Every year, some of the brightest minds get together to discuss and share research and information regarding industrial engineering for the Institute of Industrial Engineers Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. This year from February 23-25, the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering played host to the conference, which had representation from many universities nearby, such as Virginia Tech, Tennessee Tech, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, East Carolina University, West Virginia University, North Carolina A&T, Clemson, and (of course) North Carolina State University.
Each year the conference has a theme. This year, the conference focused on finding your passion as an ISE and extending your professional network. The conference kicked off at Natty Greene’s in downtown Raleigh, sponsored by Caterpillar, where students, faculty and industry partners had the chance to network with fellow ISEs. This event was a huge hit by enabling participants to create linkages that set the tone for the remainder of the conference.
The conference had several speakers, the keynote speaker being Elena “E” Page a former Disney Imagineer and now creative analyst at Durham-based SMT. Other speakers included Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Martin-Vega and Dr. Nancy Currie (NASA astronaut and visiting scholar). Several NC State ISE alumni attended the conference, including Kalli Hulse (GE), Matt Benson (Manhattan Associates), Joe Pleasant & Tangie Craft (Premier, Inc.), Chris Irwin (Automation Innovation) and Damon Butler (Triangle Blvd.).
Thanks to the Army ROTC and Hanes Brands who provided our conference t-shirts. The event could not have been a success without the leadership of our student officers: Adam Newton (President), Teofilo Siman (Vice President), Emily Tucker (Treasurer), Meredith Dail (Secretary) and the volunteer social committee.