The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association | |
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Letter from the Guest Editor
Play, Make, Believe: Rediscovering the Power of Pretending in Engineering Education
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Mark Budnik
Teaching Professor
Carnegie Mellon University
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Dear ECEDHA Community,
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself strolling around our campus on the crisp morning of Halloween. The air was brisk, and red, brown, and gold leaves danced gently on the trees against a canvas of clear, brilliantly blue sky. The scent of pumpkin-spice coffee floated by with what seemed to be each passing student, a small reminder of autumn’s charms. On my way to class, I marveled at the enthusiasm of the students who had transformed buildings, hallways, classrooms, and even laboratories with Halloween decorations. I stepped into the lecture hall, I couldn’t help but smile at the familiar faces, some now transformed: Winnie the Pooh here, a penguin, a flying squirrel, even a scarecrow, all gathered to hear my talk on Bode plots.
Starting class with my usual hearty “Good morning!” I mentioned how much I enjoyed the festive spirit and asked why Halloween seemed more celebrated this year. After a few answers, one student's response summed it up: “Professor, sometimes, we just like to pretend…”
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Mouser Electronics Examines the Human-Centric Revolution of Industry 5.0
Exploring the Opportunities of a Sustainable and
Resilient Industrial Future
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Mouser Electronics, Inc., the global authorized distributor renowned for providing the latest in electronic components and industrial automation solutions, recently unveiled the newest chapter in its Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technology series, which focuses on the emerging landscape of Industry 5.0. In this next phase of industrialization, human, environmental, and social considerations will factor into the advanced technology, robotics, and smart machines on the factory floor of the future.
Building on the technological advancements of Industry 4.0—where artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and machine learning revolutionized the interaction between physical and digital realms—Industry 5.0 shifts the spotlight to a more harmonious balance between humans and technology. It emphasizes societal value, resilience, and sustainability as core pillars. This EIT installment explores the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 and the technology advancements that await.
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Mouser Electronics Supports FIRST Robotics Competition
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Mouser Electronics is proud to sponsor the FIRST Robotics Competition. Nearly 3,400 high school teams from around the world come together to learn, discover, and solve engineering challenges through virtual and live competitions. This past April, Mouser participated in the FIRST in Texas UIL State Championship and FIRST Championship. | Exclusive Interview with Dean Kamen | |
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Explore NASA Langley Research Center and its
Cutting-Edge ECE Connections By: Elizabeth Hibbler
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As we prepare for the 2025 ECEDHA Annual Conference and ECExpo, we’re thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for conference attendees—a tour of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia! This exclusive experience will offer a deep dive into one of NASA’s premier research hubs, where pioneering advancements in ECE are shaping the future of technology, exploration, and innovation.
NASA Langley’s Measurement Systems Laboratory (MSL) is a prime example of the center’s commitment to cutting-edge research. Officially opened in 2022, the $95 million, 175,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to developing and refining technologies essential to exploration, climate science, and national security. With a primary focus on measurement science, the MSL supports the design and testing of advanced sensors, instruments, and systems that enable breakthroughs across multiple disciplines—including aeronautics, space technology, and Earth science.
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VLSI - Apple Initiative Story
By: Amy George
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One significant challenge facing all ECE departments over the past decade has been declining student specialization in hardware, particularly integrated circuit technology. While industry demand for such skills remains high, more students have been choosing the software track because of its association with first-year internship opportunities, AI/ML, and the instant gratification that comes with both.
In response to this trend, in 2019, the ECE department at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) created a VLSI (very-large-scale integration) initiative in partnership with Apple, exposing students to hardware design as part of an exciting path of courses and opportunities starting in their first year.
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ECE Faculty Design Chips for Efficient and Accessible AI
By: Mena Davidson
Faculty specializing in architecture, hardware, and software innovation accelerate machine learning across
a range of applications.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has infiltrated nearly every aspect of modern society. Behind the sleek interfaces of ChatGPT, Alexa, and Ring doorbells are machine learning algorithms that crank through unprecedented amounts of data to deliver answers. The demand for AI at consumers’ fingertips is fueling new hardware solutions to support those applications.
“Machine learning has evolved in the last 10 years to become one of the biggest, most important workloads of integrated circuit design,” said Prof. Zhengya Zhang.
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Article Submissions
ECEDHA members are encouraged to submit articles of interest for inclusion in the ECEDHA Source. Email your article for consideration to information@ecedha.org.
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iREDEFINE Fellow Interview
iREDEFINE is a workshop funded by the NSF with the goal of increasing the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in ECE faculty positions. The iREDEFINE Fellows participate in dedicated programming to support their academic career paths, attend ECEDHA sessions, present their research, and take part in mock interviews.
Learn from Yuanyuan Shi, a 2019 iREDEFINE Fellow, who is now an Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor at the University of California, San Diego. She shares her experiences from the workshop and discusses the factors that have contributed to her successful academic career.
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Applications are now open for the 2025 iREDEFINE Workshop!
Student Applications Due: Monday, December 2, 2024
Students Notified: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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IEC 2to4 Scholar Spotlight | |
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Meet Daniel Chernyshev
The IEC 2to4 program is an IEC initiative focused on supporting first-generation, underrepresented minority community college students in their transition to completing four-year ECE degrees. In Fall 2024, the first cohort of 2to4 students received scholarship funds. We invite you to share in their academic journey.
Learn more about the IEC 2to4 program.
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Daniel Chernyshev
IEC 2to4 Scholar
Community College:
San Jacinto College
Current College:
Prairie View A&M University
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I started my high school journey at Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy, but when COVID-19 hit, my mom suggested I switch to online school. So, in 10th grade, I enrolled in Texas Connections Academy, and shortly after, we saw an opportunity to take dual credit classes at a local community college, allowing me to start college courses early. Over the next two years, I worked toward an Associate of Arts degree in Business. | | |
Association Announcements | | |
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2024 ECEDHA Annual Awards
Nominations are now open!
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ECEDHA's prestigious Robert M. Janowiak Outstanding Leadership and Service Award, the Diversity Award, the ECE Technology Integration Award, the Industry Award, and the Innovative Program Award will be presented at the
2025 ECEDHA Annual Conference and ECExpo in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.
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2024 Fall Regional Meetings
ECEDHA's regional groups play a vital role in strengthening the organization and supporting its member universities. Each fall, these groups convene independently to address key regional issues, such as state and local funding, technology development, and economic initiatives. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to collaborate on challenges unique to their region while contributing to ECEDHA's broader mission. Participation at both regional and national levels is encouraged to maximize engagement and impact.
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Fall Regional Meetings Offer:
- Collaboration with your local ECEDHA community of peers
- Engaging panels and keynotes from academia and industry
- Leadership elections
- Tours of ECE Labs, campuses, or industry facilities
- Industry exhibits and connections
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Renew Today!
2024-2025 ECEDHA Memberships
Renew your membership today to continue receiving ECEDHA member benefits
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The opportunity to attend the 2025 ECEDHA Annual Conference & ECExpo
- Access to online resources, virtual programs, and connect with your peers
- Participation in the Annual Survey, a valuable tool in benchmarking data
- Complimentary Job Posting service
- Corporate connections to the leading companies supporting ECE academia
- And much more!
Contact us for assistance with your renewal:
Tori Holt, ECEDHA Program Manager
Tholt@ecedha.org | 312-268-5601
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Registration will open in December, we look forward to seeing you in Norfolk, Virginia!
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Featured Plenary Panel - Engaging with the Federal Government
The Federal Funding session will give attendees insights into federal funding opportunities available to ECE departments and researchers. Representatives from various federal agencies will be invited to share key details about their programs, focusing on current priorities, new initiatives, and funding mechanisms. The session will emphasize practical guidance on navigating the grant application process, including best practices for identifying relevant funding opportunities, crafting strong proposals, and successfully managing submissions.
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Becca Jones Albertus
Director of U.S. Department of Energy
Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)
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Eric Neiderman
Manager of the Federal Aviation Administrator's Aviation Research Division
William J. Hughes Technical Center
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La Rhonda Nicholas
Deputy Director
IARPA
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Stefanie Tompkins
Director
DARPA
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Win more grant proposals and secure more funding with Quanser's free grant assistance program!
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
1:00-2:00 pm Central Time
Writing a successful grant proposal is essential for faculty growth but can be complex. Partnering with Quanser can enhance your chances of success at no cost!
Join us to explore Quanser's funding strategies, review successful applications, and discover current funding opportunities in North America.
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Exploring Remote Labs with
SDR - A Practical Approach
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The Hacker Fab - A DIY Approach
Micro/Nanofabrication
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A Little Engineering Humor | |
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