Hunter J Boudreaux – East Area Chair

Prasenjit Shil– North Area Chair

Joe Redfield– South Area Chair

Faye Kann– West Area Chair

R5 EXCOM Roster can be viewed here: https://rosters.ieee.org/home.html

1. Treasurer: William L WylieBillwylie@ieee.org
2. Audit Committee Chair, 4th Year: Silke Spiesshoefer (East) Silke_Spiesshoefer@ieee.org
3. Audit Committee, 3rd Year: Ernest X Njouondo (South) njouondo@ieee.org
4. Audit Committee, 2nd Year: Patterson, Tristan Hunter (West) tristanpatterson10@hotmail.com
5. Audit Committee, 1st Year: Bett, Italo (North) Italo.bett@ieee.org

 Great Job! to IEEE Fort Worth Section

Pictures Highlight from the MetroCon 2024: 36 Fort Worth Section Annual Conference Held on November 14^th, 2024 Hurst, Texas

 The IEEE Fort Worth Section  MetroCon 2024, 36th annual conference, was organized as a one-day event that brought together professionals, researchers, and students from many engineering and technology disciplines to explore the latest developments and innovations shaping our future.

The conference track offerings includes:

• Internet of Things
• Software and Systems Engineering
• Developing and Deploying Secure Systems
• Power & Energy Systems
• Computational Intelligence
• Autonomous and Vehicle Systems
• Photonics
• Biotechnologies
• Financial Management and Future Tools

 Above: Mike Bishop: The conference chair presenting awards to the conference speakers.

 Above: IEEE Table, conference attendees.

  Above: Left: Conference Track in session. Right: Students attendees 

Denver IEEE and EMBS Chapters Host Inspiring Presentations at the University of Denver and Medtronic: Wearable Sensors for Health and Performance, by DL Lecturer Omer Inan, Ph.D.

The Denver IEEE and Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) chapters recently collaborated to host two compelling presentations at the University of Denver and Medtronic, a leading medical device manufacturer. These events brought together professionals, academics, and students to explore the forefront of biomedical engineering and healthcare innovation. We are grateful to several other Denver IEEE Technical Societies that co-hosted our event.

About Dr. Omer Inan
Dr. Omer Inan, a distinguished IEEE lecturer, is a multifaceted scholar, athlete, entrepreneur, and scientist whose career bridges academia and industry. Renowned for his contributions to non-invasive physiological sensing and human health, Dr. Inan boasts over 380 publications and has been recognized with an Academy Award for Technical Achievement.

University of Denver Session
The first presentation, held at the University of Denver, captivated an audience of students and faculty keen to learn from experts in biomedical engineering. Dr. Inan shared his journey of integrating expertise in sound recording electronics with advancements in electrical, mechanical, and acoustic sensing modalities to address medical challenges.

One highlight of the session was the Cardiotag, a cutting-edge non-invasive heart monitor. This innovative device measures multiple cardiovascular signals, including electrical activity via ECG, oxygen saturation through pulse oximetry, and mechanical chest vibrations captured via seismic cardiograms. Interestingly, seismic cardiograms were first discovered in the 1970s when astronauts wearing accelerometers during space missions provided unexpected insights.

Dr. Inan also discussed ongoing research to validate these non-invasive sensors against implanted catheter monitors. Such advancements promise clinical benefits, particularly for monitoring heart and pulmonary conditions, as well as joint disorders like arthritis.

Evening Dinner to Recognize Dr. Omer Inan

After presenting him with a plaque, several or our attendees accompanied Omer and his wife to a nice Chinese restaurant in Denver to continue the evening with good food and engaging conversation.

Engagement at Medtronic
Medtronic employees had the unique opportunity to see Dr. Inan and learn about his pioneering research. These discussions can foster valuable connections between academia and industry.

Community Impact and Future Opportunities
These events underscore the Denver IEEE and EMBS chapters’ dedication to facilitating knowledge sharing and professional development in the engineering and medical fields. This initiative was a significant milestone for the Denver EMBS section, which comprises 50 active members. The chapters extend their gratitude to the Denver Section and other local technical societies for their support in making these events a success.

For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the Denver IEEE and the chapter several chapter websites. (https://ieee-denver.org).  A recording of the program is available on the IEEE Webex platform.

– by Jim Harrer, Sr Life IEEE Member and EMBS Officer.  jharrer@ieee.org

El Paso section’s Activities: 

Industry Nights: Connecting Academia and Industry for a Future in Cyber and AI

On November 21st, the Computing Program at El Paso Community College hosted Industry Nights, a collaborative event sponsored by the NCyTE Center (National Cybersecurity Training and Education). This engaging evening brought together over 15 local industry partners and more than 65 participants, fostering meaningful discussions about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, AI, and the credentials that will shape workforce roles in the region.

Thematic Panel Discussion

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled:

“Building Work Roles in the Region: Intersecting Credentials of Value and Preparing for the Next 10 Years in Cyber and AI Analytics Education.”

Expert panelists shared their insights into the skills and qualifications needed for the rapidly evolving technology and cybersecurity fields. Distinguished speakers included:

·       Izzac Gonzalez from IBM

·       Enrique Bernal from El Paso Electric

·       Oscar A. Perez from White Sands Missile Range DEVCOM

·       Felix R. Villa from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

The conversation revolved around identifying regional opportunities and aligning educational pathways with industry needs, particularly as they pertain to cybersecurity and AI.

Key Collaborations and Insights

This event, part of the Hack the Border initiative, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. Representatives from educational institutions, including Deepak Tosh from UTEP and Gaurav P. from NMSU, contributed their perspectives, underscoring the role of academic institutions in equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. Additionally, a special guest from the National Security Agency (NSA) provided valuable insights into federal job opportunities in cybersecurity and computer science, inspiring attendees to consider career paths in public service.

Special Thanks

The evening’s success was further enhanced by the exceptional moderation of Stephen Miller, who brought his expertise from the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyberdefense to guide the discussion. His leadership and vision contributed to a robust and insightful dialogue that set the tone for ongoing collaboration between regional stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

Industry Nights not only served as a platform to strengthen the bridge between academia and industry but also as a starting point for developing new credentials of value at EPCC. These efforts aim to prepare the workforce for emerging roles in cybersecurity and AI over the next decade.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, panelists, and partners for their contributions to this important dialogue. Together, we are shaping a future-ready workforce for the region.

EPCC Hosts Hack the Border 3.0: A Nationally Recognized Experiential Learning Event

El Paso Community College’s computing fields of study—Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence Analytics—proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Hack the Border 3.0, a nationally renowned event that has become a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration in technology education. This year’s event featured hands-on workshops in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity and a variety of competitions, including Capture the Flag (CTF), Adversarial Thinking, Phishing, Secure Coding, and the exciting debut of the Datathon.

A Legacy of Excellence

EPCC, designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, continues to gain national recognition, with endorsements from prestigious organizations such as NCyTE and the NSA. The NSA has praised EPCC’s integration of experiential learning into its cybersecurity programs as a best practice, highlighting the institution’s leadership in preparing students for the challenges of the digital era.

Event Highlights

Hack the Border 3.0 offered a wide range of opportunities for students and participants to hone their technical and critical thinking skills through real-world applications.

·       The Datathon: Introduced for the first time this year and sponsored by El Paso Electric, the Datathon has become a permanent feature of Hack the Border. Students from fields like data analytics, health informatics, and informatics disciplines worked on real-world challenges using local data provided by El Paso Electric. This initiative empowered students to engage with community issues while building a sense of belonging through meaningful problem-solving.

·       Capture the Flag (CTF) Competitions: These interactive challenges allowed participants to test their skills in cybersecurity by solving real-world scenarios. The topics and concepts addressed in the CTF were informed by regional industry partners, ensuring alignment with the workforce’s critical needs.

·       Workshops in AI and Cybersecurity: Hosted by DEVCOM, these workshops combined artificial intelligence tools with cybersecurity applications, preparing participants to tackle emerging challenges in these fields. A grant from Microsoft further enhanced EPCC’s capacity to provide cutting-edge resources for students, workforce members, and city leaders.

Industry Engagement and Collaboration

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Hack the Border featured Industry Nights, an evening dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry. This event gathered regional leaders and workforce representatives to discuss credentialing opportunities, curriculum enhancements, and work-based learning initiatives.

Notable speakers included: Stephen Miller, Principal Investigator for NCyTE, Michelle Isenhart, National Security Agency (NSA)

Additionally, J.J. Childress from Microsoft highlighted EPCC’s national recognition in the press for its contributions to Hack the Border, underscoring the significant impact EPCC is making on a national scale.

A Message from the Founder

Dr. Christian Servin, Region V, El Paso Section chair and EPCC Computer Science Professor and Hack the Border Founder, emphasized the event’s role in fostering a sense of community and belonging:

“This sense of belonging—feeling accepted, valued, and connected—helps students understand their role within the community and the relevance of their contributions. Hack the Border aims to cultivate this feeling, which is essential for building self-esteem, motivation, and engagement, ultimately empowering students to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.”

Sponsors and Supporters

Hack the Border 3.0 was made possible through the generous support of:

·       El Paso Electric

·       Microsoft

·       National Science Foundation (NSF)

·       U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)

·       National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE)

·       Association of Computing Machinery (ACM)

·       Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Shaping the Future

Hack the Border 3.0 continues to set a national standard for experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to develop technical expertise, critical thinking skills, and meaningful connections with their community and industry leaders. Through initiatives like this, EPCC reaffirms its commitment to preparing the workforce for emerging challenges in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and beyond.

Have you renewed your IEEE membership for 2024?

It is easy to forget and easy to put off.  If you haven’t renewed your IEEE membership, or don’t know if you have, go to your IEEE account NOW.  Go to www.ieee.org, Sign in, select your name, and then select Membership and Subscription Information OR call 800 678-4333.  As a note, although Life Members have no dues, you do need to confirm your membership annually.

OR just renew now to avoid loss of any of your IEEE benefits at www.ieee.org/renew .

If you have already renewed, thank you for being part of the IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional association. We have a lot planned for you in 2024

IEEE Member Benefits

Have you looked at all the benefits you receive as an IEEE member?

IEEE has specific benefits tailored to your specific carrier phase.  Are you taking advantage of all that IEEE has to offer for you?  If you’re like me, you probably know of a few benefits and are taking advantage of them but are possibly missing out on others.

The latest IEEE member Benefits Bulletin is available.  Go to:

IEEE Member Benefits for the latest on

• authoring through IEEE Collabratech,
• member discounts on insurance, UPS shipping, computer purchases, and Wiley-IEEE Press,
• Continuing educational opportunities through online learning and eBbooks.  IEEE members have access to over 380 eBooks at no charge.  See the current offering at https://www.ieee.org/publications/books/ebookclassics.html

Did you know about IEEE – IEEE Collabratec

IEEE has created an online tool to assist IEEE Members AND non-members in career development.

The IEEE Collabratec™ online community offers a suite of productivity tools and is available to technology professionals around the world with exclusive features for IEEE members. Plus sign up is free to everyone.

IEEE Collabratec™ can help you:

• Connect with global technology professionals by location and
• Access robust networking, collaboration, and authoring tools dedicated to technology professionals
• Establish a professional identity to showcase key accomplishments

Go to Collabratec NOW

You do NOT have to be an IEEE member to join IEEE Collabratech.

For more information, please contact: Ian MacMillan / Region 5 Membership Development Chair / i.d.macmillan@ieee.org

IEEE Humanitarian Activities and Climate Change

This online forum will highlight recent developments in IEEE technologies and solutions that promote climate stability. It will provide interesting and relevant keynote talks on technology.  There will be over 16 talks over 8 days with “on demand” viewing possible after the forum.

Participants will learn about IEEE’s use of technology to achieve goals related to addressing the challenges posed by adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, as well as achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There will be talks on Photovoltaics, Sustainable Electronics, a panel on “What Happened at COP”, and many more.

Check the website, https://ieee-ofcct.org/ , for program information and to register. Registration is free this year!

Contact John Reinert, Chair, Region 5 Committee on Humanitarian Activities and Climate Change, for more information on Humanitarian Activities in Region 5: j.reinert@ieee.org

Region 5 Director nominations – West Area

Leadership is critical to the vitality of IEEE as a volunteer led organization.  We are now taking nominations for the 2026-2027 Region 5 Director Elect.  By our bylaws, candidates this cycle should be from the Region 5 West Area (see the R5 website for details on eligible sections).  This is one of the most challenging and rewarding volunteer jobs within IEEE, and nominees with region/section leadership experience should consider applying.  Candidates from other areas can apply via petition.

Director Elect Application: https://ieee.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/1086/home

Wanted:  Licensed volunteers to help with IEEE-USA and Region 5 Pilot for a PE Refresher

Region 5 is going to pilot a PE Refresher Pilot for IEEE-USA .  We have the opportunity to design and implement an exciting new and promising pilot for a program that IEEE-USA (Career and Professional Development ) and the MGA YP Committee are jointly creating.

As part of the pilot, a few subjects will be introduced to members that sign up.  These subjects are, tentatively, DC/AC Circuit Analysis, Mathematics, Ethics, Economics and Power.  At this time, we have an open call for an instructor in these areas to help with preparing a 2 hour webex on one of the preferred topics by creating some summary material and problems on the topic.  The instructor will present the material on one evening and then be available to answer questions on the problems.  We are looking to recruit the team in September and start enrolling in October.  I will have an informational session in mid September with those that respond to this call.  Instructors should not be concurrently supporting NCEES on any exam writing efforts.  Instructors should be licensed within the US.

In addition we would be looking for a project manager that is passionate about licensing to help manage the project and expand it beyond the pilot.

This is a pilot, so the purpose is to fine tune the program and collect feedback.  The informational session will help clarify format a little bit more.  However you may call me at 314-941-7641 or email at bob.becnel@ieee.org.

The IEEE-USA MOVE program is looking for qualified volunteers who not only have a deep passion for humanitarian work but also the expertise, wisdom and time to commit in support of our program. As we are in an expansion phase in region 5, we are primarily seeking candidates for crew members and drivers. There are also committee positions available which do not require extensive travel.  Many of these can be done from home.  You do not have to live near a truck to help!

We’d love to learn about your passions, skills, interests, and volunteer time to explore how we can work together to find a good fit for you in our program. If interested, please visit  MOVE-SIGNUP  to complete our MOVE volunteer form.

If you are at all interested, please contact me.  If you are interested, take a look at the MOVE web site, click on “volunteer” and enter your information. Or, contact Gerry Ourada, gourada@ieee.org for assistance or questions.

https://move.ieeeusa.org

The Newsletter is sent to all current members in Region 5

Newsletter Editor: Ademola Peter Adejokun

newsletter@ieeer5.org