The WNE IEEE Reliability Society Student Branch Chapter has been actively fostering collaboration between academia and industry through a series of impactful events. By hosting insightful workshops and webinars, the chapter continues to provide students and professionals with opportunities to expand their understanding of reliability engineering, technological advancements, and industry best practices.
IEEE, pronounced "Eye-triple-E," stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It describes itself as "the world's largest technical professional society -- promoting the development and application of engineering technologies and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of our members."
The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has many local chapters, and several large societies in special areas, such as the IEEE Computer Society.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia & Industry: IEEE Workshop
On February 24, 2025, the chapter, in collaboration with IEEE Reliability Society, HKN, and NSBE, hosted a workshop titled Bridging the Gap Between Academia & Industry. The event featured networking opportunities, keynote speakers, and an engaging panel discussion that explored the evolving skill sets required for engineers and emerging industry opportunities. Highlights included:
- A keynote address by Dr. Xiaochuan Luo, Manager at ISO New England, on The Clean Energy Transition.
- A panel discussion featuring experts such as Dr. Luo, Dr. Steven Li, and Dr. Hou, moderated by Daniel Williams, IEEE Nu Lambda and NSBE President.
- The presentation of the IEEE Reliability Society company recognition award to ISO New England for their contributions to reliability engineering.
- An interactive networking session encouraging dialogue between students, faculty, and industry professionals.
IEEE Reliability Prediction Standards Webinar
Expanding on its mission of knowledge-sharing, the chapter also hosted an insightful webinar on March 4, 2025, titled IEEE Reliability Prediction Standards. As part of the IE 605 Reliability Engineering class, the event was held in person at WNE’s Engineering Building and virtually via Zoom, attracting both students and industry professionals. Key highlights included:
- Opening remarks from Dr. Steven Li, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on reliability standards.
- A featured presentation by industry expert Louis J. Gullo on IEEE reliability standards, including IEEE 1413-1998, IEEE 1413.1, and IEEE 1633.
- A deep dive into the hierarchical structure of reliability standards and their applications in various industries.
Looking Ahead: Commitment to Industry Engagement
The WNE IEEE Reliability Society Student Branch Chapter remains committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry through continuous learning and engagement. With plans for more workshops, technical talks, and networking opportunities, the chapter is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and connections needed to excel in the field of reliability engineering.
“As students, we’re always looking for ways to gain real-world insights and connect with industry professionals,” said Rocco Cassandro, chair of the IEEE Reliability Society Student Branch Chapter. “These events give us a chance to learn from experts, ask questions, and apply what we’ve studied in a meaningful way. It’s exciting to be part of a community that supports our growth and future careers.”
For more details on upcoming events, visit the IEEE Reliability Society webpage at rs.ieee.org and stay connected with the WNE IEEE Student Branch Chapter by contacting Rocco Cassandro at rocco.cassandro@wne.edu.
