American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI) – Michigan Chapter hosted the 30th Annual ASEI Convention focusing on Disruptive Innovations & Technologies (DIT 2015). This convention was held on September 19th at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
The objective of this convention was to promote and share advancements related to disruptive innovations and technologies. In addition to ASEI members from various chapters, DIT 2015 was attended by over 200 professionals including scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders across USA. This convention featured multiple interactive sessions with prominent business owners, technologists, media personalities, educators, and policy makers. It was a unique opportunity to celebrate success from positive contribution of engineers of Indian origin residing in US.
“ASEI Engineers are always front runners of disruption, innovations and next generation Technologies as well as prospers on wealth and job Creation in America, and these Technologies will help improve the quality of life here in USA and the whole world,” said ASEI National Board Chairman Subba Gopavarapu.
“ASEI’s engineering convention is where dreams are initiated, invented and socialized and engineers turn dreams into realism” said Convention Chairman Rakesh Patel.
This convention was supported by Gold (General Motors), Silver (The Boeing Company, FutureNet Group, and Ramp Group), Bronze (Siemens, PNC Bank, DTE Energy, and Sistar Mortgage) and many other sponsors and supporters.
Overall, DIT 2015 convention was a huge success. This would not have been possible without the support from technical speakers and guest speakers. Attendees enjoyed excellent food during lunch and banquet. The Youth Technology Exhibition by middle and high school kids was awesome!! The Bollywood Music Night with Live Orchestra by Sammvad was amazing. It was really great to see large number of attendees both during morning / afternoon technical sessions. All tables for Banquet were also filled. The participation from attendees was a big factor behind this successful convention.
“All accomplishments and achievements of the convention were only possible because we have a solid team of dedicated, talented and hardworking individuals” said Jwalant Lakhia, President – ASEI Michigan chapter.
Morning Session
The morning session of the convention was inaugurated by Isaiah McKinnon, Deputy Mayor of Detroit. He delivered an inspiring and motivational speech about how Detroit is turning around while creating opportunities for businesses and residents to excel. There were several technical sessions on various topics. Rashmi Rao, Director of Advanced Engineering –
Harman International presented on “Convergence of Consumers and Cars”. K Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Technical Leader – Ford Motor Company lead a session on “Connected Car”. Nagesh Nidamuluri, Vice President – Tech Mahindra talked about “Digital Manufacturing 4.0 / Factories of Future”. Kameshwar Eranki, Founder & CEO – Vajrasoft, Inc. presented on “Internet of Things”.
ASEI Student Scholarships were awarded during lunch session. The ASEI Chairman Student Award was given to Kaval Shah from University of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ASEI Undergraduate Student Scholarship was given to Ravi Patel from Wayne State University. The ASEI Graduate Student Scholarships were given to Anuj Nimkar and Krishnesh Pujari from University of Mayland – College Park.
Yogesh Dalal and Hemanth Vadlamudi from Western Michigan University also received the ASEI Graduate Student Scholarship. There were two guest speakers during Lunch Session. Dr. Prabhakar Patil, CEO – LG Chem talked about global trends in “Li ion Batteries and Vehicle Electrification”. Professor Ken Cook, Chair Engineering Technology – Lawrence Technological University made a presentation on “Student Entrepreneurship from Innovative Ideas”. Professor Cook also performed few magic tricks with audience.
Technical Sessions continued in the afternoon. Alex Shikany, Director of Market Analysis – Association of Advancing Automation presented on “Innovations in Automation: Robotics, Vision, and Motion Control”. Dr Amar Basu, Associate Professor – Wayne State University talked about “Advancement in Biomedical Engineering”. Jitesh Agrawal, Senior Director – Siemens PLM Solutions lead a discussion on “Revolutionizing Product Life Cycle Management”.
Dr. Shreekant Agrawal, Engineering Manager – Northrop Grumman presented on “Trends and Drivers in Aerospace”. Deval Desai, Executive Director – Magna International talked about “Trends in Automotive Technologies”. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of GOPIO International and Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation moderated a session on “Indian American Engineering Groups – How Effectively We Can Work Together”. Panelists included officials of ASEI, SIAEA (Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects) and PAN-IIT. There was a panel discussion held on “Disruptive and Innovative Technologies: Technical & Business Opportunities”. The panel consisted of two prominent guest speakers, Dr. Rajiv Shah – Founder & Program Director, Systems Engineering & Management Program, University of Texas – Dallas and Dr. Sasi Pillay – CIO, University of Wisconsin.
This convention also featured a “Youth Technology Exhibition” (YTE) by middle and high school students demonstrating their work based on Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology. There were eight teams part of YTE with exhibits on “Sprinkler Pressure and Water Conservation”, “Lego Robotics”, “Trends in Visual Effects”, “Earthquake Proof Skyscrapers”, “Reviving the Glory Days of Go-Karts”, “Automated Plant Watering System”, “Water Rocket Technology”, and “First Robotics – Lego League”. This Youth Technology Exhibition was sponsored by Vijay and Sue Mahida who are life members of ASEI.
The evening banquet featured three guest speakers. US Senator Gary Peters, addressed the attendees with acknowledgement and appreciation of contribution from Indian American technical professionals and entrepreneurs to US economy and society. Senator Peters also talked about some of the initiatives he has taken to bring innovations and new technologies in various fields to the State of Michigan.
Dr Virinder Modugil, President & CEO of Lawrence Technological University was the keynote speaker for the evening banquet. Dr Moudgil provided an excellent presentation on contribution from past Lawrence Technology University alumni in many applications based on disruptive and innovative ideas.
Bill Coughlin, President & CEO – Ford Global Technologies talked about enablers for developing disruptive and innovative technologies. He emphasized importance of Intellectual Property rights while focusing on culture, environment, and principles required for innovation. Mr. D B Bhati represented the office of Consul General of India – Chicago during the evening banquet.
There were six ASEI Awards presented during the evening banquet. ASEI Engineer of the Year award was given to K. Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Technical Leader – Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI. ASEI Award for Service Excellence was given to Tim Madhanagopal, Plant manager with Orange County Utilities, Florida. ASEI Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Jagannadham Kottha, Past ASEI Chairman from Cleveland, Ohio. ASEI Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award was given to Bob Bawa, owner and president of LA Gauge Company, Sun Valley, California and the Entrepreneur of the Year to Dr. Nauna Singh, Chairman & CEO of RGBSI, Troy, MI. ASEI Founder’s Award was given to Kupp Sridhar, Associate Technical Fellow/Manager, Boeing Company and Chairman, 29th ASEI Convention. Both Boeing Company and FutureNet Group participated in ASEI Corporate Excellence Recognition Program. Boeing presented Engineering Excellence award to Rajiv Patel. FutureNet Group presented Engineering Excellence award to Jay Mehta.
“Indian American engineers are making substantial contribution to the technology sphere of America and among them we have selected some of the best for this recognition,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the ASEI Awards committee. ASEI Michigan Chapter recognized Sanjay Patel and Sue Mahida for their dedicated service and support. ASEI National Board Chairman Subba Gopavarapu congratulated and thanked ASEI Michigan chapter leadership team for hosting 30th National Convention. For more information, visit: https://aseiusa.org/