2025 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference

Engineering a New Era of Possibilities

Thank you for Attending!

Date: March 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 am – 7:00 pm PDT
Location: San José State University, Student Union
SOLD OUT
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Keynote Speakers

Sally M. Benson

Precourt Family Professor for Energy Science and Engineering

Stanford University

Topic: What Can Engineers Do to Slow Down and Stop Climate Change?

Sally M. Benson, who joined Stanford University in 2007, is the Precourt Family Professor in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

She studies technologies and pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including geologic storage of CO2 in deep underground formations and energy systems analysis for a low-carbon future. From 2021 to 2023 she was on leave from the University to serve as the Energy Division Director and Chief Strategist for the Energy Transition at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Prior to this, she served as the Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Carbon Storage and the Stanford Carbon Removal Initiative. From 2013 to 2020, she served as the Director and Co-Director of the Precourt Institute for Energy. She also served as the Director of the Global Climate and Energy Project from 2009 to 2019. Prior to joining Stanford, Benson was Division Director for Earth Sciences, Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Sciences and Deputy Director at LBNL.

Professor Benson currently is a member of the Breakthrough Energy Innovation Council and a Board Member of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute. In 2023 she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for Climate Central and from 2008 to 2020 on the Board of Directors of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. She also served on the Advisory Boards for Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Argonne National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Princeton’s Carbon Mitigation Initiative, Princeton’s Adlinger Center, Japan’s Initiative for the Cool Earth Forum, Climate Vault, and the Lahore University of Management Science in Pakistan. Over the past several years she participated in many National Academy of Sciences, Secretary of Energy, and National Petroleum Council research needs assessments related to carbon management. She also is on the Editorial Board for Energy and Environmental Sciences.

Rose Castanares

President

TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), Arizona

Topic: Engineering a New Era of Chips

Rose Castanares is a 26 year veteran of TSMC and is currently President of TSMC Arizona. With a $65B investment representing the largest foreign direct investment in US history, TSMC Arizona will produce the most advanced semiconductor technology on American soil. In Rose’s distinguished career in the semiconductor industry, she has consistently achieved exceptional results and strengthened customer relationships. Rose previously served as senior vice president of Business Management for TSMC North America, where she contributed to TSMC’s leadership in the semiconductor sector through her collaboration with many of the company’s valued U.S. customers. Her career includes leadership roles in engineering, quality, and sales at Chartered Semiconductor, GTE, National Semiconductor, and Siliconix. Rose earned her Bachelor of Science in Material Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ya Xu

VP of Research

Google DeepMind

Topic: New Possibilities in the Era of AI

Ya is a leading AI expert who currently serves as VP of Research at Google DeepMind, where she focuses on developing cutting-edge Generative AI models with the goal of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).  Her impressive career includes leading AI efforts at LinkedIn, where she oversaw AI product development and research as Head of Data & AI.

Ya’s expertise is widely recognized. She co-authored the influential book “Trustworthy Online Controlled Experiments” and was named to Fortune’s 40 under 40 in tech.  A sought-after speaker, she has delivered numerous impactful talks, including a commencement speech to Stanford’s Class of 2019 in Mathematics, Statistics, and Mathematical & Computational Science. Ya holds a PhD in Statistical Machine Learning from Stanford.

7:30-8:30 am

Registration and Breakfast

8:30-9:30 am

Welcome and Opening Keynotes

Topic: What Can Engineers Do to Slow Down and Stop Climate Change?
Sally M. Benson
Precourt Family Professor for Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University

9:30-9:45 am

Break

9:45-10:45 am

Concurrent Session A

Emerging Technologies Concurrent Sessions

A1 • Cybersecurity

Session Chairs

Younghee Park

Associate Professor, Computer Engineering, SJSU

Xiao Su

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, College of Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced the cybersecurity landscape by introducing intelligent solutions to address evolving threats. This session explores the diverse applications of AI in cybersecurity, highlighting its transformative roles in threat detection, risk mitigation, and security automation.

Meeting Room: 1A

Beyond the Code: A Holistic Approach to Application Security

Presentation Abstract

Suchreet Dhaliwal

Director of Software Engineering, LinkedIn

Generative AI Agents – Opportunities, Challenges and Best Practices

Presentation Abstract

Viji Krishnamurthy

VP of Generative AI Solutions, Oracle

Zero Trust: Trust Me, It’s the Best Policy!

Presentation Abstract

Nithya Nair

Principal Technical Specialist – Security, Microsoft

A2 • Under the Hood of ChatGPT

Session Chair

Birsen Sirkeci

Professor, Electrical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Has anyone not tried ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, or DeepSeek yet? Whether you’re solving a math problem, fixing a broken pipe, or refining the grammar in a paragraph, it’s likely you’ve turned to some variety of large language models (LLMs) for help. In this session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of LLMs and the remarkable hardware that powers them.

Meeting Room: 3

Demystifying the working of Large Language Model

Presentation Abstract

Anahita Bhiwandiwalla

Deep Learning Algorithms Manager, NVIDIA

The GPU Behind ChatGPT: No Magic, Just Really Fast Math

Presentation Abstract

Sanjana Kandi

Sr System Software Engineer, NVIDIA

A3 • Human-Centered Robotics and Automation

Session Chairs

Behin Elahi

Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Yue (Lyla) Luo

Assistant Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Human-centered robotics and automation are playing an increasingly vital role in addressing societal challenges by enhancing education and healthcare. With advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics is transforming children’s learning experiences, making education more interactive and accessible. In healthcare, robotics is enhancing medical diagnostics, treatment, and personalized care, particularly by addressing the specific needs of populations with different backgrounds. In this session, we invited experts from these fields to share insights on how robotics and automation are being designed with a human-centered approach to improve accessibility, safety, and quality of life. Their presentations provide an excellent opportunity to understand the impact of these technologies and explore their potential for future advancements.

Meeting Room: 4A

AI-Powered Innovations in Women’s Health: Revolutionizing Care with Interactive Robots

Presentation Abstract

Zara Hajihashemi

Founder/CEO, Cybele Health

Human-Centric Home Robotics

Presentation Abstract

Brendah Njiru

Founder and CEO, HOMY Robotics

Empowering Young Leaders with Human-Centered Robotics

Presentation Abstract

Elnaz Sarraf

Founder & CEO, ROYBI

A4 • Future Energy Systems

Session Chairs

Ayca Erdogan

Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Hongrui Liu

Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

This session explores advancements in energy infrastructure, including:

Smart Grid Transformation – how AI, digitalization, and policy innovation enhance grid reliability and sustainability.

Thermal Batteries for Industry – Antora’s breakthrough technology enables 24/7 industrial heat and power from low-cost renewable energy.

Seismic Reliability in Energy Systems – strategies to strengthen PG&E substations and the electrical grid against earthquakes.

Meeting Room: 1B

Zero-Emission Industrial Heat & Power

Presentation Abstract

Sahika Vatan

Principal Program Manager, Business Operations, Antora Energy

Sujean Wu

Civil Principal Engineer, Pacific Gas & Electric

Smarter and Greener Future Grid

Presentation Abstract

Bo Yang

VP, Hitachi America LTD

Concurrent Session A

Career Launch Concurrent Sessions

A5 • Job and Internship Search

Session Chair

Kelly Masegian

Career Counselor, SJSU Career Center

Session Summary

Everyone is familiar with the big job boards – Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn. Come learn how to optimize your searches as well as other methods to increase your chances of landing a job or internship that will be the right fit for you. We will also discuss tips for how to navigate a job search in less than ideal times.

Meeting Room: 2

A6 • Professional Branding

Session Chair

Bobbi Makani, Ph.D. 

Executive Director, Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Discover how to unlock your career potential in this exclusive workshop led by a LinkedIn expert. Learn strategies to create a standout profile, grow your network, and communicate your unique value in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re looking to land your dream job or expand your professional reach, this session will empower you with insider tips and actionable insights to build a brand that gets noticed. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level!

Meeting Room: 4B

Elevate Your Professional Brand

Presentation Abstract

Cecily Hastings

California State University Account Director, LinkedIn

10:45-11:00 am

Break

11:00-12:00 pm

Concurrent Session B

Emerging Technologies Concurrent Sessions

B1 • New Possibilities for AI

Session Chairs

Jorjeta Jetcheva

Assistant Professor, Computer Engineering, SJSU

Yunjian (Jojo) Qiu

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence have ignited unprecedented innovation across a wide range of scientific and enterprise domains.  In this session, we will get a glimpse of the AI-powered technology shift taking place through the use of AI in materials discovery, conceptual engineering design, and enterprise and business transformation.

Meeting Room: 3

Teaching AI what it already knows.

Presentation Abstract

Brandi Ransom

Research Scientist, IBM Research

Jay Subrahmonia

Managing Director, Accenture

AI x Design: The Future of Creativity and Engineering

Presentation Abstract

Ye Wang

Senior Principal Research Scientist, Autodesk Research

B2 • Semiconductors

Session Chair

Lili He

Professor, Electrical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology and the driving force behind Silicon Valley’s success. Semiconductors form the foundation of integrated circuits (ICs), transistors, and diodes, enabling the functionality of computers, smartphones, and countless other devices. Advances in semiconductor technology have driven progress in computing power, energy efficiency, and miniaturization, leading to innovations in artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and automotive industries. As demand for high-performance chips continues to grow, semiconductor research and manufacturing remain critical to global technological advancement. Our invited speakers come from Silicon Valley’s leading high tech companies:  Apple, KLA, and TSMC. They will provide up-to-date development for their respective company in the semiconductor area.

Meeting Room: 1A

High-Speed and Low-Power Design in Semiconductors: Challenges and Innovations

Presentation Abstract

Kush Desai

Lead Electrical Engineer – iPhone, Apple Inc.

The Semiconductor Revolution: Shaping the Next Generation of Tech

Presentation Abstract

Charu Sardana

Sr. Program Manager – Field Technical Solutions, TSMC, NA

Seeking signal in a noisy environment

Presentation Abstract

Prasanti Uppaluri

Senior Engineering Director, Broadband Plasma Division, KLA

B3 • Biomedical Robots and AI in Healthcare

Session Chairs

Winncy Du

Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Lin Jiang

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

The intersection of robotics and artificial intelligence is transforming the healthcare industry, from advanced surgical robots to AI-powered diagnostics and patient care. This session will bring together experts from leading biomedical and technology companies, such as Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, and Noah Medical, to discuss the latest innovations, real-world applications, and future trends in healthcare robotics and AI. Speakers will share insights into their work, the challenges and opportunities in the field, and how these technologies are shaping the future of medicine. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the impact of automation, machine learning, and robotics on patient outcomes, surgical precision, and healthcare accessibility.

Meeting Room: 4A

Neeta Mhatre

VP of China Strategy and Operations, Intuitive Surgical

Meghana Puvvadi

Director of AI/ML enterprise, NVIDIA

B4 • Revolutionizing Mobility: Telecom and Urban Transport

Session Chairs

Sravani Vadlamani 

Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, SJSU

Riti Gour

Assistant Professor, Aviation and Technology, SJSU

Session Summary

This session will explore funding strategies for urban transport tech projects in the public sector, career pathways in the cloud industry, and key insights from a consultant’s perspective on transit. Experts will share best practices for securing grants, navigating the cloud industry, and shaping the future of urban mobility.

Meeting Room: 1B

The Future of Bus Fleets

Presentation Abstract

Meagan Chan

Civil Analyst, Kimley-Horn

How to build a career in the cloud industry

Presentation Abstract

Zeel Patel

Technical Operations Manager, Amazon

Funding your urban transportation technology project in the public sector.  How to set yourself up for success

Presentation Abstract

Marcella Rensi

Deputy Director, Grants, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Concurrent Session B

Career Launch Concurrent Sessions

B5 • Employer Perspective: Tips on Job and Internship Success

Session Chair

Kelly Masegian

Career Counselor, SJSU Career Center

Session Summary

Hear from company representatives about how to best approach all aspects of the job search from applying to interviewing to career growth.

Meeting Room: 2

Pallavi Joshi

Sr. Principal Engineer, Hardware & Silicon Validation, Marvell Semiconductor

Nathan Kwan

University Tech Recruiter, KLA

Margaret Paulin

Campus Relations Manager, Lockheed Martin

Krystle Sanchez

Sr. Tech Recruiter, Global Emerging Talent, ServiceNow

B6 • Using Generative AI to Enhance Resumes

Session Chair

Bobbi Makani, Ph.D. 

Executive Director, Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Join SJSU Career Counselors in this interactive workshop to learn how to use Generative AI for your resume development—ethically and creatively. You’ll be able to create a customized resume that catches the attention of both hiring managers and the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Meeting Room: 4B

Kristin Keller

Career Counselor, San Jose State University

Thuy Nguyen

Career Counselor, San Jose State University

12:00-12:45 pm

Lunch

12:45-1:15 pm

Lunch Keynote

Topic: Engineering a New Era of Chips
Rose Castanares
President, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) Arizona

1:15-1:45 pm

Roundtable Discussions

1:45-2:00 pm

Break

2:00-3:00 pm

Concurrent Session C

Emerging Technologies Concurrent Sessions

C1 • Responsible AI

Session Chair

Mahima Agumbe Suresh

Assistant Professor, Computer Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

As artificial intelligence (AI) gets increasingly more powerful, there is no better time to discuss how to make AI fair, unbiased, inclusive, trustworthy, and secure. As wise Uncle Ben said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Join us in this session to learn about the what, how, and why of building AI systems responsibly.

Meeting Room: 2

Shubham Agrawal

Tech Lead, Google

Akaanksha Sinha

Sr. Program Manager and Security Architect, External Compliance, Global Software, IBM Corporation

Angelina Yang

Co founder, Transform AI Studio

C2 • Autonomous Vehicles (Cars/Drones)

Session Chairs

Wencen Wu

Associate Professor, Computer Engineering Department, SJSU

Yuwei He

Assistant Professor, Aviation and Technology, SJSU

Session Summary

Autonomous vehicles are transforming transportation, from self-driving cars to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This session brings together experts from industry and academia to explore the latest advancements, career opportunities, and the future of autonomous mobility. Join us for an engaging discussion on how autonomous technology is reshaping mobility, both on the ground and in the air, and what it means for the future of engineering careers.

Meeting Room: 3

Careers and Future of UAS

Presentation Abstract

Kris Borgen

Assistant Professor of Aviation, San Jose State University

Say Hello to Waymo

Presentation Abstract

Supraja Meedinti

Senior Software Engineer, Waymo

From Ocean Conservation to Aerospace Innovation: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Aviation

Presentation Abstract

Sandra Wright

Technical Trainer, Joby Aviation

C3 • AI-Enabled Biotech

Session Chair

Yun Wang

Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

AI is transforming biotech, driving innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and workflow optimization. This session explores cutting-edge AI applications in healthcare, featuring insights from experts in academia and industry. Topics include optimizing radiotherapy workflow via data-efficient AI models, delivering AI solutions to biotech researchers and strategists, and ensuring the reliability of molecular diagnostics. Join us for a dive into the intersection of AI and biotechnology, shaping the future of healthcare.

Meeting Room: 1A

Learning from the small dataset: optimize radiotherapy workflow with data-efficient AI models

Presentation Abstract

Lianli Liu

Clinical Assistant Professor, Stanford University

Delivering AI to Scientists

Presentation Abstract

Shiva Moballegh

AI Scientist / GCS Computational Sciences, Genentech Inc.

Innovations in Med-Tech Industry

Presentation Abstract

Aadarsha Nanthakumar

Systems Verification Engineer II, Cepheid

C4 • Water and Climate

Session Chair

Olivia Yip

Assistant Professor, Civil and Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

The escalating challenges of sea level rise, drought, and environmental contamination necessitate comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to groundwater remediation and flood risk management. This session will explore innovative strategies for protecting water and groundwater resources and human health amidst these pressing environmental concerns. Key topics will include the integration of advanced remediation technologies to address contamination and pollution in groundwater systems and the role of flood risk assessments in developing adaptive solutions for vulnerable regions. Attendees will learn about methods for enhancing drought resiliency and facilitating climate adaptation, ensuring long-term sustainability of water resources. The discussions will underscore the importance of safeguarding human health while advancing the resilience of communities in the face of evolving climate impacts.

Meeting Room: 1B

Africa Espina

Director of Environmental Services, Locus Environmental

Meg Ackerson

Climate Risk & Resilience Engineer, Arup

Concurrent Session C

Career Launch Concurrent Sessions

C5 • Launching Your Career: The Pitch That Sets You Apart

Session Chair

Katy Kao

2025 SV WiE Co-Conference Chair, Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

Your story is your superpower, and the way you tell it can shape your entire career. “Tell me about yourself” is more than just an interview question — it’s your moment to stand out, make connections, and leave a lasting impression. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a confident, authentic pitch that highlights your strengths, passions, and potential. Whether you’re preparing for your first job interviews, networking events, or career fairs, this session will equip you with the skills to open doors and set you on the path to career success.

Meeting Room: 4A

Shalini Agarwal

Sr Director, Engineering, LinkedIn

C6 • Own the Interview: Confidently Navigate Your Tech Career

Session Chair

Bobbi Makani, Ph.D. 

Executive Director, Career Center, SJSU

Session Summary

Let’s break barriers and build a brighter future—join us and take charge of your career!

This Interview Essentials Workshop will help you gain the skills and confidence to ace your tech interviews! Designed for women in engineering and tech, this hands-on session covers key strategies, showcases your strengths, and includes small-group role-playing with feedback.

Meeting Room: 4B

Kristin Keller

Career Counselor, San Jose State University

Felix Lim

VP, QST Solutions

Monique Michel

University Sourcer – University Talent Program, Juniper Networks

Cecilia Reyes

Senior Recruiter, Mainspring Energy

Vinson Vu

Adobe Career Hub Coordinator, San José State University

3:00-3:15 pm

Break

3:15-4:45 pm

Concurrent Career Panels

Concurrent Career Panels

I • Software and Information Technology

Session Chair

Xiao Su

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, College of Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in “Software and Information Technology” share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career. Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 2

Sravani Boggavarapu

Sr Manager, Software Engineering, ServiceNow

Suchreet Dhaliwal

Director of Software Engineering, LinkedIn

Rashmi Chandra

Senior Technical Staff Member/Infrastructure, IBM

Nicole Magnus

Senior Technical Program Manager for HW Infrastructure, Nvidia

II • Semiconductor and Electronics

Session Chair

Nicole Okamoto

2025 SV WiE Co-Conference Chair, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Student Success, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in “Semiconductor and Electronics” share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career. Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 4B

Amanjot Gill

Optical Engineer, KLA Corp.

Jing Jiang, Ph.D.

Sr. Business Development Manager, Applied Materials

Armine Matentsian

Director, Program Management, Synopsys

Lisa Wang

Principal Engineer, Digital IC Design/Central Engineering, Marvell Semiconductor

III • Biomedical and Biotech

Session Chair

Katy Kao

2025 SV WiE Co-Conference Chair, Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Biomedical and Biotech” industry share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career. Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 4A

Stacy Jo Dominguez  

Sr. Manager of SW Test Engineering, Data Platform, Dexcom

Dr. Monica Kapil, Ph.D.

Digital Health & Clinical Research, Senior Program Management, Apple Inc

Chantell Kuhlmann

Sr Director, Program Management Office, Stryker

Rosie Medina

SVP, Sales & Marketing, Promex Industries

Dr. Sandra Melo, Ph.D.

Sr. Principal Scientist, Genentech

IV • Aerospace and Aeronautics

Session Chairs

Tina Panontin

Professor, San José State University

Maria Chierichetti

Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in “Aerospace and Aeronautics” share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career. Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 1A

Arpitha Hanumanth

Senior Flight Software Engineer, Planet Labs

Maryam Khoshlahjeh

Sr. Manager, Propellers, Archer Aviation

E. Lara Lash

Aerospace Engineer, NASA Ames Research Center

Lea Mak

Propulsion Analysis Lead, Lockheed Martin Space

V • Building, Infrastructure, and the Environment

Session Chairs

Thalia Anagnos

Professor Emerita, SJSU

Olivia Yip

Assistant Professor, Civil and Engineering, SJSU

Session Summary

A panel of women engineers and leaders in the “Building, Infrastructure, and the Environment” sector share their stories in charting their educational and career pathways.  They offer insights and advice to help attendees achieve success from campus to career. Attendees have the chance to ask their own questions.

Meeting Room: 1B

Tamika Bassman

Modeling Engineer, ACTUAL

Sarah Christensen

Executive Director, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)

Erin Estenson

District Controls Manager, Kiewit

Renee Morales

Senior Engineer, Earth Systems Pacific

Rosa Portugal

Design Engineer/Structural, Ashley & Vance Engineering

4:45-5:00 pm

Break

5:00-7:00 pm

WiE Innovation Showcase, Networking Reception, Prize Drawing

Sponsors