ElevateME

Most recently, Tom has led a merger between ASME and Techstreet to foster opportunities for ASME to incubate new industry events into revenue generating engines.

Also under his leadership, ASME announced a new subsidiary, Metrix Connect LLC, to accelerate digital transformation in engineering for a variety of industries.

Tom is a licensed professional mechanical engineer and began his career in the nuclear power industry before serving as senior vice president of operations for SONY Music where he led the development of the company’s compact disc and distribution operations.

He earned his MBA with honors in Finance from Long Island University and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College.

Speaker
Susan Ipri-Brown
President
ASME

Biography: Susan Ipri-Brown is the 143rd president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and is serving the 2024-2025 term of office. She is a Fellow of ASME, has served on the ASME Board of Governors, and has been an active member of the Society for 34 years, which includes her years as a student member. Ms. Ipri-Brown is a Strategic Partnership Specialist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM), which also serves as the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office for Manufacturing USA. Prior to joining OAM, Ipri-Brown served as the Associate Dean for Educational Outreach, as founding director of the ExploreHope Academic Outreach Office, and as an associate professor of Engineering Instruction at Hope College. She also served as associate director of the STEM Education Partnerships at Northwestern University, where she directed teacher professional development programs, grant writing, and new program development.

Ipri-Brown actively encourages the next generation of engineers through STEM programs for area Scout councils along with devoting time as a coach and judge for FIRST robotics programs. Within her work and community, she has been a long-time advocate of programs that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the engineering profession.

Ipri-Brown earned her master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a bachelor's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University.

Monday: Empowerment Day

12:15-1:15pm: Conference Lunchtime
While observing dining etiquette, enjoy your meal and network with peers and potential collaborators at reserved tables during lunchtime.

2:00-4:00pm: Undergraduate Student Posters Set-up
Witness the creativity and ingenuity of undergraduate students as they showcase their research and projects through poster presentations.

2:30-3:30pm: Fundamentals of Engineering/Soft Skills Session
Sharpen your professional toolkit with valuable insights into essential soft skills crucial for success in the field of mechanical engineering.

Speaker
Chris Depcik
IMECE Steering Committee Senate Chair
University of Kansas

Biography: Dr. Christopher Depcik is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow and Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Kansas (KU). In addition, he has a Courtesy Appointment in the Aerospace Engineering Department. Prior to joining KU, he worked at the University of Michigan (UM) as a post-doctoral research fellow and lecturer. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UM (2003), as well as an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering (2002), and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (1999). He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida (1997). Dr. Depcik's laboratory conducts research revolving around a sustainable approach to energy and the transportation infrastructure. Dr. Depcik has received numerous departmental, school, university, national, and international awards for his service, research, and teaching efforts. Dr. Depcik is an exceptional communicator as illustrated by his many invited national and international talks including a TEDx presentation. His most recent research passion is the simulation of whisk(e)y, rum, and tequila maturation using a novel simulation tool.

3:45pm-4:45pm: "Meet the Leaders" Workshop
Gain invaluable wisdom and guidance from industry titans during this exclusive workshop featuring leaders from esteemed companies such as Intel, Boeing, Nike, and more.

Speaker
Pam Sporborg
Director of Transmission and Market Strategy
Portland General Electric (PGE)

Biography: Pam Sporborg is a senior leader at Portland General Electric (PGE), where she serves as the Director of Transmission and Market Strategy. In this high-impact role, she manages over 30 direct reports across five teams, including the Extended Day Ahead Market Implementation, Market Analytics and Policy, Operations Technical Training, Regional Transmission Development, and Interconnection Services. Pam is responsible for overseeing PGE’s advocacy on wholesale market policies, transmission and interconnection regulation, and federal regulatory affairs.

Pam is also a regional leader, serving as Co-Chair of the West Wide Governance Pathways Initiative. She is also a board member of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. Previous leadership roles include the CAISO's Governance Review Committee, Chair of the Western EIM Regional Issues Forum, and Chair of the Western EIM Nominating Committee.

Speaker
Fawn Bergen
Leader, Global Sustainability Group
Intel Corporation

Biography: Fawn Bergen leads Intel Corporation's Global Sustainability Group. In her role, Fawn leads implementation of Intel's sustainability goals across their manufacturing operations and office facilities around the world, including Intel's commitments to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2040, 100% renewable electricity by 2030, net positive water by 2030, and zero waste to landfill by 2030.

Fawn’s 25+ years of experience in the environmental field has spanned multiple industries and specialties including air quality engineering, environmental engineering, global strategy and environmental management roles. Prior to leading Intel’s sustainability group, she led the climate change, water stewardship, and corporate air programs globally.

Additionally, Fawn serves as Vice President on the NAEM Board of Directors. She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and lives in Portland, Oregon.

Speaker
Mandar Golvaskar
PhD Student
The University of Akron

Biography: I am a PhD student at The University of Akron with research interest in material science, recycling, optimization, tribology and additive manufacturing. As a part of advanced materials laboratory at UA, my research focuses on recycling materials for application in aerospace engineering. Another area of my research is tires, where the focus is on improving tire durability and minimizing wear on tire thread by application of optimization techniques.

Speaker
Dr. Ali Najafi
Experienced Engineering Executive

Biography: As an experienced engineering executive, I bring a strong background in both leadership and technology. My expertise in engineering mechanics and computational methods helps me improve design, manufacturing, and operational processes, leading to better efficiency and reduced costs. I've built and led teams that deliver innovative solutions, earning recognition, including the Ansys Best Leader award.

I specialize in advanced manufacturing and AI/ML-driven optimization, contributing to industries like aerospace and automotive. I hold leadership roles within the AIAA and ASME, actively participating in shaping the future of engineering.

4:30-6:15pm: Undergraduate Student Posters – Students stand at Posters
Engage directly with undergraduate students as they stand by their posters, ready to discuss their innovative projects and research findings.

5:30-7:00pm: Opening Reception
Unwind and mingle with fellow attendees at our lively opening reception, the perfect opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones.

7:15-10:00pm: Meet-up and Networking at Grand Central Bowl & Arcade Extend the networking opportunities into the evening at our casual meet-up reception, where you can relax and connect with industry peers in a more informal setting.

Tuesday: Exploring Innovation – Future of ME

10:45am-11:45am "I Code Like a Girl”: Adding the U to #Uniquecareerpaths!
Are you curious about exploring alternative career paths in tech but unsure where to begin? Do you want to leverage your transferable skills to pivot into a career that aligns with your passions and values? Join us for an inspiring panel discussion featuring individuals who have forged their own paths in data and AI.

1:30-3:00 pm Rising Stars of ME
The ASME Rising Stars of Mechanical Engineering Celebration and Showcase at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) is a prestigious event designed to honor early-career researchers who have received recognition through NSF CAREER, ONR YIP, AFOSR YIP, DARPA YFA, and NIH New Innovator Awards. This reception-style celebration will take place on Tuesday, November 18 and commences with a brief introduction, followed by a poster session during which Principal Investigators (PIs) are invited to present their innovative work. Subsequently, a networking period allows PIs to connect with their peers and other professionals in the field.

3:00-4:00pm: Launch Your Career: Transitioning from Academia to Industry - AI Implementation in Industry
Stepping into your first job after school is a big transition. This dynamic panel is here to supercharge your journey, offering students, early career engineers, and anyone eager to navigate the professional world, with actionable advice and insider tips on making the leap from academia to industry. View more information here.