Student-led conference at the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources:
About this event:
At the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, we create intentional opportunities to engage our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We aim to cultivate a sense of community and belonging for ALL. We believe that THROUGHLY BELONGING motivates and unlocks the power of collaborative innovation. Through inspiring stories from our dedicated alumni and their supported networking events, through poster sessions that showcase our students’ successes in research, teaching and outreach, we help further promote a culture of excellence for our beloved Statler community.
2024 Schedule:
- Keynote Lecture: Engineering success story- Pathways to Success - Lessons that Shaped my Career! (1:00-2:00 p.m.) G102
- Keynote Speaker: Kelly N. Faddis, Ph.D.
- Dr. Kelly Faddis is a Managing Director with Accenture Federal Services, where she manages technical teams delivering expertise in artificial intelligence, operationalized machine learning, applied data science, software development and advanced analytic solutions for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Kelly earned a B.S. in Biometric Systems (2005), a B.S. in Computer Engineering (2005) and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering (2007) all from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. in Systems Engineering at Southern Methodist University.
- Kelly N. Faddis, Managing Director with Accenture Federal Services
- Kief Hess, Retired, Center of Excellence Leader, Chemtura Corporation
- John Mazzone, Retired Engineering Executive, American Electric Power
- Stacy M. Downey, Trilogy Innovations Inc., Director, Human Resources
- Oliver Wiegand, Software Development Engineer, Amazon
- Alixandra Wagner, Senior Scientist, Viatris
2023 Schedule:
Welcoming Remarks:
- Paul Kreider, Vice Provost, West Virginia University
- Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University
- Keynote Lecture: Engineering success story- Once a Mountaineer always a Mountaineer! (1:00-2:00 p.m.)
- Keynote Speaker: Brandon Downey, President and CEO of Trilogy Innovations Inc.
- Brandon Downey has been a technologist and leader in the software development and systems engineering field for more than 25 years. Working with customers across federal and state governments, academia, and the petroleum industries, he provides strategy on IT digital transformations, cloud computing solutions, and custom software development. His passion is teaching the youth and leaders of tomorrow and helping forge a new identity for West Virginia. Brandon earned bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering and computer science as well as a master’s degree in software engineering at West Virginia University.
- The event is open to all the students in the Statler community. Alumni who confirmed participation are included below; full list will be available by September 1st, 2023.
- Brandon Downey, CEO of Trilogy Innovations Inc.
- Brian Anderson, Executive Director of the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization and Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Infrastructure
- Sharon Flanery, Chair, Energy and Natural Resources Department at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
- Dave Hawkins, President at Mid-Atlantic Surgical Systems
- Yemi Akinkugbe, Former Chief Excellence Officer at CNX Resources Corporation, Statler College Advisory Committee Member
- Keif Hess, Retired Center of Excellence Leader, Chemtura Corporation
- Kevin Fields, VP of Manufacturing Services, Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc.
Learn about our impact:
2022 Schedule:
- Keynote address: Engineering success stories!
- Bevin VanGilder, Chevron, upstream carbon reduction director
- Olayemi Akinkugbe, Chief Excellence Officer of CNX Resources Corporation
- Alumni Mentoring Panels: Blazing paths for generations to come. Topics:
- overcoming barriers and thriving in a complex and diverse environment
- guidance on work-family-life balance
- perspectives on different career paths.
- Diversity of thoughts and activities in the College: showcasing Students, Students Organizations and Departments (poster presentations; poster competition!).
- Social: a culturally diverse hors d'oeuvre.