This session on Tech x Human-Centered Design (HCD) will allow you to discover how technology integrates with HCD principles. We'll explore the fundamental concepts of HCD, including detailed insights into each phase. Additionally, you'll learn about the significance of HCD, its benefits, and potential career paths in this exciting field.

Saumya Simon is an aerospace engineer. She have lived and worked in many places and traveled to the US to start her education in Aerospace Engineering at the age of 18. She will talk about my engineering career in the aerospace industry, both aviation and space industry, and the skills she garnered before she got into her dream industry, space. She will give a high level overview on what she does now and what it takes to make a space vehicle work. The space industry does not only employ engineers but people from different walks of life, talent and background.

Dr. Sreyoshi Bhaduri is a builder at heart, with over a decade of experience at the intersection of human-centered, techno-functional research, AI/ML, and emerging technologies. Her work has spanned a wide range of domains, where she had led with deep research expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and a passion for impact. A recognized voice in tech, Dr. Bhaduri is an award-winning leader, global speaker, mentor, and advisory board member. She is deeply committed to democratizing and demystifying AI. She has delivered 100+ talks worldwide, breaking down complex topics and sharing insights on human-centered development. As a leader at Society of Women Engineers, founding fellow of the Aula Fellowship for AI, and founder of ThatStatsGirl, she amplifies the importance of multi-disciplinary collaborations and lifelong learning in technology.

Mona currently works as a Sr WW Gen AI Specialist Solutions Architect at Amazon focusing on Gen AI Solutions. She was a Lead Generative AI specialist in Google Public Sector at Google before joining Amazon.
Mona is a published author of two books Natural Language Processing with AWS AI Services: Derive strategic insights from unstructured data with Amazon Textract and Amazon Comprehend and Google Cloud Certified Professional Machine Learning Study Guide.

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

ArchiTECHture of the Built Environments

Zahida Khan is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Ball State University with a PhD in Architecture and years of experience designing eco-friendly buildings around the world. She focuses on creating buildings that use little or no energy and are good for the environment. In this session, she will talk about different career paths in architecture, a field that combines art and science. She’ll also show how new tools, including AI, can connect what we learn in research to real-world building design.

We often struggle to describe ourselves and our work while finding a balance between being too humble and being accused of bragging. Join Alana Karen, a 25+ year tech leader and author, for two exercises to help. You will leave with wording you can use in your resumes, LinkedIn, and other sources like social media. This isn't just marketing; it's everyday language we can use to feel stronger about ourselves and our experience.

Learn about America's largest particle accelerator facility and what it takes to keep it running! This session will cover daily operations, troubleshooting challenges, and the teamwork required to fulfill the role of Accelerator Operator. Erin Cook, B.S. Physics, is an Accelerator Operator II at Fermilab, where she supports every area of the lab's mission: to solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time for the benefit of all.

Bryn Loftness is a NSF GRFP doctoral researcher, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Biobe, a tech startup building tools to better support emotional wellness in children. In this session, she’ll share her journey from academic research to entrepreneurship, exploring how technology, creativity, and lived experience can come together to transform mental health care. Attendees will learn how to build with purpose—and why the future of innovation needs more heart.

The Media & Entertainment landscape is fast-evolving, and there are more ways than ever to access and consume your favorite content. During this session, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between technology and media. We'll explore the essential skills needed and steps you can take to thrive in a media career!

Sabrina Tong is a University of Southern California alumna with experience across the technology, media & entertainment sectors. Her early experiences as a pianist and violist as well as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper ignited her passion for the industry and has continued to drive her career trajectory. Beginning as a management consultant, she is currently on the Strategy & Business Development team at NBCUniversal where she focuses on growing NBCU's portfolio of news brands.

What exactly is "data science"? You might be surprised to find out that it is rooted in the same math that is learned in high school. See examples of how data science is applied in the real world to solve problems.

I have over 8 years of experience working in data science and analytics in the tech, travel, and real estate industries. I pivoted from a previous career in marketing. I have a BA in Communication and a MS in Data Science.

This interactive session explores IT Audit as an exciting, lucrative career path for graduating students. We'll examine the diverse specializations within the field, growth opportunities, industry challenges, and compelling salary data while featuring insights from successful professionals who built rewarding careers starting in IT Audit.

With over fifteen years of corporate and Big 4 experience, Anamika Roy has led internal audit and risk advisory teams for multinational organizations across SOX compliance, SOC reporting, cybersecurity, and ERM frameworks. She's helped numerous clients build their internal audit departments from the ground up while pioneering next-generation audit approaches through analytics and automation, consistently delivering strategic value beyond compliance.

Dr. Anahideh’s research objectives center around Black-box Optimization, Active Learning, Machine Learning, and Algorithmic Fairness. She primarily seeks to develop innovative learning and optimization methodologies, which have potential utility for multiple fields within the engineering operations and design, and social systems. Anahideh recently joined UIC and teaches Data Science I and II. Prior to joining UIC, she worked in the Operations Research and Advanced Analytics Department at American Airlines as an OR scientist.

Ask Nina AI is a disruptive agentic AI designed to empower and inspire the next generation of world changers: girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In its first 30 days, Ask Nina AI has reached girls in more than 30 countries who have logged nearly 1,500 hours of conversations with the tool.Unlike traditional search engines and other increasingly popular AI tools, Ask Nina AI is built with a deep understanding of how women and girls interact with and use the internet, in other words designed by women for women. In this interactive session, students will be able to use Ask Nina AI to discover careers that match with their interests.

What if one conversation could change your life? In this session, discover how technology is making it easier than ever for students to connect with professionals in their dream industries — from tech engineers to medical researchers. Whether you know your dream job or you're still figuring it out, this session will show you how to hack your way into any field — one guest speaker at a time.

Microbes are tiny but mighty; they power our bodies and the planet around us. They are also an innovation ground for technology and engineering! From convincing microbes to help combat climate change, to using coding to reveal what microbial mystery genes might be doing, to developing fluorescent dyes to show how microbes live together and on us, microbiology + tech is like chocolate + peanut butter. Join me to explore this cutting-edge, delicious topic.

I co-direct one of the U.S.’s 18 Biology Integration Institutes, am a Professor of Microbiology, and look forward to meeting you.

I am a Platform Engineer at CME Group. I will be talking about how a financial institution like CME leverages the cloud and what my work as platform engineer looks like!