The IEEE STEM Summit is a free, 3-day virtual event designed for volunteers, educators, STEM enthusiasts, and anyone involved in pre-university STEM outreach to come together and discuss all things STEM education. At the 2024 event, the TryEngineering staff were lucky enough to meet an enthusiastic participant during the Networking Sessions, Benny Jackson J G!
Benny Jackson J G is from Tamil Nadu, India, part of IEEE Region 10 (Madras Section), and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from St. Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering. He currently works as a DevOps Engineer with a strong interest in electronics reverse engineering, sustainability, and using technology to drive positive environmental change. Benny has been actively involved with IEEE for 8 years, contributing as a volunteer, young professional, and a member of the IEEE Student Branch – 62851. He first discovered the IEEE STEM Summit during his college days, and has eagerly looked forward to attending each year, finding the annual event a constant source of inspiration.
After the 2024 IEEE STEM Summit, TryEngineering was able to follow-up with Benny for an interview to learn about his experience at the event. If you missed the event, or would like to watch a replay of one of our amazing sessions, please enjoy our on-demand replays!
What motivated you to attend the IEEE STEM Summit?
Since my introduction to the IEEE STEM Summit, I have been motivated to participate because it provides a unique opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about engineering and STEM education. In my community, there is a significant gap in awareness and resources for STEM, so attending the Summit has been essential for my growth. It allows me to learn, share ideas, and contribute to bridging that gap in meaningful ways.
Can you share a memorable moment from the STEM Summit?
A memorable moment for me was attending Barbara Morgan’s session, “From Classroom to Space.” She shared her journey of initially not seeing herself as a teacher but ultimately embracing that role to inspire her students. This deeply resonated with me as an IT professional with a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, I’ve never considered myself a traditional educator.
However, during my time volunteering with the IEEE student branch, I had the opportunity to teach my classmates and engage with orphanage students. This experience ignited a newfound passion for sharing my knowledge of electronics. DIY electronics have always sparked my curiosity, and teaching others about it turned out to be both comforting and fulfilling. Barbara’s story reminded me that stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to meaningful growth and deeper connections with others. It inspired me to embrace the role of an educator, even in informal settings, and continue fostering that passion for learning in myself and others.
What key takeaways or lessons did you learn from the STEM Summit?
One of the key takeaways from the STEM Summit was the vital role of community engagement in inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals. As an IT professional with a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, I felt a strong responsibility to share my knowledge and experiences with students.
I learned that being present and approachable can significantly influence young people’s paths toward STEM fields. This has inspired me to seek opportunities to guide and support students through workshops and outreach programs. Overall, the Summit reinforced my commitment to fostering an inclusive engineering mindset and actively contributing to the community to ignite a passion for engineering and technology in others.
Were there any speakers or sessions that stood out to you?
One session that really resonated with me was “An Inclusive Engineering Mindset: K-12” by Stacy Klein Gardner. She emphasized shifting the perception of engineering from being for just those strong in math and science to being accessible to anyone interested in problem solving.
Stacy introduced important new engineering literacies, such as data and technological literacy, alongside the need for systems thinking and entrepreneurship. I found her insights on the role of counselors particularly valuable, highlighting how they can better support students by understanding engineering prerequisites and fostering a sense of belonging. This session inspired me to advocate for these inclusive changes in my community to help encourage more students to explore engineering.
What advice would you give to someone attending the IEEE STEM Summit for the first time?
If you’re attending the IEEE STEM Summit for the first time and feel unsure about your knowledge of STEM, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace your curiosity. Attend a range of sessions that catch your interest, even if they seem outside your comfort zone.
Networking is invaluable, so be sure to engage with speakers and other attendees about their experiences. You might find a mentor or someone who can offer guidance as you navigate your own journey in STEM. The connections you make can extend beyond the Summit, leading to ongoing support and new opportunities.
Keep an open mind, as the field is vast and diverse. Exploring different topics can help you discover what truly excites you. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and embrace the chance to learn and grow.
Why should someone attend the STEM Summit?
Attending the STEM Summit is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the latest trends and innovations in STEM fields. The diverse range of sessions led by industry experts provides invaluable insights that can spark your curiosity and broaden your understanding.
Another compelling reason to attend is the networking opportunities. The Summit brings together a vibrant mix of professionals, educators, and students, making it easy to forge valuable connections. These relationships could lead to mentorship or collaboration opportunities that extend well beyond the event.
Lastly, the inspiration you gain from the Summit is truly transformative. Listening to success stories and exploring different career paths can motivate you to pursue your own interests and embrace new challenges.
Will you attend the IEEE STEM Summit again?
Absolutely, I will definitely attend the IEEE STEM Summit again! My experience at the Summit was incredibly valuable, and I gained so much from the sessions and networking opportunities. The chance to learn from industry experts and connect with other passionate individuals in STEM is something I wouldn’t want to miss. Each Summit offers new insights and developments, so returning would help me stay current and continue growing in my field.
Additionally, I love the feeling of joy that comes from reconnecting with friends who share similar interests after a long time apart. I would also bring others along to share in this experience and encourage them to explore the benefits of the Summit. It’s a fantastic opportunity for professional development and inspiration that I think more people should embrace.