ߣߣÊÓƵ

Conference Registration

Marcum Conference Center Lobby 

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by the ߣߣÊÓƵ University Alumni Association

Marcum Conference Center 154/158

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Conference Opening by Mark Macechko, MUAA Director, Alumni Communities and CEC Overview by Beena Sukumaran, the Dinesh & Ila Paliwal Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

• Design and Research Awards Presentation
• Arthur Olson Generational Teaching Excellence Award Presentation
• Shreya and Amit Jain CEC Outstanding Researcher Award Presentation

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

DeltaV Control System Acquisition by the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation and What it Means to ߣߣÊÓƵ Students

Presented by Bill Levenderis

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

AI in Manufacturing: Past, Future, and Present

Smart Manufacturing is uniquely positioned to benefit from the rapid advances in AI - if we're purposeful about how we apply it. This session will explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in Smart Manufacturing and Industrial Automation. We'll look at the traditional uses of AI/ML in manufacturing, examine current applications that optimize production and enhance quality control, and discuss emerging trends that promise to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. We will talk about challenges that are unique to industrial applications and why leveraging generative AI is more challenging in OT spaces than in IT spaces.

Presented by Jon Mohler 
Marcum Conference Center 108/110

Making Surface Touch Typing Work for Everyone with AI

In this talk I will share my 3.5 year journey at Meta Reality Labs transforming early deep computer vision surface typing models that would only work for the specific person they were trained for to a generic model that can decode typing in real-time for anyone regardless of hand size or typing style. The key of course was the data collection. I will also share some practical wisdom I have learned from 20 years working at Meta, Amazon and Microsoft and host a Q&A at the end.

Presented by Brad Snow

Marcum Conference Center 108/110

ߣߣÊÓƵivity Challenges in Artificial Intelligence

The importance of connectivity in high performance computing clusters, especially in Artificial Intelligence, will be discussed. Issues related to infrastructure, architecture, scalability, energy efficiency and market dynamics will be presented. 

Presented by Kuang-yi Wu

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

Read about the presenters below.

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

Lunch Buffet

Marcum Conference Center 154/158

Sustainable Manufacturing: A Practical Approach to Responsible and Efficient Production

Presented by Scott Summerville

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

From Code to Capital — How a Technical Background Unlocks Unexpected Career Paths

Jon Marinelli ('91) shares insights from his career—starting with a Systems Analysis degree at ߣߣÊÓƵ University, followed by six years in the tech industry, and leading to a 25-year career in investment banking. This presentation explores how technical thinking provides a powerful edge beyond engineering, shaping success in business strategy, leadership, and financial decision-making. Jon reflects on the lessons he wishes he had known at graduation, offering perspectives you won’t get in the classroom to help students and alumni think bigger about where their careers can go.

Presented by Jon Marinelli

Marcum Conference Center 108/110

MEAU and CEC Partnership and development of Smart FIT Lab

Presented by Fazeel Khan, Mark Werthman, and Tom Majewski

Marcum Conference Center 180/186

Seeker’s Dilemma – How we should be researching Hardware Trojans

In this talk, Dr. Jamieson will provide an overarching discussion of what Hardware Trojans are concerning Digital Integrated Circuits (ICs), why we in the US need to think about them, and how we need to rethink research in this space, actually to deal with a challenging problem.  This work is a collaboration with researchers at New Mexico State University and North Carolina A&T, and during the talk, we will provide a discussion of results we have and are generating over the last 4 years with this space.  In particular, we will describe what the Seeker's Dilemma is, and for those interested in games, we will discuss how games might be involved in this space to help us solve the problem.  Additionally, we will look at how AI will likely be deeply involved in this space as we advance.

Presented by Peter Jamieson

Marcum Conference Center 108/110

Conversations with a Serial Entrepreneur/CEC Graduate and a CSE Researcher

Presented by Travis Rhyan and Kimberly Hamilton

Marcum Conference Center 112

Current Venture Capital trends, launching/scaling a startup and leveraging the ߣߣÊÓƵ alumni network 

Presented by Mike Supeck and Mark Richey

Marcum Conference Center 108/110

KEEN Partnership

Presented by Kathy Ehlert and Zulal Sevkli

​This session will introduce the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), a national partnership of over 50 institutions dedicated to instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in undergraduate engineering students. KEEN emphasizes the "three C's"—curiosity, connections, and creating value—to prepare students for meaningful careers. ߣߣÊÓƵ University's College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) joined KEEN in 2022 and has since integrated these principles into its curriculum and co-curricular activities. The session will showcase CEC's initiatives and seek attendee feedback to enhance the implementation of KEEN's entrepreneurial mindset across the college.

Marcum Conference Center 112

MME roundtable discussion with students and alumni

All MME alumni and partners invite you to join us from 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. for an opportunity to share your experience and insights with current students. Each table will have a student facilitator leading the small group discussion as well along with students eager to learn from your experience and professional journey.

Marcum Conference Center 154/158

Smart FIT Lab Ribbon Cutting

Benton Hall 102

Reception

Benton Hall 102

Clark brings 17 years cross-organizational experience at ߣߣÊÓƵ University predated by over 29 years of leadership experience in multiple organizations within the Department of Defense, the United States Air Force, and the United States Marine Corp to his role as the moderator of this august panel of CEC luminaries.  Clark joined MU in 2007 as the Chair of Aerospace Science in the College of Arts and Science.  The majority of his ROTC students were getting degrees in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) so he quickly became acquainted with SEAS and their then new engineering and computing complex.  After retiring from military service as a colonel, Clark was hired as MU’s only STEM Career Coach in the Career Center.  After 18 months in that position, he was asked by Dr. Doug Troy to apply for the SEAS Major Gift officer position.  Clark was selected by Dean Dollar and worked closely with him to raise money for SEAS and then the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC) after the reorganization.  In 2015 Dean Dollar brought Clark over to work directly for him in the Dean’s office and in 2019 raised him to the position of Assistant Dean of CEC.  Clark retired as Assistant Dean in June of 2025.

Dr. James D. Kiper was a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at ߣߣÊÓƵ University from 1986 to 2022. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science from The Ohio State University in 1985. Dr. Kiper served as department chair from 2010 to 2020, during which time he oversaw a 358% increase in the number of students earning degrees from the department and expanded the full-time faculty from 12 to nearly 30. He also established the CSE Student Advisory Council and the CSE Art Purchase Award Program. His research interests include software engineering, software risk assessment, and design rationale, with a focus on improving early phases of software development. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Kiper was awarded ߣߣÊÓƵ University's Benjamin Harrison Medallion in 2021, the institution's most prestigious career faculty honor. ​

Karl Reiff is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at ߣߣÊÓƵ University, where he has been a dedicated member of the academic community for over two decades. He earned both his B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering (1994) and M.Ed. in Transformative Education (2017) from ߣߣÊÓƵ University. From 2004 to 2021, he served as the department's Laboratory Technician and Coordinator, supporting hands-on learning and technical instruction. In his current role, Reiff teaches courses such as Manufacturing Processes and leads senior design projects, emphasizing practical, industry-relevant skills. He has also been a longtime advisor to student engineering teams, including the SAE Baja and Formula teams, fostering experiential learning and student innovation. Prior to his academic career, Reiff worked as a manufacturing engineer at Neaton Corporation, bringing valuable industry experience to his teaching. His commitment to student success and applied engineering education continues to shape ߣߣÊÓƵ University's engineering programs

Graduate of Rensselaer Poly Inst in 1963, MIT in 1964 and 1966, all in Mechanical Engineering.  Joined Procter & Gamble in the Chemical Instrumentation Dept then transferred to Paper Engineering in 1970.  Worked on the start-up and design of new paper machines in Green Bay, WI, Mehoopany, PA, Albany GA, Oxnard, CA and promoted to Senior Engineer for Papermaking.  Joined ߣߣÊÓƵ University in the Pulp & Paper Technology Dept in 1979.  Had a short Professorship at The University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in 1986.  Retired from ߣߣÊÓƵ in 2005.  Presently residing at The Knolls of Oxford.  Interests are in mystery novels, biking, hiking out West and international travel.

Dr. Donald R. Ucci is a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and served as Department Chair of ECE from 2008 - 2013. In his role as Department Chair, Dr. Ucci administrated the activities of the department in day-to-day operations and in areas of leadership and external relations that align with the mission of the College of Engineering and Computing. He teaches courses in electrical engineering and directs student projects. Dr. Ucci was instrumental in developing the initial programs in 2001 when, at the invitation of the Dean, he led a team of CEC (then, SEAS) and other divisional faculty members in planning the curriculum for both the electrical engineering and computer engineering programs. Since 2008, he enabled many changes and improvements to the undergraduate curriculum including the creation of an ECE track in Engineering Management. He also led the development of an ECE track in the school's Master of Science in

Computational Science and Engineering. During his tenure as Chair, the research activity and funding of the department grew to its highest level. Dr. Ucci's research and teaching focuses on systems, particular- ly those of communications and signal processing. His specific areas of interest focus on wireless communications and systems that utilize in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical spectra of 2.4-2.5 GHz and subsets of the 5.0 6.0

GHz unlicensed frequency bands. Among other areas, Dr. Ucci's previous work centered on adaptive antenna array signal processing, bar codes, computer networking, and cellular phone systems. Currently, he is working with one other individual in the department on developing health related applications using sensors and smartphones, as well another individual in developing ale:orithms  for elasti tica\ networks. Prior t9joinil'}g the faculty of ߣߣÊÓƵ University in 2008, Dr. Ucci spent twenty-one years at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and seven years at the State University of New York at Stony

Brook. During his latter tenure, he spent one year in industry at Hazeltine Corporation, in Greenlawn, NY. While in Illinois, he served as Associate Chair, Interim Chair, Associate Dean, Interim Dean of the Undergraduate Col- lege, and Associate Provost of the University.

Donald Ucci is an alumnus of the City College of New York where he received both his Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and his Master of Engineering (Electrical) degrees. He received a Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the City University of New York.

Session Title

DeltaV Control System Acquisition by the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation and What it Means to ߣߣÊÓƵ Students

Bill Levenderis

Bill Levenderis is a proud 1998 graduate of ߣߣÊÓƵ University’s Paper Science and Engineering program. He began his career working directly for leading paper companies including International Paper, Mohawk, and Appleton Papers, building deep industry expertise. Since 2013, Bill has been with Cornerstone Controls, where he continues to apply his engineering and operations knowledge to support clients across industrial sectors. Bill holds a strong commitment to the next generation of engineers. A dedicated supporter of ߣߣÊÓƵ University and the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation (PSEF), Bill is a past Chair of the Foundation's Enrollment & Scholarship Committee and has served on its committees for over 20 years. His passion for education, mentorship, and industry innovation makes him an invaluable voice in today’s conversation. 

Session Title and Description

AI in Manufacturing: Past, Future, and Present

Smart Manufacturing is uniquely positioned to benefit from the rapid advances in AI - if we're purposeful about how we apply it. This session will explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in Smart Manufacturing and Industrial Automation. We'll look at the traditional uses of AI/ML in manufacturing, examine current applications that optimize production and enhance quality control, and discuss emerging trends that promise to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. We will talk about challenges that are unique to industrial applications and why leveraging generative AI is more challenging in OT spaces than in IT spaces.

Biography

Jon Mohler is the Principal Engineer in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology group at Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator. He graduated from ߣߣÊÓƵ University in 2012 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Jon has spent his entire career in industrial automation, serving as a technical leader on teams at Amazon, AK Steel, and RoviSys. He also started and ran his own small system integration business, Liberty Automation. Jon lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time with his wife Jenny and their two young children, Amelia and Dax (future Redhawks and engineers?!).

Session Title and Description

Tackling tough data problems using lessons from Benjamin Franklin, Bob Dylan and Steve Jobs

In today's data-driven world, tackling complex data challenges requires innovative thinking and a fresh perspective. Our session “Tackling tough data problems using lessons from Benjamin Franklin, Bob Dylan and Steve Jobs” explores how the principles and approaches of three iconic figures can be applied to modern data problems.  Benjamin Franklin's open-minded and methodical experimentation, Bob Dylan's creative reinvention, and Steve Jobs' relentless pursuit of simplicity and user-centric design offer valuable insights for addressing data issues. By examining their strategies, we can uncover practical techniques for enhancing data accuracy, improving the precision data and AI driven solutions, and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations.  Join us as we delve into the timeless wisdom of these pioneers and discover how their principles can inspire us to solve today's toughest data challenges with creativity, precision, and innovation.

Biography

Ben Turner founded Verituity in 2020 with a simple premise that by knowing, verifying and understanding every B2B and B2C payout, enterprises and banks can increase payout precision, lower payout fraud and errors, and reduce costs.  Before founding Verituity, Ben served as Chief Product Officer at Interos a supply chain risk management company, Founder and Managing Partner of the MITA Group a boutique consulting firm focused on cyber security and digitization, Vice President Naming for Verisign and Vice President and General Manager for Network Solutions.  He received his MBA from Tulane University and a BS in Business from ߣߣÊÓƵ University.

Session Title and Description

Staying Resilient and Relevant in the Tech & AI Industry - Tales from my past to make you better today. Oh.. and how you can do things no one thought possible...

In this talk I will share my 3.5 year journey at Meta Reality Labs transforming early deep computer vision surface typing models that would only work for the specific person they were trained for to a generic model that can decode typing in real-time for anyone regardless of hand size or typing style. The key of course was the data collection. I will also share some practical wisdom I have learned from 20 years working at Meta, Amazon and Microsoft and host a Q&A at the end.

Biography

Bradford Snow is an AI & Engineering leader who likes to get his hands dirty.  His most recent contributions were at Meta Reality Labs where he developed Deep Computer Vision motion models enabling anyone to type on a table and control a mouse using just their hands and a Quest 3 headset.  Prior he spent 5 years at Amazon as a Principal Engineer working on scaling the Alexa Machine Learning Platform, developing firmware for Wearable Devices and enabling Alexa Knowledge Understanding in Alexa Skills. Prior to this he spent 12.5 years at Microsoft working on the world’s first holographic computer Hololens where he used ML to develop the Hand Gesture Input system for 4 years and 7.5 years working on Bing Maps Rendering and Geocoding.  At Microsoft he also founded and led the Online Services Division Garage Chapter for 5 years which created a ship path for intrapreneurship projects and the adoption of a growth hack culture by the company.

Brad has a Master’s of Computer Science Degree from ߣߣÊÓƵ University (2005) and Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2001).

Brad has fond memories of his time at ߣߣÊÓƵ doing early Hand Tracking research with Professor Bachmann using Python and Inertial Sensors, teaching undergraduates how to use Office applications and showing funny Strongbad Emails at the start of class, developing his side project “Mac Daddy Media Notes” a C# based PocketPC platform for taking classroom notes and sharing them with other students and hanging out lifting in the rec center with his friends.  He is excited to return to campus and see how it has evolved.

If you want to get in touch you can find me on LinkedIn or email bradford@alum.wpi.edu

Session Title and Description

ߣߣÊÓƵivity Challenges in Artificial Intelligence 

The importance of connectivity in high performance computing clusters, especially in Artificial Intelligence, will be discussed. Issues related to infrastructure, architecture, scalability, energy efficiency and market dynamics will be presented. 

Biography

Kuang-yi Wu has been working in fiberoptic communication industry since he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1995.

He co-founded Chorum Technologies in 1996 to productize DWDM components for terrestrial and undersea communication networks.

From 2006 to 2012, he was with Cisco access optical group to deploy systems for Fiber-to-the-Home.

In the summer of 2012, he joined Hewlett Packard (now HPE) to innovate optical solutions for high performance computing applications.

In the winter of 2020, Kuang-Yi joined Cerebras Systems to focus on optics for AI cluster implementations.

Session Title

Sustainable Manufacturing: A Practical Approach to Responsible and Efficient Production

Biography

President & CEO Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.

Scott has been the President & CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (MEAU) since June of 2019 and has worked in the industrial automation industry for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the company has become a more market-focused organization, instilling a customer-centric approach to its solution development, manufacturing and commercial operations. Mitsubishi Electric manufactures a full line of industrial automation products and solutions including CNCs, robots, PLCs, variable frequency drives, and servo motion.

Prior to joining Mitsubishi Electric, Summerville was the chief executive officer of Omron Microscan since October of 2017, after successfully leading the sale of Microscan Systems, Inc. to Omron Corporation. Prior to that Summerville spent most of his professional career at Rockwell Automation where he held positions of increasing responsibility including President of the Asia Pacific region from 2003-2008. Scott is a member of the Executive Roundtable for the Material Handling Industry (MHI) and a former member of the board of governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong as well as a contributing author to the book, Leadership Experiences in Asia (2007).

He serves on the boards of ICONICS, a Mitsubishi Electric company, the Mitsubishi Electric Foundation, Aspiritech an NFP, and the Japan America Society of Chicago and has participated in panels at World Economic Forum events.

Scott has degrees in Environmental Design from ߣߣÊÓƵ University, Ohio and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is on the dean’s advisory board for the college of Engineering and Computing at ߣߣÊÓƵ University.

He and his wife enjoy traveling, entertaining, genealogy and contributing to education and animal welfare causes.

Session Title and Description

From Code to Capital — How a Technical Background Unlocks Unexpected Career Paths

Jon Marinelli ('91) shares insights from his career—starting with a Systems Analysis degree at ߣߣÊÓƵ University, followed by six years in the tech industry, and leading to a 25-year career in investment banking. This presentation explores how technical thinking provides a powerful edge beyond engineering, shaping success in business strategy, leadership, and financial decision-making. Jon reflects on the lessons he wishes he had known at graduation, offering perspectives you won’t get in the classroom to help students and alumni think bigger about where their careers can go.

Founder, 1042 Capital

Founder, 1042 Capital Jon Marinelli is an accomplished leader with a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. He began his career in the technology sector, working in software development and business development roles at E&Y and a software startup, before founding his own software company. After earning an MBA from Rice University, Jon transitioned into investment banking, where he spent over 25 years at Deutsche Bank and BMO Capital Markets. As Group Head of BMO’s U.S. Energy practice, he led the group’s transformation into a top franchise in the market. Over the course of his career, Jon has successfully executed more than $285 billion in M&A and capital markets transactions. 

Today, Jon leads his family office, 1042 Capital, which focuses on strategic investments across a range of asset classes. He is also exploring ways to leverage AI in new business ventures. Outside of work, Jon enjoys traveling, golf, and spending time with his family. He serves on several advisory and nonprofit boards and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. 

Jon holds a B.S. in Systems Analysis with a minor in Business from ߣߣÊÓƵ University.

Session Title

MEAU and CEC Partnership and development of Smart FIT Lab

Presenters

Fazeel Khan, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - ߣߣÊÓƵ University

Professor Khan specializes in advanced manufacturing processes and systems. With a focus on sustainable design, automation, and lean manufacturing, he integrates real-world applications into his teaching and research. Dr. Khan is dedicated to preparing students for the evolving demands of modern industry through hands-on projects and industry collaborations.

Mark Werthman

Sr Director, Industry Solutions – Mitsubishi Electric Automation  

As the Senior Director of Industry Solutions at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Mark spearheads the company's solutions strategy. He oversees the Workforce Development Program and the Educational Solutions portfolio, collaborating closely with Tom on the strategic direction and execution of the educational program. Mark is deeply passionate about education and is dedicated to partnering with educators to integrate real-world hardware and software into the educational environment.

Tom Majewski

Business Development Manager, Educational Solutions – Mitsubishi Electric Automation  

As the Business Development Manager for Educational Solutions at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Tom leads the company’s Diamondworks! Workforce Development program. With a focus on strategic partnerships and workforce readiness, Tom works closely with educational institutions to deliver innovative training solutions that support STEM education and prepare students for careers in manufacturing and industrial automation. Through market strategy, product development, and collaboration with schools and industry partners, Tom is committed to addressing the skilled labor shortage and advancing the next generation of technical talent.

Session Title and Description

Seeker’s Dilemma – How we should be researching Hardware Trojans

In this talk, Dr. Jamieson will provide an overarching discussion of what Hardware Trojans are concerning Digital Integrated Circuits (ICs), why we in the US need to think about them, and how we need to rethink research in this space, actually to deal with a challenging problem.  This work is a collaboration with researchers at New Mexico State University and North Carolina A&T, and during the talk, we will provide a discussion of results we have and are generating over the last 4 years with this space.  In particular, we will describe what the Seeker's Dilemma is, and for those interested in games, we will discuss how games might be involved in this space to help us solve the problem.  Additionally, we will look at how AI will likely be deeply involved in this space as we advance.

Biography

Peter Jamieson is an Associate Professor at ߣߣÊÓƵ University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He continues teaching and researching matters concerning FPGAs, CAD for FPGAs, Games, and Teaching.   He received his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in 2007 and had post-doc positions at both Toronto and Imperial College before joining the faculty at ߣߣÊÓƵ University in 2009.  Peter Jamieson's research focuses broadly on computation, education, and games and the intersections within these domains.  His research questions are currently focused on the following ideas (not comprehensive): Can an AI agent insert and detect hardware trojans, and how should these be evaluated? How do we help mid-career professors improve their teaching using board games?  Are Graph-Neural Networks applicable in sports analytics and Trojan detection?  A list of publications and potential research directions is hosted at

Session Title

Conversations with a Serial Entrepreneur/CEC Graduate and a CSE Researcher

Presenters

Travis Rhyan

Travis Rhyan, a serial entrepreneur, has dedicated his life to leveraging technology for the betterment of the logistics, transportation, real estate, and organic farms industries. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Carrier1 and is a 2001 ߣߣÊÓƵ University graduate.

With an extensive background in business development and logistics technologies, Travis has been at the helm of multiple transportation companies, specializing in brokerage TMS technology (GlobalTranz), Supply Chain Visibility (10-4 Systems), was the architect of SONAR’s Supply Chain Intelligence Application (SCI), and led Product innovation at MyCarrier as their Chief Product Officer (CPO), driving material enhancements to MyCarrier’s core SaaS business.

Most recently, Travis has founded Carrier1 with a mission to ensure the sustainability and longevity of asset-based freight carriers through adoption of leading-edge technology and connectivity solutions.

Kimberly Hamilton

Kimberly Hamilton is a proud ߣߣÊÓƵ University alumna.  She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Paper Science and is currently pursuing both a B.A. and an M.S. in Computer Science, expected in May 2025. She brings over five years of experience in paper manufacturing, having held various engineering and leadership roles at Packaging Corporation of America. Transitioning from chemical engineering to computer science reflects her passion for lifelong learning and adaptability across industries. Originally from Carlisle, Ohio, she also volunteers as a coach for the ߣߣÊÓƵ University Marching Band Colorguard, supporting student success beyond the classroom.

Session Title

Current Venture Capital trends, launching/scaling a startup and leveraging the ߣߣÊÓƵ alumni network 

Presenters

Mark Richey

Mark is an experienced technologist, executive, founder, and venture investor.  He is Founder and Managing Partner of 1809 Capital, a growth stage fund leveraging the ߣߣÊÓƵ University alumni network. 

Mark is founder/Managing Director of West Capital Advisors, a corporate innovation and venture investment advisory firm and WCP Select Fund, a venture fund of funds and direct investment vehicle for HNW investors and family offices. Corporate clients included Jumpstart Inc. in Cleveland, Fifth Third Bank, AECOM, UI Labs, and Maritz CVC programs.  Mark previously served as a Managing Director at Draper Triangle Ventures, an early-stage technology venture fund. 

Mark has operationally been involved in many entrepreneurial ventures. He was Founder/CEO Synchrony Communications raising $38 million in funding from leading VCs, including Charles River Ventures, APAX Partners and GE Equity. In prior years he served in management roles with a series of venture-backed Silicon Valley companies, including Gain Technology (sold to Sybase), Siebel Systems (IPO), and Genesys Telecommunications (IPO). After graduate school he worked in management consulting with Theodore Barry & Associates (Los Angeles). Mark began his career as a software engineer with Cincom Systems (Cincinnati).  

Mark currently serves as an observer on the Board of ShareThis (dba Precactiv) and is a past Advisory Council member for the GreenLight Foundation Cincinnati.  

Mark holds an MBA from The Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University and graduated in 1980 from ߣߣÊÓƵ University with a BS in Systems Analysis.  

Mike Supeck 

Mike Supeck has a deep passion for the early stage having been a founder for a med-tech radiology compliance company, a social media sharing application, and having held other operational roles at additional early stage companies. Mike is now the founder of the Ohio Angel Collective, an angel syndicate investing in Ohio-based early stage tech companies. Mike has a committed belief in seeing the Ohio venture ecosystem thrive - and aims to be a layer in the connective tissue throughout the state!

KEEN Partnership Session

​This session will introduce the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), a national partnership of over 50 institutions dedicated to instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in undergraduate engineering students. KEEN emphasizes the "three C's"—curiosity, connections, and creating value—to prepare students for meaningful careers. ߣߣÊÓƵ University's College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) joined KEEN in 2022 and has since integrated these principles into its curriculum and co-curricular activities. The session will showcase CEC's initiatives and seek attendee feedback to enhance the implementation of KEEN's entrepreneurial mindset across the college.

Presenters​

Katherine Ehlert, Ph.D.

Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, ߣߣÊÓƵ University

Dr. Katherine Ehlert is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at ߣߣÊÓƵ University and one of the College of Engineering's KEEN Leaders. She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering and Science Education from Clemson University and holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and Case Western Reserve University. With experience in engineering consulting and product testing, she brings both her practical and pedagogical knowledge into the classroom. Dr. Ehlert is passionate about inclusive teaching practices, hands-on learning, and supporting student success in engineering education.

Zulal Sevkli, Ph.D.

Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, ߣߣÊÓƵ University

​Dr. Aise Zulal Sevkli is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at ߣߣÊÓƵ University, where she has been a faculty member since 2021. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Gebze Institute of Technology, Turkey, and her research focuses on bio-inspired metaheuristics, machine learning, and decision support systems. Her work has been applied to areas such as green transportation, supply chain optimization, and bioinformatics. Dr. Sevkli has authored or co-authored nineteen peer-reviewed publications and is actively involved in supervising both undergraduate and graduate research projects. She has taught a wide range of computer science courses, including programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python), data structures, and algorithms. Prior to joining ߣߣÊÓƵ University, she held academic positions at Denison University, Fatih University, King Saud University, and was a visiting scholar at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. 

All MME alumni and partners invite you to join us from 3:00PM to 3:50PM for an opportunity to share your experience and insights with current students. Each table will have a student facilitator leading the small group discussion as well along with students eager to learn from your experience and professional journey.