Panel Sessions
Submission Site: https://www.xcdsystem.com/IEOM/abstract/index.cfm?ID=6HzYjlI
Registration Site: https://www.xcdsystem.com/IEOM/attendee/index.cfm?ID=PqTGe3D
3:30 – 5:00 pm, Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Room 1
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Digitalization Panel
Panel Chair:
Nick Skope
Vice President –Vendor Relations and New Business Development
Electro-Matic, a SunSource Company
Farmington Hills
Michigan, 48335 USA
Nick Skope is a Vice President of Vendor Relations and New Business Development at Electro-Matic, a SunSource Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University and Professional Certificate in Management from University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business. Over 24 years of experience in Industrial Manufacturing. Mr. Skope has a passion for helping machine builders and manufactures gain value by applying cutting edge automation technology in their processes. 2023 Recipient of the IEOM Outstanding Industry Solutions Award.
Panel Speaker I
Dr. Neil Murray
Engineering Manager
ZF
Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States
Dr. Neil Gordon Murray Jr. is an Engineering Manager with ZF Corporation in Passive Safety Electronics. He is also an Adjunct Professor in Industrial Engineering in the A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Lawrence Technological University, Michigan, USA. He earned B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, Michigan, Masters in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota and Engineering Doctorate in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, (DEMS) from Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan. He is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt with specialization in Design for Six Sigma. He has published journal papers and is also the author of Witness Horizon 25 Simulation Modeling, Rational Process Design. His research interests include theory of invention and creative problem solving, simulation modeling, digital twinning, Edge Computing and Lean Manufacturing. He is a member of IEOM, SPE and IEEE.
Panel Speaker II
Dr. Daw Alwerfalli
Professor and Director of Master of Engineering Management Program
A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering
College of Engineering
Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, Michigan, USA
Prominent professor, senior technical industry consultant and manufacturing engineering educator with a tremendous expertise in program and curriculum development in higher technical education. Highly experienced and dedicated community leader with great ability to work with an array of constituencies and coalitions in developing shared organizational vision to create and implement strategies aimed at advancing common causes to accomplish goals in fulfilment of the organization’s mission. Highly perceived expert and industrial advisor. He is the founder of Manufacturing Engineering Solutions (MES) a consulting firm founded in 2000. He is senior technical consultant and strategist to the US manufacturing industry. MES developed executive training programs to numerous organizations such as Chrysler, Ford, GM, Exxon Mobil, Conco Philips, Marathon and Tier I and II suppliers to the US auto industry and other international companies. Published numerous research papers in many national and international conferences. Dr. Alwerfalli is a recipient of many prestigious awards including, the 2009 Arab American of the year in education, 1997 Lawrence Tech. Excellence in Teaching Award, 2004 Outstanding Engineering Faculty. He serves on many boards of directors, he also served on the Advisor Council of the Governor of Michigan for the Arab American and Chaldean Affairs Committee. He is currently serving on the steering committee of MAT 2 for dual education where he is a lead assessor to evaluate colleges for readiness in joining MAT 2 coalition of several German US based companies. Dr. Alwerfalli is also serving on the steering committee of “LIFT” Lightweight Innovation for Tomorrow, The committee is to develop innovative educational curriculum and skills for the next generation workforce for the Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee under $148 Million, a federal grant for the year 2015-2016. For several years, Dr. Alwerfalli served as the academic advisor of many doctoral students who obtained their doctorate degrees and are currently leaders in the US auto industry.
Panel Speaker III
Dr. George Pappas
Assistant Professor & Director, MSAI graduate program
Electrical + Computer Engineering
Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, Michigan, USA
Over 10 years of teaching, research, and work experience in embedded systems and high-performance computing. I am currently the director of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program. Research projects included being a Principal investigator (PI) for a DENSO grant in machine vision safety systems in vehicles titled “Intelligent Smart Real-Time Vision (ISRTV) as an Embedded System for Advanced Applications”. Also currently being a co-PI working on a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) Contextualizer that incorporates AI and software integration for manufacturing integration for Stefanini. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Autonomous vehicles, employs machine-learning techniques to collect, analyze, and transfer data for a safer driving experience. Also, investigate encryption and optimization algorithms and security of the transfer of electronic medical data using wireless cellular communication systems for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in remote locations. Some additional research interests are Artificial Intelligence (AI) within radiology, specifically computerized tomography (CT) image reconstruction. Precise data analytics for pathology images. Virtual Reality (VR) in medical applications, Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid diagnostics, Telemedicine, Medical and Health Informatics, Wireless implantable sensors, and biomedical Transducers.
Panel Speaker IV
Kiran Kumar Dandu
Associate Director, Supply Chain Planning Systems
Moderna
Cumming, Georgia, United States
Topic: Digital Twin and Digitalization
Kiran Kumar Dandu is a seasoned technology strategist and solution delivery leader with over 18 years of global experience driving digital transformation and optimizing supply chain operations for Fortune 500 companies. His expertise spans advanced supply chain platforms, systems, and strategic supply chain transformation programs across industries. Kiran has a proven track record of leveraging optimization techniques, including Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP), Stochastic Optimization (SO), and machine learning models, to deliver impactful cost savings and operational efficiencies in his leadership roles at Moderna, Kimberly Clark, IBM, and The Mosaic Company. He holds a Master’s degree in Innovation & Technology from Florida Polytechnic University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management from the Indian Institute of Production Management, complemented by multiple industry certifications.
Panel Speaker V
3:30 – 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Room 1
Vehicle Electrification Panel
Dr. Saso Krstovski, MBB
Associate Dean Industrial Technologies
Henry Ford Community College
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Past Automotive University Programs Manager
Past Automotive Lean Manufacturing Manager / Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Dr. Saso Krstovski is an Associate Dean Industrial Technologies, Henry Ford Community College (HFCC), Dearborn, Michigan, USA. He was a former automotive professional with over 25 years of expertise in complex structured problem-solving, working as Lean Manufacturing Manager and Lean Six-Sigma Master Black Belt. Dr. Krstovski has held many engineering assignments, including time working as a Test Engineer, Launch Test Engineer, and Electrical Control Engineer. During his tenure in automotive manufacturing, Dr. Krstovski has worked in several plant environments and skill teams such as Safety, Quality, Operations, and Finance and has held front-line supervision roles managing hourly UAW production employees. This exposure to new work concepts within automotive manufacturing has allowed Dr. Krstovski to amass a holistic engineering approach. As such, Dr. Krstovski has gained an extensive understanding of the Six-Sigma methodologies. As a detail-oriented and data-driven engineer, Dr. Krstovski is an invaluable contributor to the lean and six sigma profession. He is highly distinguished and skilled with problem identification and resolution to avoid time and cost expenditures.
Dr. Krstovski teaches at several Michigan Universities as an Adjunct Professor within the College of Engineering and Business. Dr. Krstovski research interests lie around System Optimization. He continues to collaborate actively with researchers at several universities. Dr. Krstovski provides guidance globally to doctoral candidates on dissertation direction. He graduated from Lawrence Technological University with a Doctorate of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems (DEMS). In addition, to his doctorate, Dr. Krstovski has a Master in Electrical Computer Controlled Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University. Dr. Krstovski has authored several publications and scientific articles on various engineering topics.
Panel Speaker I
Dr. Dohyun Baek
Director
Crossover Solutions
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Experts in Li-Ion Battery, Solar Cell, Semiconductor Device, Electronic Component
Dr. Baek is a highly regarded global EV expert. With a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Dong-Eui University, he is a leader in electrical engineering and technological innovation. He has held key roles as Principal Engineer at Samsung SDI’s Automotive Battery Division and the Photovoltaic Development Team and as a Senior Engineer at Intel Corporation, demonstrating his expertise in semiconductor devices, solar power, and automotive battery technologies.
Panel Speaker II
Saif Siddique
Engineering Manager
Power Electronics/ Power Converter
Stellantis
Auburn Hills, Michigan
As a technology leader, executing STELLANTIS electrification strategy to deliver exciting, class leading ZERO EMISSION vehicles for the iconic brands that offer advanced technology at affordable prices for global customers. Leading robust design for high voltage charging system, power converters with a high-level flexibility, in addition to component sharing across platforms, reduce complexity and deliver economies of scale, with each platform capable of supporting production to offer the most efficient solution for each vehicle category, from city-cars to pickup trucks, commercial vehicles and SUVs.
Global experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and strategy development. Successfully launched numerous global programs with “Detroit Big Three” automakers. Managing high-volume manufacturing products including Power electronics, Electric drive system, HV battery system components, and vehicle integration.
Saif has a very diverse academic background. He has received a Bachelor in Agricultural Engineering, Masters of Science major in Rural Electrification, he also completed bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from University of Michigan-Flint. Saif is currently serving as a member of the UM-Flint Engineering Industrial Advisory Board (EIAB).
Panel Speaker III
Vivek Krishna Ramachandran
Development Engineer Supervisor
Stellantis
Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Vivek Krishna Ramachandran is a senior engineer with advanced degrees in electrical and electronics engineering. Currently a Product Development Engineer Supervisor at Stellantis, he leads teams in developing and implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. He has successfully contributed to key vehicle platforms, managing the design and integration of advanced components like Onboard chargers, DCDC, DC fast charging and V2X systems.
With a strong background in product development and cross-functional collaboration, Vivek’s expertise spans the full product lifecycle, from initial design to launch. He also has experience in optimizing costs and ensuring product quality through effective team leadership. Prior to Stellantis, he worked in motor drive development, contributing to precision control systems and supporting production teams.
Panel Speaker IV
Professor Md Ataur Rahman, PhD
GameAbove Engineering and Technology
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
Director Centre of Excellence of Sustainable Mobility
Chairman Vehicle Electrification
Leader of Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Md. Ataur Rahman is currently involved at the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA since July 2024. He was at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as Professor from July 2006 – July 2024. He was appointed as a Researcher Prototyping of Automation System of ALL-terrain Vehicle, Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, University of Tokyo, Japan. He was the Director ‘Centre of Excellence of Electric Mobility’ and Chairman: Electric Coaster Innovation and Green Transportation Committee for GO-GREEN CAMPUS. He is the lead researcher: Prototypes of Advanced Electric Vehicles, Intelligent two-phage R413a battery thermal management system, Autonomous electro-magneto 2-speed transmission, AI magservo braking system for high speed EV, Intelligent off-road vehicle, and AI controlled solar organic super-capacitor. He is the principal author of books : Springer Nature, Nova Science Publication, Inc. New York, and IIUM Press, Gombak, Malaysia and 10 book chapters. He is the Journal editorial board members: Advances in Mechanical Engineering, Sage Publication, International Journal of Advanced Robotics and Automation, Control Theory and Information, International Institute for Science, Technology & Education, Journal of Innovative Systems, Design and Engineering, International Institute for Science, Technology & Education and Journal of MIST Engineering. He published numerous articles on automotive technology, thermal management system, AI solar dependent EV structural capacitor, organic solar panel and ALL terrain off-road electric vehicle. He has received several awards and recognition by Malaysia, United Kingdom (UK), Japan, and several international agencies. He is the International Research Grant evaluator of Qatar, Kajakhistan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Panel Speaker V
2:00 – 3:30 pm, Friday, October 11, 2024 – Room 1
Smart Mobility Panel
Panel Chair: Steven Sibrel, Harman International
Panel Speaker I
Steven Sibrel
Senior Supplier Quality Manager
Harman International, Novi, MI
Past Chair – ASQ Greater Detroit
Steve Sibrel is a business process improvement trainer, coach and auditor with over 35 years of experience in the business and manufacturing world. He is currently working as Senior Supplier Quality Manager at Harman International, a manufacturer of audio and infotainment systems for consumer, professional, and automotive industries, with well-known brands such as JBL, Lexicon, Crown, Infinity, Mark Levinson, Becker and Harman-Kardon. Previously he held a number of engineering and management positions in diverse industries at Applied Materials (Semiconductor), NEC (Telecommunications) and Texas Instruments (Military). He has conducted over 200 supplier audits in North America, Europe, and Asia and is a Lead Auditor for ISO/TS16949, ISO9001, ISO13485, ISO17025, and 21CFR820. He has been the Chair for Professional Development for the ASQ Detroit section since 2008. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2008 and the Leadership Award in 2013 from ASQ. Current ASQ Certifications held are Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Engineer, Quality Inspector, Quality Auditor, and Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence. He is an adjunct facility member at Macomb Community College. Steve has a BSEE degree from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and an MSEE degree from Southern Methodist University.
Panel Speaker II
Dr. Muhammad Sohail Ahmed
Professor of Engineering Management
GameAbove College of Engineering & Technology
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Muhammad Sohail Ahmed is a Professor in Engineering Management at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He received B.E degree in 1986 from N.E.D University of Engineering and Technology and MS (Mechanical Engineering, 1991), MS (Manufacturing Engineering, 1996) and Ph.D. (1999) degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. From 1990-1993 Dr. Ahmed worked for Ford Motor Company as a Computer-aided Engineering (CAE) application engineer working on Electric vehicle and on FEA for frontal crash design. From 1994 to 1999 Dr. Ahmed worked as a Research Associate/Scientist at Wayne State University’s Department of Industrial Engineering, on four automotive research grants – worth 8 million dollars – funded by National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) in the area of dimensional control, reliability, problem solving, decision making and auto body digital virtual build. From 1999-2008 Dr. Ahmed was the manager for Wayne State University BS Manufacturing Engineering program at Focus HOPE, a civil rights organization in Detroit. Dr. Ahmed’s research work is in the area of decision support system, knowledge management, new product development, learning organization, lean and quality systems, project management and engineering education. Dr. Ahmed also worked on the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Manufacturing Education grant to Greenfield Coalition as a researcher and subject matter expert. He worked on the development of web based manufacturing engineering curriculum and course.
Panel Speaker III
Davide Cardi
Department of Industrial Engineering
University of Bologna
Bologna, Italy
Presentation Title: Sustainable Future Mobility
Davide Cardi is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Advanced Design at the University of Bologna (UniBo), having completed my Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Product Design at the University of Ferrara (UniFe) in 2019. Recently, he moved from Italy to Lawrence Technological University to conduct research in the industry, focusing on how design can shape the future of transportation and foster sustainable mobility solutions.
His passion for design is driven by a desire to innovate and improve systems, particularly through process and material optimization. Davide is deeply interested in social innovation and transportation design, with a specific focus on developing new modes of transport for smart mobility and future scenarios. His primary interest lies in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles within the broader context of a future hydrogen economy. Davide aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the automotive industry, improving air quality and the overall quality of life in urban environments.
Panel Speaker IV
Tom Tracz, MBA, PMP
Senior Project Manager
P3Mobility
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Presentation Title: Saving Lives in Oakland County with Advanced Vehicle Communications
Tom Tracz is based in Metro Detroit and is a Senior Project Manager for P3Mobility, a company that provides smart mobility software and consulting services focused on accelerating the adoption of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. V2X allows real-time, low-latency communications between vehicles and roadside infrastructure. P3Mobility’s software platform helps a road operator deploy, operate, maintain and finance the technology.
Tom is the project manager for the USDOT SMART Grant project awarded to the Road Commission of Oakland County. The project is titled “Leading in Sustainable Safety with Technology”. This is a $2M grant that plans how V2X could be deployed county-wide along and includes a prototype of the technology at five intersections.
Before assuming this role, Tom had over 30 years’ experience in the transportation industry with multiple automotive global Tier 1 suppliers including TRW and ZF. Tom served in a variety of engineering, purchasing and program management leadership positions.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Tom holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Panel Speaker V
3:30 – 5:00 pm, Friday, October 11, 2024