in the Washington DC Metro Area, as well as and a featured contributor at conferences such as Techsgiving Summit, BEYA, AMIE, and SHPE.

Known for her energy, authenticity, and impact-driven approach to cultural transformation, Maranda inspires audiences to lead boldly and build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

DESIRA STEARNS

STRATEGIC DIVERSITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR, LEIDOS

Desira Stearns is the Strategic Diversity Outreach Director for Leidos. In this role, she is responsible for building and sustaining external diversity partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions, national diversity organizations and conferences, and community outreach organizations. As a trusted partner and leader supporting a corporation of more than 45,000 employees, she provides enterprise-wide solutions and her expertise to senior executives, managers, talent acquisition, and human resources teams to execute inclusion and diversity strategies.

She has nearly 30 years of experience within a variety of disciplines including software engineering, human resources, and project management. She spent the first 11 years of her career at Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS) where she was a graduate of the Engineering Leadership Development Program and worked in various technical roles including Database Architect. Near the midpoint of her career, she made the pivot into human resources where she held several leadership roles including diversity program manager, human resources business partner for the IS&GS Chief Technology Office and lead facilitator for first-line leadership development training. She also has a wealth of experience launching, managing and growing Employee Resource Groups.

CONNOR P. TASSI

SENIOR SPECIALIST, TALENT ACQUISITION, GLOBAL EARLY CAREERS TEAM, ABBOTT

Connor P. Tassi is a Senior Specialist in Talent Acquisition on the Global Early Careers Team at Abbott, within the Corporate HR Division. In his current role, Connor leads the recruitment efforts for IT internships and Coop opportunities, ensuring that students not only gain valuable work experience but also benefit from robust career development programming during their time at Abbott.

Connor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management & Logistics from Boise State University. Since graduating, he has built a diverse recruiting background, spanning both Professional and Early Careers talent acquisition. His experience includes recruiting in the Tech sector at some of the world’s largest technology companies, as well as in the Medical Device industry at leading global organizations.

Connor is passionate about creating meaningful early career experiences that help shape the next generation of professionals.

AVALYN PACE

STRATEGIC PROGRAMS MANAGER, AMIE, INC.

Avalyn is the Strategic Programs Manager for AMIE, Inc. She is responsible for identifying and implementing transformational initiatives aligned with the mission of AMIE and supporting the organization’s strategy. Avalyn joined AMIE in 2016 as part of the IBM Partnership with AMIE. She was responsible for identifying and engaging resources across IBM to support the AMIE-IBM partnership and facilitate AMIE’s mission. She was part of the AMIE Program Committee that initiated the AMIE Design Challenge, a strategic collaboration between the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and AMIE Partners to engage students in industry challenges and processes and introduce emerging technologies through collaboration with corporate business, government agencies, and technical leaders. She has served as the AMIE Design Challenge Program Manager for the past six years.

Avalyn gained over 37 years of experience at IBM in Information Technology, including organizational management, software and services development, business partner integration, technical skills development and certifications, client engagement, and operations. She spent most of her career in IBM Global Markets, leading client engagement and transformational technical initiatives across IBM software, hardware, sales, and service.

Avalyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College and an MBA from the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business, Executive Program. She is committed to AMIE’s mission and leverages her STEM experiences to prepare the next generation. Avalyn is married to Daron Pace. They have two daughters, Afton and Aniya.

DR. SHELLEY FRANCIS

CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER, EVHYBRIDNOIRE (EVHN)

Dr. Shelley Francis is a public health executive, tech entrepreneur, transportation disruptor, and former medical school professor. She is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of EVNoire, a consultancy working to advance multimodal e-mobility (or electrification) solutions within electric, connected, shared, and autonomous vehicle technologies. She and fellow Co-founder, Terry Travis, lead a team of engineers, data scientists, urban planners, charging infrastructure specialists, policy experts, and multimodal electrification analysts. EVNoire utilizes its expertise, a human-centric approach, and data-driven frameworks to integrate and amplify electrification best practices and electrification for all communities in the transportation sector. The firm partners with utilities, automakers, the 25 largest cities, along with rural communities, transit agencies, governments, charging infrastructure companies, rideshare and delivery network companies, autonomous vehicle companies, aviation partners, nonprofits, and more to accelerate electrification and decarbonization strategies.

Dr. Francis also co-founded EVHybridNoire (EVHN), an international 501 (c) (3) membership-based organization. EVHN has members across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia who engage and work with communities and key stakeholders, advancing clean transportation.

A recognized national voice, Dr. Francis has advised the White House, U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and spoken at forums such as VERGE, ACT Expo, ETS, the National E-Mobility Conference, Roadmap, and the Essence Festival. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Energy News, the Columbus Times Dispatch, and The Baltimore Sun. She has been named one of the Top Global Women in EVs and serves on several industry boards, including the Transportation Electrification Partners, and GreenBiz’s Transport Advisory Board.

Learn more at gdit.com/careers.

2025 DESIGN CHALLENGE

1ST PLACE – Virginia State University

2ND PLACE – Hampton University

3RD PLACE – Jackson State University

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 AMIE DESIGN CHALLENGE WINNERS

2025 AMIE DESIGN CHALLENGE SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

To solve the hardest problems in space, The Aerospace Corporation depends on the brightest individuals in the aerospace and engineering industry. We recruit, employ and retain top talent whose backgrounds provide the unique perspectives required to generate solutions for our nation’s security and well-being. Learn more about making a difference at aerospace.org/careers.

nasa.gov/stem/murep

HISTORICALLYBLACK COLLEGES&UNIVERSITIES

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY NORMAL, ALABAMA

DR. ZHENGTAO (Z.T.) DENG

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Alabama A&M University reflects the uniqueness of the traditional land-grant institution, which combines professional, vocational, and liberal arts pursuits. The university provides baccalaureate and graduate studies compatible with the times to all qualified, capable individuals interested in further developing their technical, professional, and scholastic skills and competencies. It operates in the threefold function of teaching, research, and public service, including extension.

The College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences at AAMU has three departments: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering and Construction Management, Physics, Chemistry, and Math. The BS degree in Computer Science program is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC), and the BS degrees in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems and Materiel Engineering (MEng), and Physics (MS and Ph.D.) offer graduate degrees.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY WILBERFORCE, OHIO

DR. ARUNASALAM RAHUNANTHAN

INTERIM DEAN, JOHN W. GARLAND COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND AGRICULTURE

Central State University (CSU) is the only public Historically Black University in the state of Ohio. Established in 1890 as a Land Grant institution, it prepares students with diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service.

The John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (JWG CESTA) at CSU has two ABET-accredited engineering programs: Manufacturing Engineering (MFE) and Environmental Engineering (ENE). The MFE program, a flagship program of CSU, was founded in 1985. For over 33 years since 1991, the program has continuously been accredited by ABET (EAC). The MFE curriculum blends the tripartite Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering disciplines into a synergistic whole. The ENE program inherited several courses from the parent Water Resources Management program. In addition, new courses were added to cover all three areas: water, air, and land. The first cohort of the ENE program started in the 2008-2009 academic year, and the first batch graduated in 2011. The program had undergone its first ABET (EAC) evaluation in the 2016-2017 cycle and was accredited starting with the 2017 graduating class. Since then, the ENE program has maintained its ABET accreditation.

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

DR. SUVRANU DE

DEAN, FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY-FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (FAMU-FSU) COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering began in 1982 with the mandate to produce underrepresented minority engineers from Florida A&M and Florida State universities. In its 37 years, the joint college has demonstrated great success, becoming the highest-ranked college of engineering in the public HBCU space and helping make FAMU a leading producer of African American Ph.D’s nationally. The campus is three miles from both universities, adjacent to and associated with several acclaimed research centers and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Unlike any other nation, these facilities have become the academic home for more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students studying at a highly research-active engineering institution.

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HAMPTON, VIRGINIA

DR. JOYCE T. SHIRAZI

DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND AVIATION

Hampton University was founded in 1868 and comprises seven schools: Business, Engineering, Architecture and Aviation, Journalism and Communications, Liberal

HISTORICALLYBLACK COLLEGES&UNIVERSITIES

Arts and Education, Nursing, Pharmacy and Science, and two colleges: Graduate College and University College. Hampton University offers 60 bachelor’s degree programs, 38 master’s programs, and doctoral or professional degrees in nursing, physics, physical therapy, and pharmacy. The School of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation was established in 1995, although an engineering department has existed since 1986. The school offers programs leading to the baccalaureate degree in aviation, chemical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and a master’s degree in architecture. These programs are designed to provide students with a professional education appropriate for entering their professions, with a general educational background that facilitates awareness of the professional’s social responsibilities to the community.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, DC

DR. KIMBERLY R. JONES

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

The College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) is one of Howard

University’s 14 schools and colleges.

The CEA comprises five departments: Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Our Master of Architecture degree program and all of our Bachelor of Science engineering degree programs are fully accredited.

Doctoral degrees are offered in biomedical and chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Moreover, Master of Science degrees are granted in chemical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. A certificate in Cybersecurity is also offered.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

DR. WILBUR WALTERS

DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Since 1877, Jackson State University has provided young men and women with opportunities that will empower them to succeed in an increasingly complex world. As the Urban University of Mississippi, Jackson State emphasizes public service programs designed to enhance the quality of life and seek solutions to urban problems in the physical, social, intellectual, and economic environments.

The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) at Jackson State University is committed to implementing its mission and focusing its intellectual, experience, and other resources on improving the quality of life for its students, the surrounding community, the state nation, and the global community. CSET comprises 16 Bachelor of Science, 9 Masters’, and 4 Ph. D.-level degrees, many of which have several

specialized tracks from which to choose.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

DR. OSCAR BARTON, JR.

DEAN, CLARENCE M MITCHELL JR. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Morgan State University (MSU), designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, newly elevated to R2 classification. Enrolling students across all racial and ethnic backgrounds, the Mitchell School of Engineering (MSOE) at MSU serves the world as an intellectual and creative resource by supporting, empowering, and producing wellprepared graduates to grow the future and lead the world as global citizens. Enriching our curricula with experiential learning and research opportunities, we have competitive graduates ready to practice engineering upon graduation.

The MSOE has 3 EAC-ABET-accredited programs in Civil, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering, an ANSAC ABET-accredited program in Transportation Systems, and a new Mechatronics Engineering program that started in Fall 2021. The MSOE also offers the following graduate programs: Master of Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Transportation, Doctor of Engineering, Ph.D. in Transportation and urban infrastructure studies, Ph.D. in Secure Embedded Systems, and Postbaccalaureate Certificates in urban transportation and Cyber Security. Located on the north side of the Morgan State University campus, the MSOE is based in an expansive three-building complex. This complex houses several research centers and laboratories that

investigate research of consequence using a multidisciplinary framework.

NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL & TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

DR. STEPHANIE LUSTER-TEASLEY PASS

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an 1890 land-grant doctoral high research university dedicated to learning, discovery, and community engagement. The university enrolls over 13,000 students and emphasizes preeminence in STEM and a commitment to excellence. North Carolina A&T fosters a climate of economic competitiveness that prepares students for global society. Its College of Engineering (see weee. ncat.edu/coe) has EAC ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in Architectural, Bio, Biological, Civil, Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) ABETaccredited program in Computer Science; plus 8 Masters of Science Degree programs and 5 Doctoral programs. The College continues to be a top producer for the nation of African American engineers at every level. It is proud of the achievements of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni in education, research, and innovation.

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

DR. MICHAEL KEEVE

DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Norfolk State University is a public, urban, comprehensive institution founded in 1935. With a solid track record of producing outstanding graduates, the University currently serves approximately 6,300 students, of whom more than 2,200 are enrolled in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET). The college

offers a master’s program in engineering, computer science, materials science, and cybersecurity and a doctoral program in materials science and engineering.

The departments of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, nursing and allied health, engineering technology, computer science, and engineering are in CSET. The Department of Engineering offers B.S. degree programs in electrical, electronics, and optical engineering. The optical engineering program is among the few offered nationally and only at a Historically Black College and University. The programs provide challenging and rigorous curricula, excellent faculty, and a state-of-the-art infrastructure, which includes the Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research, the Class 100/1000 Cleanroom for micro and nanofabrication, the Cybersecurity Complex, the Center for Materials Research, and Smart Optics Laboratories.

PRAIRIE VIEW AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS

DR. PAMELA OBIOMON

DEAN, ROY G. PERRY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Founded in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is a state-assisted institution, a land-grant institution by Federal statute, and a “statewide special purpose” institution by legislative designation. It serves a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population, prominent among those who are unserved

and underserved. With slightly over 6,500 students, the Texas Constitution designated the university as one of three “institutions of the first class” (1984).

The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering continues to sustain an infrastructure that will attract and maintain a world-class faculty and produce graduates with the highest professional ethics and standards through its engineering programs. It comprises six departments: chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, engineering technology, and mechanical engineering. We offer nine bachelor’s degrees, four master’s, and one doctorate. Our Master of Science in Engineering degree program allows concentrated chemical, civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering studies.

The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering ideally balances classroom theory and research applications. While students concentrate on basic science, mathematics, and engineering courses, they are also exposed to a broad range of humanities and social sciences classes, keeping them in touch with the world around them. Students’ research experiences also have real-world applications, such as the many funded projects focused on threats to homeland security.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

DR. LEALON MARTIN

DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

Southern University and A&M College System is the only Historically Black College/University System in the world, with five academic campuses and over 14,000 students. Founded in 1880, the Southern University System is dedicated to being a laboratory for exploration and experimentation. The College of Sciences and Engineering offers nine bachelor’s degree programs: biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, electronics engineering technology, civil engineering,

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electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and mathematics; five master’s degree programs: engineering, computer science, biology, mathematics, and physics; and one doctoral degree program: science and math education. Former students have made significant contributions in the national and international economic, political, social, and cultural arenas. The institution can also claim nine (9) U.S. Military Generals. The engineering programs are housed in our 117,000-foot P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering facility with state-of-the-art educational and research laboratories, the latest computing facilities, and multimedia-ready classrooms.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

DR. LIN LI

INTERIM DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 83 comprehensive degree programs from the baccalaureate through doctorates. TSU is a comprehensive researchintensive institution with an R-2 Carnegie designation. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alums to be global leaders in every facet of society.

The College of Engineering has EAC ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in Architectural, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as CAC ABET-accredited program in Computer Science, ATMAE-accredited program in Applied & Industrial Technologies. The college hosts M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Data Science, M.S. in Engineering, and Ph.D. in Engineering & Computational Sciences. The college has TIGER institute

to focus on interdisciplinary graduate engineering research in advanced materials and manufacturing, renewable energy and technology, AI and cyber security, and sustainable infrastructure systems.

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY HOUSTON, TEXAS

DR. MARK H. WEATHERSPOON

DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (COSET)

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a student-centered, comprehensive doctoral HBCU R2 university with high research activity committed to ensuring equality, offering innovative programs that address global challenges, and transforming diverse students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders. TSU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across 12 academic colleges and schools. It is staffed by approximately 1,000 faculty members and support personnel. More than 9,500 students from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds are currently enrolled at the university. TSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and holds programspecific accreditations, such as ABET and AABI, in various disciplines. It is one of the nation’s preeminent comprehensive urban universities, recognized for the excellence of its programs, the quality of its instruction, and its innovative research. TSU is committed to being a contributing partner to its community, state, nation, and the world.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY TUSKEGEE, ALABAMA

DR. HESHMAT AGLAN

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

One of the most famous universities in the

United States, Tuskegee University was founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington. Although a majority of its more than 3,100 students come from the Southeast, its enrollment represents 43 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. possessions, and 26 countries. Tuskegee University is a comprehensive institution with substantial outreach service programs and impressive research facilities.

The highly respected College of Engineering offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in aerospace science, chemical, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering; Master of Science degree programs in all engineering disciplines. An Aviation Sci. program with a commercial pilot licensing was launched in January 2025. A Ph.D. in materials science and engineering is also offered. The college leads the country in graduating African American Aerospace Engineers and Materials Science and Engineering PhDs. A doctoral degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sci. Engineering, jointly with the College of Agriculture, Environment & Nutrition Sciences is also offered.

The Tuskegee College of Engineering houses TEN research centers of excellence funded by the Federal Government and Industry. Research thrust areas include advanced materials, metal additive manufacturing, tactical autonomy, experimental aerodynamics, supersonic flow, wastewater treatment, corrosion, fatigue and fracture analysis, etc.

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WASHINGTON, DC

DR. DEVDAS SHETTY

DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES

The University of the District of Columbia

(UDC) was founded in 1977 by merging three institutions: the District of Columbia Teachers College, the Federal City College, and the Washington Technical Institute. UDC comprises a Community College, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, and the David A. Clarke School of Law. We are one of only four universities in the nation’s capital that provide ABETaccredited undergraduate degrees in several engineering, computer science, and information technology areas and graduate degrees in selected areas. The world is a different place than in 1977, and so is the school, which has grown in terms of students, faculty, and laboratories. Our students continue to win numerous awards and scholarships and tackle challenging, real-world problems to develop innovative solutions. We have recruited highly qualified faculty who have expertise in specialized areas. The school is moving to a higher level, not only in the number and quality of graduates but also in our research’s value, quantity, and impact.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

PRINCESS ANNE, MD

DR.

DERREK DUNN

DEAN,

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) offers undergraduate programs in aviation science, biomedical engineering, computer science, construction management technology, engineering technology, and engineering with subplans in aerospace, computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. UMES’s School of Business and Technology also offers master’s degrees in applied computer science, cybersecurity engineering technology, data science and analytics engineering, electrical and mechatronics engineering, and a doctoral program in applied computing and engineering.

The School of Business and Technology laboratories have state-of-the-art instrumentations, developmental hardware, and software tools for teaching and research. The department’s curricula and undergraduate research activities combine the strength of engineering fundamentals with hands-on and laboratory experiences to reinforce the principles and concepts used in the classroom and apply the knowledge learned to solve real-world problems in an environment that emphasizes leadership and teamwork.

At UMES, we are committed to providing world-class education and research in engineering and computer sciences. Our focused activities, excellent faculty, staff, and facilities ensure that students in our academic programs receive the highest quality of education. With small classes, easy access to professors, dedicated computer and technology resources, and newly established and equipped laboratories, we strive to make every student feel confident and reassured in their academic journey.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA

DR. DAWIT HAILE

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Virginia State University (VSU) was founded in 1882 in Petersburg, Virginia. It is one of Virginia’s two land-grant institutions and was the first state-supported four-year institution of higher learning for Black

Americans in the U.S. Today, VSU has a student population of over 5000 and offers fifty undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two doctoral degree programs, and seven certificate programs. Students study and conduct research in one of the seven colleges: the College of Agriculture; the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering and Technology; The College of Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Natural and Health Sciences; and the College of Graduate Studies.

The College of Engineering and Technology at Virginia State University is dedicated to empowering students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences that prepare them for the demands of a technology-driven society. Through rigorous programs emphasizing real-world applications, students have the skills and vision to address complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities. With a focus on producing future leaders in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data analytics, mathematics, and economics, the college fosters innovation and sustainability through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, driving progress and societal advancement through the applied practice of engineering and scientific principles.

The Virginia State University College of Engineering and Technology offers both Bachelor of Science and Graduate Degrees academic programs. Students can receive a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Logistics Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mathematics, and Economics and Finance. Study may also receive a Graduate Degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, and Mathematics in a Master of Science. Students can also receive a Master of Arts in Business/Managerial Economics.

The College of Engineering at Virginia State University also has several research initiatives and capabilities such as Data Analytics, Multimedia Data Mining, Machine Learning, IoT, Deep Learning, AI, Ethical AI, LLM, Quantum Computing, Edge Computing, Cyber Security, Network Security, Memory Forensics, Model-based Fault Injection, Identity Science/Biometrics Additive Manufacturing/Machining, Cyber-enabled Manufacturing, Nanomanufacturing Process and Technology Robotics, Soft Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Extended Reality, Logistics and Supply Chain, Enterprise systems, ERP Integration Analytics and Business intelligence.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY

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REGINALD E. HUMPHREY

DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL IMPACT, GENERAL MOTORS AND CHAIR, AMIE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Reggie Humphrey currently serves as GM’s Head of Community & Social Impact in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He leads a team focused on four key workstreams: Corporate Reputation/ Recognition, Employee Giving, Employee Resource Groups, and Partnerships. Prior to this role, Reggie served as an HR executive leading the DEI Center of Excellence and Partnerships teams from 2021-2024. For nearly a decade, he led the growth and development of GM’s supply chain inclusion efforts, driving innovative programs and high-value partnerships.

Reggie began his career journey in 1995 as a Production Supervisor at the Moraine Assembly Center in Moraine, OH. In 1998, he relocated to the Detroit metro area and has since worked in several operational and strategic planning roles within multiple organizations including Order Fulfillment, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Purchasing. In addition to Reggie’s core responsibilities, he serves as a voluntary board member for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) and the Tuck Diverse Business Executive Education Programs at Dartmouth College.

Reggie holds a B.S. in Finance from Alabama A&M University and a M.S.A. from Central Michigan University.

VERONICA L. NELSON

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AMIE, INC.

Veronica L. Nelson is the Chief Executive Officer of AMIE, Inc. AMIE is a coalition of corporations, government agencies and the seventeen (17) ABET accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Schools of Engineering. She leads AMIE in developing strategies to expand corporate, government, and academic partnerships to implement and support programs to attract, educate, graduate, and place students in engineering careers and create a robust engineering workforce.

Veronica has over 35 years of STEM experience in Engineering and Human Resources. Veronica has over 18 years of experience in process engineering, developing Automated Assembly Processes, and over nine years of experience in Engineering Management and Human Resources, where she managed Career Pathways Programs, Diversity Recruiting, Professional Development Rotation Programs, Interns Programs, and University Relations & Recruiting at Northrop Grumman Corporation. Veronica was a Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, responsible for developing, managing, and implementing firm-wide strategies for University and Diversity Recruiting.

Veronica is the recipient of the 2024 BEYA – Dr. Eugene DeLoatch Legacy Award for her leadership and transformational work with the HBCU Schools of Engineering as the Chief Executive Officer of AMIE. Veronica has received many awards throughout her career for her passion and commitment to increase the STEM Pipeline. She was awarded the 3rd North American International Conference on Industrial

Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Diversity Award and the 2018 Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity (CoNECD) Conference Award for Women of Color History Makers in Diversity for her commitment to increasing diversity in the Workforce. She received the 2009 BEYA Award for Educational Leadership – Promotion of Higher Education (K – 12) and the 2007 WOC in Technology Award for Educational Leadership –Corporate Promotion of Education (K – 12) for her passion, commitment and dedication to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in K - 12.

Veronica earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in Robotics from Howard University. She received the National GEM Consortium Fellowship and was the first female to obtain her master’s in mechanical engineering from Howard University.

Veronica is the proud mother of two sons who followed her passion and pursued degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Prairie View A&M University and Computer Science at North Carolina A&T State University.

EVERETT TUCKER

DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES, ABBOTT

Everett is Divisional Vice President, Commercial Support Services within Abbott’s Core Diagnostics Division. He was appointed to this role in November 2023. Everett is leading teams that provide strategic and operational support to the commercial organization and enhance the customer experience. Since joining

Abbott in 2015, Everett has held three other global leadership positions in Core Diagnostics: DVP, Operations Strategy and Engineering, DVP, Instrument Operations, and most recently, DVP and General Manager, Hematology. Prior to joining Abbott, Everett held different roles at General Electric (GE), Honeywell, Kimball Electronics & CAE Healthcare. Everett is the Executive Committee Chair for Abbott’s Black Business Network, which sponsors professional development programs that infuse a bias towards inclusion, aligned with Abbott’s 2030 sustainability plan. In addition, he is a Board member of the AMIE organization (Advancing Minorities Interest in Engineering) on behalf of Abbott. Everett earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University – the Behrend College.

JARED ZERBE

DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER/ENGINEERING DIRECTOR, APPLE

Jared Zerbe received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, Stanford, CA 1987. From 1987-1992, he worked at VLSI Technology and MIPS Computer Systems, designing digital circuits and high-performance floating-point units. In 1992, he moved to Rambus, where, for over 20 years, he specialized in the design of analog-mixed-signal high-speed I/O, PLL/DLL clock-recovery, and data-synchronization circuits. He has taught courses at both Berkeley and Stanford in high-speed I/O design, authored or co-authored over 40 IEEE conference and journal papers, and is an inventor of over 220 US patents. He served on the DesignCon and VLSI Circuits Symposium program committee from 2010-2013 and was an associate editor for the Journal of Solid-State Circuits from 2013-2014. In 2013, Jared joined Apple, where since 2015, he has been a member of Exploratory Design in the Hardware Technologies team and is currently a Distinguished Engineer/Engineering Director. Jared was named an IEEE Fellow in 2019 to contribute to developing high-performance serial interfaces.

DR. NATHAN BROOKS

SENIOR TECHNICAL FELLOW, ELECTROMAGNETICS & ANTENNA SYSTEMS, THE BOEING COMPANY

Dr. Nathan Raen Brooks is a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow in Electromagnetics & Antenna Systems, providing technical leadership as an executive-level engineer. He previously led Boeing’s Assured Operation with a 5G+ team, delivering strategic and technical support to task forces across the Boeing enterprise and aerospace industries concerning aviation interference from current and future telecommunications. Beginning his industry career in 2007, he provides technical expertise and consultation in developing architectures and algorithms for Boeing’s Signal Intelligence & Electronic Warfare antenna systems. Additionally, he is the University Innovation Lead within Boeing’s Enterprise Technology Office, where he targets explicitly developing relationships and funding research with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Dr. Brooks has over 20 years of experience in electromagnetics and numerical optimization, including graduate and postdoctoral research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS), and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). He has received multiple awards at the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) conference, the 2019 NSBE Golden Torch Lifetime Achievement in Industry Award, and the 2020 Boeing Defense Engineer of the Year.

Nathan and his wife began raising their family as freshmen at Florida A&M University (FAMU), and both graduated with degrees in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Brooks was FAMU’s first doctoral graduate in Electrical Engineering. He is an active member of the Boeing Black Employee Association, Howard University Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Industry Advisory Board, other FAMU boards, Boeing’s Focal teams for multiple HBCUs, AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering) Board of Directors, and other committees concentrating on increasing diversity in STEM fields. He spends most of his time volunteering within his church and with various organizations, focused on bettering his communities through service, example, and mentorship.

ALEX VENETTA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER AND MANAGER OF PARTNER SERVICES, CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Alex Venetta is the Associate Publisher and Partner Services Manager at Career Communications Group, Inc. (CCG). In this capacity, Venetta reports directly to both CCG’s chief financial officer and the CEO.

Venetta is responsible for developing and retaining relationships with CCG partners. These include top employers of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) talent, such as Lockheed Martin Corp., The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corp., General Dynamics Corp., Raytheon Technologies, Aerotek, Inc., IBM, and Navy Civilian Careers. Venetta is also actively involved with CCG’s Stars & Stripes Military Committee and CCG Awards Alumni.

CCG is a minority-owned media services company that provides the knowledge, guidance, and expertise to make it easier for employers to implement and support STEM diversity strategies and programs. CCG helps companies effectively compete for professional talent in STEM fields and provides multiple channels to assist in retaining STEM employees.

Venetta is also one of the original founders of the School of the Way, a not-for-profit mentoring and martial arts school based in Baltimore, MD. He is a martial arts instructor, a mentor, and a life coach to historically underrepresented students in STEM and the Arts.

Venetta graduated from Johns Hopkins University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in International Relations and East Asian Studies.

DR. MARK D. VAUGHN

DIRECTOR, STEM PARTNERSHIPS AND EARLY TALENT PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT, CORNING INCORPORATED

Dr. Mark D. Vaughn is the Director of STEM Partnerships and Early Talent Pipeline Development at Corning Incorporated. In this role, Vaughn develops, implements, and manages PK-20 science and engineering programs and initiatives to meet the Technology Community’s near-term and long-term technical talent needs.

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Dr. Vaughn began his 32-year career with Corning 1988 as a Research Technician. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Alfred University, a master’s degree in Optics from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Before his current role, Vaughn was a Research Associate in Modeling and Simulation, where he was a noted expert in Optical Network Traffic Demand Modeling and Access Network Cost Modeling.

In addition to his primary role, Vaughn is a sought-after training program designer and facilitator and is a highly regarded diversity champion and community leader.

Dr. Vaughn, an ordained minister and a 2007 Black Engineer of the Year Award winner, is a native of Elmira, New York. He and his wife, Jeanette (an educator and entrepreneur), reside in Painted Post, New York, and are the proud parents of 5 children (and have one son-in-love, one daughter-in-love, and two grandchildren).

RHOM ERSKINE

VICE PRESIDENT, HR STRATEGY & OPERATIONS, LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION

Rhom Erskine is Vice President, HR Strategy & Operations at Lockheed Martin, with responsibility for HR strategic planning, operational excellence, HR Compliance, and the entire HR technology

platform, including HR AI strategy and implementation. In this role, he works closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and business area and IT executives, to ensure the organization’s people strategy is aligned to the companies priorities and adaptable to ever-changing technological and industrial environments.

Rhom has experience in large, mid-size, and small business environments, where he has demonstrated success in multiple disciplines and has led enterprise-level change management, time-bound business continuity initiatives, employee engagement efforts, and built frameworks that allow his teams to leverage data analytics to identify and solve challenges. Having spent the early part of his career in marketing, software product development, and sales strategy, he also brings strong line-of-business insight and experience to the HR function.

Before joining Lockheed Martin, he served in multiple HR and software product director roles at McKesson Corporation, a Fortune 10 pharmaceutical distribution and medical technology company.

Rhom supports a number of community and professional organizations, including past/present Board of Directors positions with the Clark Atlanta University School of Business, the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, the Center for the Visually Impaired, and Zoo Atlanta.

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Rhom holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse College, and an MBA from Clark Atlanta University. He and his wife Danielle reside in Atlanta, GA and are the proud parents of three sons.

TERRELL REID

CORPORATE OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS MANAGER, NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

Terrell has been Corporate Office of Small Business Programs Manager at Northrop Grumman since late 2020. Earning his

bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in Technical Management from Johns Hopkins University, Terrell spent over 12 years as a Systems Engineer supporting Navy programs in a variety of technical roles at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). During this time at JHU/APL, he also developed into line and project management leadership roles.

In 2018, Terrell joined Northrop Grumman as the East Region Pathways Program Manager for Software and Digital Technology Strategy and Performance. He has since moved into Global Supply Chain with a focus on small business strategy.

Currently, Terrell is responsible for corporate oversight and administration of the company’s Mentor-Protégé, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/ STTR), Historically Black Colleges/ Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI), and Indian Incentive and Ability One programs.

EDGAR PEREZ

SR. C&I CONSULTANT, HIGHER EDUCATION STRATEGIST

Edgar Perez is a Senior C&I Consultant, Higher Education Strategist at Oracle. His goal is to help create opportunities in tech for all students. Edgar works with executives and various stakeholders to ensure authentic and impactful engagement.

Edgar manages the Future Leaders Program at Oracle, which aims to develop students’ technical, interpersonal, communication, strategic, and corporate skills, preparing them for future internships and tech careers. He also manages the Oracle Inspires Internship Program—a paid summer internship for students as early as rising sophomores.

Before joining Oracle, Edgar spent 15 years working in academia. His academic experiences include admissions,

business faculty, career coaching, employer relations, experiential learning, recruiting, student advising, and university marketing. His academic and student affairs experiences have allowed him to work at various institutions, including small private nonprofit schools, large state systems, and R1 universities. Edgar received his MBA in organizational leadership from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. He currently resides in the Nashville, Tennessee area with his wife and daughters.

THEODORE A. BROWN

P.E., DIVISION CHIEF, PROGRAMS INTEGRATION DIVISION, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Mr. Brown was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in January 2009.

Since September 2022, he has served as the Chief Programs Integration Division. Mr. Brown has the principal responsibility for policy development, articulation and execution to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) divisions and districts for the development, defense and execution of the annual and supplemental Civil Works program across all accounts (Investigations, Construction, Operations and Maintenance) and business lines (Navigation, Flood Risk Management, Ecosystem Restoration and Hydropower).

Executing these responsibilities for the Civil Works Program of over $90 billion requires the integration and reconciliation of the policy perspectives of Planning, Engineering, Construction/Operations, Real Estate, and Contracting and working closely with senior Administration officials, congressional leaders, and project partners. Before this assignment, he served as the Director, Regional Business, South Atlantic Division, USACE. He provided executive strategic leadership and technical expertise for the Division which executes engineering, design, construction, and project management for civil works, military construction, International, and Interagency Service and environmental programs for all or part of eight southeastern states, the Caribbean and South America, with a workload that exceeded $5 billion and managed by a workforce of 3500.

Mr. Brown also served as the Chief

of Planning and Policy Division in the Headquarters, HQUSACE Washington, D.C. from January 2009 until November 2017. He also served as the Leader of the Mississippi Valley Division and Southwestern Division Regional Integration Team in Headquarters. In this position, he served as the leader of the USACE-wide Planning Community of Practice and was responsible for the formulation and coordination of Army Civil Works policy with the Department of Army, Federal agencies, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Mr. Brown was also responsible for leading efforts in the development and implementation of Water Resources Development Acts and served as the Principal Civil Works point of contact with congressional authorizing committees on policy and planning matters. He also served in this position in an acting capacity from November 2007 – May 2008.

DR. ZHENGTAO (Z.T.) DENG

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES, ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY

Dr. Zhengtao (Z.T.) Deng started his academic career at AAMU in 1992 in the School of Engineering and Technology (previous name of the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences).

Deng is one of the founding members of AAMU’s Mechanical Engineering Program and is a full professor in the Department. Dr. Deng also was selected as the University’s Outstanding Teacher in 2013, Outstanding Faculty of the Year for the College of Engineering in 2013 and 2018, and the University’s Outstanding Researcher in 2018.

During his continuous career at AAMU, he has served and continues to serve as a principal investigator on multiple externally funded research grants and contracts.

In 2015, he became the Faculty Associate for Research and Scholarship in the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. In August 2019, he was appointed Interim Dean of the College. Dr. Deng earned his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

DR. DEVDAS SHETTY

DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Dr. Devdas Shetty serves as Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia and as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Shetty is a world-renowned scholar, educator, and outstanding academic administration leader whose career has spanned over 35 years in several countries. He previously served as Dean of Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Michigan, Dean of Research, and Vernon D Roosa Manufacturing Professor at the University of Hartford, Connecticut. As the Director of the Engineering Applications Center, he was responsible for research partnerships with more than 50 companies. He also held faculty positions at the Albert Nerkin School of Engineering at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York.

Dr. Shetty has a stellar scholarship record, including authorship of four engineering textbooks. His textbooks on Mechatronics and Product Design are widely used as textbooks in many universities around the world. He has authored over 250 scientific articles & journal papers and proceedings. He holds six patents. His research work has contributed to understanding mechatronics and intellectual achievements in product design and surface measurement in the aerospace industry. Major projects led by Dr. Shetty include a partnership with Albert Einstein College for his innovative ambulatory system for supporting patients during rehabilitation, the successful design of gun-launched hybrid projectiles with the US Army’s Research division, and fundamental contributions in laser manufacturing. The cutting-edge curriculum of integrating engineering with humanities and social sciences that Dr. Shetty developed using support from the National Science Foundation has emerged as a national model.

Since joining as the Dean at the University of the District of Columbia, Dr. Shetty has doubled the student enrollment, started a new bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, two master’s degrees, and the first Doctoral Degree in Engineering and Computer Science. He

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successfully led ABET re-accreditation for four engineering and computer science programs, spearheaded scholarships, and research activities, which have amounted to more than 30 million dollars.

His leadership in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has resulted in several university awards at national and international competitions. He has also established partnerships with several companies in the USA and universities abroad.

Major honors received by Prof. Shetty include the James Frances Bent Award for Creativity, the Edward S. Roth National Award for Manufacturing from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineering National Faculty Award, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Honor Award, the 2019 Distinguished leadership award from UDC and Fellowship and lifetime achievement award in Industrial Engineering from the International Society of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management(IEOM). He is an elected member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

DR. DAWIT HAILE

DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY AND INTERIM PROVOST FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Dawit Haile is a Computer Science and Mathematics professor at Virginia State University (VSU). He serves as the Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology and interim Provost for Academic Affairs. Over the past three decades, he has made significant contributions in both industry and academia, including previous appointments at Xavier University and Southern Illinois University.

During his tenure as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Dr. Haile introduced undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science and bolstered its research capabilities in

diverse areas such as machine learning, data mining, and cyber security. Dr. Haile’s dedication to excellence has earned him many accolades, including a prestigious Bank of America Outstanding Faculty award. His research interests encompass many topics, including combinatorics, graph theory, neural networks, and data mining. He has published journal research articles, contributed book chapters, and chaired various conferences. He has secured over $25 million in grant awards to support his research and project endeavors.

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and chairs the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems board. He is appointed to the Commonwealth’s Manufacturing Development Commission to serve a third consecutive four-year term. Dr. Haile is affiliated with the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Mathematical Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.

Dr. Haile earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in computer science from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a master’s in mathematics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He resides in Chester, Virginia, with his wife and two children.

JOYCE T. SHIRAZI, D.SC.

DEAN, SCHOOL

OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND AVIATION, HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation at Hampton University, has a long and distinguished career in higher education and industry. She leads a skilled team of faculty and staff to ensure Hampton is a leader in STEM-related fields. She has a diverse mix of business and academic experience. She has managed projects in each sector and has a

wide range of career experience, including senior vice president, chief of staff, chair, program director, professor, specialist, and engineer. This includes twenty years with Fortune 500 corporations and two decades in higher education leadership. She served in both faculty and staff positions in the University System of Maryland, including senior vice president and chief of staff in the Office of the President, Chair of Information and Technology Systems, Program Director and Professor for Engineering Management, MBA, Management of Information Systems, and Technology Management in the Graduate School at University of Maryland Global Campus. She has design experience in multinational corporations, including offshore oil platform structures, airplanes, and environmental systems in countries worldwide. She is a licensed, professional civil engineer (PE) with a BS in Civil Engineering from Howard University, an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee, a D.SC. in Environmental and Engineering Management from George Washington University, and executive leadership training from the Institute for Educational Management, Harvard University.

MATT BOWMAN

FARMER, CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP AND U.S. NAVY (RETIRED)

LCDR Matt Bowman, U.S. Navy retired is a native of Walterboro, S.C. and a 5th generation farmer/landowner. The child of an Army officer, he attended 11 schools in 11 countries/states, including Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology. He left high school early to attend college. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He went to Aviation Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign. He went to flight school in Pensacola, graduating in the top of his class in Primary Flight School, and was selected for the tactical jet pipeline. He was

winged as a Naval Flight Officer in 1994 and received assignment as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer flying the EA6B aircraft in Whidbey Island, Washington. LCDR Bowman served at sea for 5 years aboard many aircraft carriers including the USS KITTY HAWK, USS CARL VINSON, USS, HARRY S TRUMAN, USS ENTERPRISE, and USS RONALD REAGAN. He served ashore at the US Southern Command as the Counterdrug Subject Matter Expert (Andean Ridge, Tri-border region, Narcoterrorism) where he conducted operations in various South American Countries. He also has extensive experience in Human Capital Management serving in Washington D.C. at the Navy Headquarters as the Acting Director of Diversity for the U.S. Navy. He was responsible for diversity policy affecting 338,000 active duty sailors, 175,000 reservists and civilians.

Upon retirement in 2011, he left Washington D.C and returned to Micanopy, Florida. He operated a boutique Diversity consulting practice with clients including Department of Energy, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Education, and other commercial clients. In 2013, he began work on Micanopy Winery at Countryside Vineyard on a 16-acre parcel in Micanopy, Florida. In 2013, he was also handpicked as the Executive Director of the Stars and Stripes Committee. The Stars and Stripes Committee is a group of 12 retired Admirals and Generals with the mission of creating more engineers of America. In this capacity, Matt works closely with senior leaders from all five services and the National Guard Bureau to build the nations STEM capacity. Matt is currently the Director of Field Operations for Region East at Windsor Group, LLC., where he leads the charge to help farmers apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. Matt is married to Dr. Crystal Bowman and is the proud father of three children.

DR. EUGENE M. DELOATCH

FULL PROFESSOR AND DEAN EMERITUS, CLARENCE M. MITCHELL, JR. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Before beginning his service as Professor and Inaugural Dean of the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering at Morgan State University (1984–2016), Dr. Eugene M. DeLoatch completed twenty-four years of affiliation with Howard University

in Washington, D.C. During his last nine years at Howard. He led a department that granted baccalaureate degrees to more African American engineers than any school in the country. He has a baccalaureate in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering (E.E.) from Tougaloo College and Lafayette College, respectively. He also holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the New York Polytechnic University. In recognition of his many years of effective service to engineering education, Dr. DeLoatch has been awarded Honorary Doctorates by Lafayette College (1984), Binghamton University (2004), and Tougaloo College (2017).

Dr. DeLoatch became the first African American to serve as President of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), the world’s most prestigious engineering education organization, during the ASEE’s 2002-2003 activity year. He is a Life Member and Fellow of the Society, founded in 1893.

Of his most cherished recognitions, Dr. DeLoatch lists the 2017 Black Engineer of the Year Award, the 2016 Tau Beta Pi Distinguished Alumnus Award, the 2015 AMIE Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2014 ABET Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity. 2017 Dr. DeLoatch became a 2017 National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee. In 2019, he was selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the NSBE/BMAC Legacy Achievement Award at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum - (National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Baltimore Metropolitan Area Chapter (BMAC).

DR. TYRONE D. TABORN

PUBLISHER, CHAIRMAN, AND CEO, CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Career Communications Group (CCG) is a minority-owned media services company that connects top technology talent to employers with the potential to fulfill their career goals. Over more than a quarter of a century, CCG has built solid and lasting partnerships with America’s top companies, government agencies, and educational institutions through its magazines, the internet, and conferences that promote the achievements of minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Taborn is the founder of the Foundation

for Educational Development, which aims to raise awareness of technology literacy in minority communities across America. The foundation’s programs—Black Family Technology Awareness Week, La Familia Technology Awareness Week, and the Native American Family Technology Journey— aim to bring families into the digital age through computer literacy workshops.

His current and past board affiliations include Women Legislators of Maryland Foundation Inc., Baltimore Partners for Enhanced Learning, Maryland Black Caucus Foundation Inc., Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE), and the Granville Academy. He is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and the State’s Legislative Black Caucus honored Taborn with a 2008 Living History Award in Engineering, Science, and Innovation. Taborn was recognized for outstanding contributions to his field and the State of Maryland. He was one of three individuals to receive the award.

Taborn holds honorary degrees from Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Bachelor of Science from Johns Hopkins University.

AMIE RESILIENCE HUB SUMMER PROGRAM

Making an Impact in the Community

The AMIE Resilience Hub Summer Program sponsored by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and hosted by Tennessee State University is an innovative program crafted to empower and uplift communities within the Los Angeles area.

This program aims to establish three (3) Resilience Hubs to serve as a community-based facility designed to support residents during emergencies such as extreme heat, wildfires, earthquakes, or power outages while also providing ongoing resources for community resilience.

Engineering students from Florida A&M University, Hampton University, NC A&T State University, Tennessee State University and Tuskegee University participated in a hybrid 12-week Summer Program (6 weeks onsite/ 6 weeks virtual). The students engaged in the solution cycle from client requirements to engineering design.

Resilience Hub Site Locations

2025 AMIE RESILIENCE HUB SUMMER PROGRAM

NXTGEN IMPACT DESIGNS - Boys and Girls Club San Fernando Valley

THE VANTAGE HAVEN’S – True LA Church Resilience Hub

AMIE ExCEL LAB

Turning Innovative Designs into Market-Ready Solutions

Are you an aspiring engineer or innovator looking to bring your ideas to life?

JOIN US!

Date: Monday, September 8th

Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Place: AMIE Annual Conference at Prairie View A&M University

Who: All students welcome, early-career professionals, faculty and AMIE Partners

The Engineering Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Lab (ExCEL) is a gateway to transforming technical designs into successful, market-ready products. This dynamic workshop will focus on guiding engineering students and entrepreneurs through the essential definitions and steps of technology transfer, intellectual property, product development, patents and entrepreneurship.

THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE

• The Foundation of Intellectual Property

• Patents and Trademarks

• Copyright and the Age of AI

• AI and IP: Navigating a New Frontier

Powered By

MEET THE EXPERTS

DR. LARICO TREADWELL CEO, E4 Power Consulting

AFAM I. OKEKE, ESQ., MBA. CIPP/US Asst. Legal Counsel, E4 Power Consulting

DR. GARRY BROWN, JR., ESQ. Chief Legal Officer, E4 Power Consulting

VERONICA L. NELSON Chief Executive Officer

AVALYN PACE Strategic Programs Manager

MALIK NELSON Technical and Project Support

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

2025 AMIE PARTNERS & ASSOCIATES

2025 AMIE CONFERENCE SPONSORS

SILVER

PLATINUM

GOLD

BRONZE

STUDENT TRAVEL SPONSOR

AMIE PROGRAM BOOK SPONSOR

SPECIALTHANKS

AMIE WOULD LIKE TO THANK

OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS whose financial and in-kind contributions helped to make the conference possible.

OUR GUEST SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS who have shared their valuable insights and experience on issues of critical importance to the progress of AMIE..

THE PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY AND THE 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE - This year’s conference and celebration would not be possible without their hard work, passion and dedication.

AND TO ALL OUR ATTENDEES who share a common belief in our mission and participated in countless ways to make our Annual Conference a success.

CONTACTS: Veronica L. Nelson

Chief Executive Officer

AMIE, Inc.

5200 Perring Parkway Baltimore, Maryland 21251

Email: Executive_Director@ amiepartnerships.org

Alternate Email: veronica.nelson@morgan.edu

Avalyn Pace

Strategic Program Manager, AMIE, Inc.

5200 Perring Parkway Baltimore, Maryland 21251

Email: admin@amiepartnerships.org