7:30-8:30 am

Registration and Breakfast

8:30-9:15 am

Welcome and Opening Keynote

Topic: From Code to Consequence: Building Technology That Reflects All of Us

Ashraf Karim

Senior Vice President of Connected Customer Experience, ServiceNow

9:15-9:30 am

Break

9:30-10:30 am

Concurrent Session A

Emerging Technologies Concurrent Sessions

A1 • Digital Detectives: AI & the Future of Forensics

Session Chairs

Younghee Park

Professor, Computer Engineering, SJSU

Nurettin Senol

Assistant Professor, Justice Studies Department, SJSU

Session Summary

This session examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping forensic science and digital investigations. As data volumes increase, AI tools help investigators analyze images, video, audio, and cyber evidence more efficiently while uncovering patterns that may be missed by traditional methods. The discussion will highlight practical applications of AI in forensics, along with key challenges such as bias, transparency, and legal admissibility. Through real-world examples, participants will gain insight into how AI can enhance investigative accuracy and efficiency while maintaining ethical and judicial integrity in the evolving landscape of digital forensics.

Meeting Room: 4A

Automating the Hunt: AI’s Role in Modern Cybercrime Investigations

Presentation Abstract

Fionne Liu

CEO, US, Jeen.ai

A2 • Beyond Reality: The Future of XR

Session Chair

Nanci Solomon

Advisor, SJSU CMPE Advisory Board

Session Summary

The world is transforming quickly in front of us. What will you do to help engineer what we see, feel, experience, and do using new technologies that can take over our senses and act on our thoughts, emotions, gestures and voice? Join us for a fireside chat to see why and how you should embrace and harness these technologies to build the world that we want to live in.

Meeting Room: 2A

A3 • Humanoid AI-Driven Automation

Session Chairs

Lin Jiang

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Jingyi Xie

Assistant Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Humanoid AI-Driven Automation brings human-like robots and modern AI together to handle real tasks in changing, real-world spaces. This session spotlights new breakthroughs in vision-language-action systems—how robots “see,” understand instructions, choose the right object, and move safely around people and delicate items. Speakers will share practical examples from factories, warehouses, and service environments, along with what still fails in the field and how teams are improving reliability. The focus is on bridging cutting-edge AI research with deployable systems—what humanoids can do now, and what’s next.

Meeting Room: 3

A4 • The Future of Sustainable Energy

Session Chair

Tianyang Zhou

Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

This session will explore the future of sustainable energy through perspectives spanning research, engineering, and large-scale implementation. Speakers will discuss emerging advances in battery technology, clean energy systems, and infrastructure design, examining how innovation in energy storage, electrification, and grid resilience is shaping the path toward decarbonization.

Meeting Room: 2B

Presentation Abstract

Crystal Jain

Battery Engineering Manager, Form Energy

Presentation Abstract

Hitisha Sharma

Associate Principal, Head of EE Department, Point Energy Innovations

Career Launch Concurrent Sesson block 2

Career Launch Concurrent Sessions

A5 • Job and Internship Search

Session Chair

Kelly Masegian

Senior Career Counselor, STEM/Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Everyone is familiar with the big job boards – Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn. Come learn how to optimize your searches as well as other methods to increase your chances of landing a job or internship that will be the right fit for you. We will also discuss tips for how to navigate a job search in less than ideal times.

Meeting Room: 1

A6 • Professional Branding

Session Chair

Bobbi Makani, Ph.D. 

Executive Director, Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Discover how to unlock your career potential in this interactive workshop. Participants will learn practical strategies to build a standout professional profile, grow and activate their network, and clearly communicate their unique value in today’s competitive job market. Whether they are aiming for a new role or looking to expand their professional reach, this session offers actionable insights and tips to help them build a personal brand that gets noticed. It’s also a great opportunity to support others as they take the next step in their careers.

Meeting Room: 4B

Kiran Guleria

PMO – Technical Program Manager, NetApp. Inc

Sherry Moore

Senior Software Engineer, Google DeepMind

Vibha Nayak

Software Engineer, NetApp Inc.

10:30-10:50 am

Break

10:50-11:50 am

Concurrent Session B

Emerging Technologies Concurrent Sessions

B1 • Re-imagining the Future with Generative AI

Session Chairs

Magdalini Eirinaki

Professor, Computer Engineering, SJSU

Yunjian (Jojo) Qiu

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

This session explores how generative AI is reshaping technology, research, and engineering practice. As AI systems grow more capable, the conversation is shifting from simply building larger models to designing smarter, more efficient, and domain-aware solutions. Speakers examine how AI can move beyond keyword recognition to deeper conceptual understanding through expert-guided workflows, how infrastructure innovations such as small language models and optimized architectures are driving scalable performance, and how generative AI can be integrated across the full research lifecycle, from idea generation to publication. The discussion also addresses critical challenges, including bias, hallucinations, data reliability, and responsible human-AI collaboration. Together, the session highlights how thoughtful system design and ethical integration will define the next generation of AI applications.

Meeting Room: 3

Presentation Abstract

Anahita Bhiwandiwalla

Deep Learning Algorithms Manager, NVIDIA

Presentation Abstract

Ankita Arvind Deshmukh

AI Infra Solutions Architect, Google

Using LLMs for Chemical Reasoning

Presentation Abstract

Brandi Ransom

Scientist-Algorithms and Applications, IBM Research

B2 • Robotics Beyond Boundaries

Session Chairs

Behin Elahi

Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Winncy Du

Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Meeting Room: 2A

Presentation Abstract

Leena Agarwal

TPM, Woven by Toyota

My Journey from Science and Engineering to Medical Robotics

Presentation Abstract

Halleh Ghaderi

Multiport Technical Lead – Senior Clinical Development Engineer, Intuitive Surgical

The AI-Enabled Transformation of Surgery

Presentation Abstract

Neeta Mhatre

VP Asia Commercial Ops & China Strategy, Intuitive

B3 • Automation in Biotech

Session Chairs

Katy Kao

Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, SJSU

Yun Wang

Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Automation is becoming increasingly prevalent in the biotech and biomedical industries. In this session, you will hear from industry speakers who are working on the hardware and human factor sides of developing automation in biotech and a recent graduate who is working in this field. Come and learn about emerging technologies in this growing field and explore career pathways in biotechnology automation.

Meeting Room: 4A

Breaking Into Diagnostic Engineering in an Automation-Driven Industry

Presentation Abstract

Shruthi Srinivasan

Sr Lab Tech, Abbott

Designing Automation That Works for People: A Human Factors Perspective in Biotech

Presentation Abstract

Kelli Sum

Human Factors Design Engineer, Intuitive

Presentation Abstract

Sarah Thomson

R&D Engineer, Automated Productivity, Agilent Technologies

B4 • Next-Gen Urban Transportation

Session Chairs

Yuwei He

Assistant Professor, Aviation Department, SJSU

Iole Pecora

Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Urban transportation has evolved rapidly, especially in the Bay Area, where innovation continues to reshape mobility. This session highlights the next frontier: emerging possibilities both on the ground and in the air. From autonomous and electric systems to developing urban air mobility such as eVTOL aircraft, these technologies are positioned to transform capacity, sustainability, and connectivity in modern cities. Join this session to explore the innovations, policies, and design frameworks shaping the future of mobility and to understand what is needed to build a smarter, more accessible transportation landscape.

Meeting Room: 2B

Presentation Abstract

Maria Gonzalez

Sr. Manager, Flight Deck Avionics, Archer Aviation

Presentation Abstract

Kristen Holtz

Head Autonomous Planning, Skydio

Presentation Abstract

Aishwarya Parasuram

Technical Lead, Waymo

Concurrent Session B

Career Launch Concurrent Sessions

B5 • Employer Perspective: Tips on Job and Internship Success

Session Chair

Kelly Masegian

Senior Career Counselor, STEM/Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Hear from company representatives about how to best approach all aspects of the job search from applying to interviewing to career growth.

Meeting Room: 1

B6 • Using Generative AI to Enhance Resumes

Session Chair

Bobbi Makani, Ph.D. 

Executive Director, Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Join SJSU Career Counselors in this interactive workshop to learn how to use Generative AI for your resume development—ethically and creatively. You’ll be able to create a customized resume that catches the attention of both hiring managers and the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Meeting Room: 4B

Thuy Nguyen

Career Counselor/Career Center, San Jose State University

Kristin Keller

Career Counselor, San Jose State University

11:50 am -12:30 pm

Lunch

12:30-1:00 pm

Lunch Keynote

Topic: Three Habits. One Meaningful Career.  A framework for engineers who want to stand out and make an impact
Joumana Zeid
VP, Program Leadership, Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc

1:00-1:30 pm

Roundtable Discussions

1:30-1:45 pm

Break

1:45-2:45 pm

Concurrent Session C

Emerging Technologies Concurrent Sessions

C1 • Responsible AI

Session Chairs

Mahima Agumbe Suresh

Associate Professor, Computer Engineering, SJSU

Riti Gour

Assistant Professor, Aviation and Technology, SJSU

Session Summary

As artificial intelligence (AI) gets increasingly more powerful, there is no better time to discuss how to make AI fair, unbiased, inclusive, trustworthy, and secure. Join us in this session to learn about the what, how, and why of building AI systems responsibly.

Meeting Room: 1

C2 • UX & Wearable Technology

Session Chairs

Yue Luo

Assistant Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Behin Elahi

Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

This session focuses on current research and practice in user experience (UX) design and wearable technology. It will highlight key challenges, methods, and applications related to designing, evaluating, and using interactive systems. The session highlights strategies to improve usability, user engagement, and real-world impact of human-centered technology in daily and work-related contexts.

Meeting Room: 3

Innovating for People: How Wearable Technology Is Transforming Ergonomics – and Expanding Engineering Careers

Presentation Abstract

Kristine Kohn

Senior Manager, Ergonomics, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)

Understanding People to build Better Technology

Presentation Abstract

Jennifer Shuang

UX Research, Google

Sound, Space and Agency: Building Context-Aware Wearable Systems

Presentation Abstract

Cady Xu

Researcher, Google DeepMind

C3 • Intelligent Additive Manufacturing

Session Chairs

Yunjian (Jojo) Qiu

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Weizhi Lin

Assistant Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Additive manufacturing has advanced quickly, and in innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, the convergence of AI and data-driven engineering is pushing 3D printing beyond prototyping into scalable production. This session explores the next frontier—Intelligent Additive Manufacturing—from real-time sensing and in-process monitoring to digital twins and closed-loop control that boost quality, repeatability, and throughput. Join us to learn how these technologies are enabling more complex, high-performance parts and what it takes to build a smarter, more reliable additive manufacturing ecosystem.

Meeting Room: 2B

C4 • Sustainable Resilience & Urban Planning

Session Chairs

Olivia Yip

Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, SJSU

Sravani Vadlamani 

Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

This session explores how thoughtful planning and infrastructure design can help cities become more resilient in the face of environmental and climate challenges. Through examples ranging from sustainable transportation corridors to water and wastewater systems, speakers will highlight strategies that support long-term community well-being. The session also addresses environmental justice by examining how sea level rise can worsen existing contamination risks in vulnerable communities. Together, these presentations demonstrate how integrated, forward-looking urban planning can promote mobility, protect public health, and strengthen cities against future uncertainties.

Meeting Room: 2A

 Recharging our Water/Wastewater Resource Management for Long Term Resiliency

Presentation Abstract

Melanie Carrido

Principal Engineer/Operations Manager, MKN & Associates, an Ardurra Group Company

Subsurface Contamination in Environmental Justice Communities in Alameda County, Effects of Sea level rise on contaminant transport

Presentation Abstract

Dilan Roe

Chief – Land & Water Protection Division, Alameda County Environmental Health Department

Designing Resilient Corridors: Two Projects Advancing Sustainable Mobility

Presentation Abstract

Danielle Del Rosario

Sr. Transportation Engineer, City of Fremont

Concurrent Session C

Career Launch Concurrent Sessions

C5 • Elevator Pitch: Turning Small Talk into Big Opportunities

Session Summary

Transform introductions into a chance to impress. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to craft a memorable personal pitch, navigate networking events and career fairs with confidence, and turn casual conversations into meaningful professional connections. Walk away with practical strategies to stand out, spark interest, and land that all-important interview invitation.

Meeting Room: 4A

C6 • Own the Interview: Confidently Navigate Your Career

Session Chair

Bobbi Makani, Ph.D. 

Executive Director, Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Let’s break barriers and build a brighter future – join us and take charge of your career!
This Interview Essentials workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence to excel in any interview setting. Learn key strategies to showcase your strengths, ask questions that make an impact, and practice your approach through small-group role-playing with personalized feedback from experts.

Meeting Room: 4B

2:45-3:05 pm

Break

3:05-4:35 pm

Concurrent Career Panels

Concurrent Career Panels

I • Software & Information Technology

Session Chair

Xiao Su

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, College of Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Software and Information Technology” industry share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career.  Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 1

Prerna Totla

Principle Machine Learning Engineer, Quizlet

Viji Krishnamurthy

VP, AI Strategy for Industries, Oracle

Snehal Kharat

Sr. Software Engineer, Apple

Linda Fu

Director of Engineering, Google Cloud

Aarushi Dhanger

Advisory Systems Engineer, Arista Networks

II • Semiconductors & Electronics

Session Chair

Lili He

Professor, Electrical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Semiconductors and Electronics” industry share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career.  Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 4A

III • Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics

Session Chair

Smita Duorah

Director, Interdisciplinary Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Mechanical and Mechatronics” sector share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career.  Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 2B

Ekta Mahajan

Sr. Director Material Science, Gilead

Sandra Melo

Sr Principal Scientist, Genentech

Isadora McCullough

Americas Business Development Manager – Certified Pre-Owned Instruments, Agilent Technologies

Farah Rahhal

Quality Manager, Abbot

IV • Building, Infrastructure & the Environment

Session Chairs

Olivia Yip

Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, SJSU

Sravani Vadlamani 

Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Building, Infrastructure, and the Environment” sector share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career.  Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 2A

V • Biotech & Biomedical Engineering

Session Chair

Ella Sugerman

Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Biotech and Biomedical” industry share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career.  Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 3

VI • Aeronautics, Aerospace & Aviation

Session Chairs

Yuwei He

Assistant Professor, Aviation Department, SJSU

Tianyang Zhou

Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Aeronautics, Aerospace and Aviation” sector share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career.  Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 4B

Jaya Bajpayee

Deputy Director, Exploration Technology Directorate, NASA Ames Research Center

Maria Gonzalez

Sr. Manager, Flight Deck Avionics, Archer Aviation

Kristen Holtz

Head Autonomous Planning, Skydio

4:35-4:45 pm

Break

4:45-6:30 pm

WiE Innovation Showcase, Networking Reception, Prize Drawing