{"id":38,"date":"2017-01-15T14:42:02","date_gmt":"2017-01-15T14:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/ieom2018\/?page_id=38"},"modified":"2025-10-10T12:09:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T12:09:56","slug":"panels","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/panels\/","title":{"rendered":"Panels"},"content":{"rendered":"

Panels<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Register: <\/strong>https:\/\/www.xcdsystem.com\/IEOM\/attendee\/index.cfm?ID=g5Y5HAk<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

AI and Data Analytics Panel<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

2:00 – 3:30 pm, October 14, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Panel Chair<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/span>Andrea Yzeiri, MMA<\/strong>
\nChief Data & Analytics Officer and Lead AI Engineer <\/strong>
\nPicsume<\/strong>
\nWindsor, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Andrea Yzeiri is the Chief Data & Analytics Officer and Lead AI Engineer at Picsume, a revolutionary hiring platform that transforms traditional resumes into dynamic work profiles, powered by AI-driven matching algorithms and committed to bias-free recruitment. She is recognized as a pioneering force in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, actively leading in the design and deployment of scalable,<\/p>\n

ethical AI systems with an emphasis on fairness, transparency, accountability, and security. She holds a BComm in Supply Chain & Analytics (with thesis) and a BA in Political Science (Law & Politics) from the University of Windsor, and a Master of Management in Analytics from McGill University. At Windsor, Andrea was the first woman to complete an undergraduate thesis at the Odette School of Business and the first University of Windsor student to receive the Mitacs Globalink Research Award, conducting research in S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil. Her IEOM publication record includes \u201cComposite Index Creation Using AHP and DEA: Efficiency Optimization for Industries\u201d with Dr. Mohammed Baki at the North American IEOM Conference.<\/p>\n

Over her ten-year career across technology, academia, healthcare, and defense, Andrea has delivered end-to-end AI solutions that balance predictive performance with ethical integrity. Notably, she led the engineering of a serological data scraper used in a clinically deployed kidney-matching algorithm at the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, and developed a custom aerospace-specific search engine for AeroMontreal.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Andrea was named one of the Top 25 Women Chief Data and Analytics Officers in North America by Women We Admire, in recognition of her leadership in responsible, inclusive data innovation. A sought-after speaker and advocate, she has presented at events including Google DevFest Windsor (2024), the Odette School of Business\u2019 International Women\u2019s Day Driving Business Success with Technology event (2025) and served as a judge for STEM Fellowship\u2019s 2025 High School Big Data Challenge in AI, championing ethical AI adoption, ML security, and women\u2019s representation in STEM.<\/p>\n

Andrea is also a dedicated educator, currently a sessional lecturer at McGill University, delivering Python and analytics workshops to graduate students, and former teaching assistant at Odette, supporting business analytics education. Her commitment to community impact extends to her service on boards such as United Way\/Centraide Windsor\u2013Essex County. Andrea has received sixteen honours and awards for her research, academic achievements, leadership and community impact.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker I<\/p>\n

\"\"Chandrika Abhang, MSc (Eng)<\/strong>
\nDirector of Product Management and R&D \u2013 Americas<\/strong>
\nWebasto Group<\/strong>
\nDetroit, United States<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Chandrika Abhang is a global leader in automotive innovation with over a decade of experience driving electrification, product strategy, and R&D across North America, Europe, and Asia. As Director of Product Management and R&D \u2013Americas at Webasto Group, she leads cross-functional teams in developing intelligent thermal systems, high-voltage battery technologies, and mobility solutions for diverse sectors including automotive, military, and marine. Her strategic leadership has powered multimillion-dollar growth initiatives, market expansions, and digital product launches that have boosted revenue and improved operational efficiency. Chandrika is also a passionate advocate for AI and digital transformation in manufacturing, applying data-driven approaches to portfolio development and operational excellence. Beyond industry, she brings a strong commitment to community development, having served on nonprofit boards and as a UN volunteer. She holds a Master\u2019s in Mechanical Engineering and completed executive education in product management at the Kellogg School of Management. At the IEOM Congress, she will speak on using AI and innovation to build resilient, intelligent supply chains in times of disruption.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker II<\/p>\n

\"\"Gursimmer Banwait<\/strong>
\nR&D Engineer<\/strong>
\nPersico USA<\/strong>
\nMichigan, United States<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gursimmer Banwait is an R&D Engineer at Persico USA, where he focuses on bridging traditional manufacturing practices with modern AI driven innovations. His industry experience spans biotechnology, hardware technology startups, and SaaS, where he has applied mechatronics engineering to bring research based solutions into practical, scalable applications. At Persico, he is developing an internal tool that leverages company CAD and fiscal data to create retrieval augmented generation systems for automated quotation building, significantly reducing turnaround times. He is also exploring the development of an AI co pilot for jig and fixture design, with a focus on design for manufacturing and assembly checks, enabling junior engineers to better understand and apply traditional manufacturing techniques. Currently pursuing a Master of Computer Science at Georgia Tech with a specialization in computer vision, Gursimmer combines academic research with hands on industrial problem solving. At the IEOM North American Congress, he will share his work and encourage the manufacturing industry to adapt proven tools from programming and academia to enhance capabilities across the supply chain, including among third tier suppliers.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker III<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Joe Youssouf, BSE<\/strong>
\nLead Customer Data Scientist<\/strong>
\nOden Technologies<\/strong>
\nNew York, United States<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Joe Youssouf is the Lead Customer Data Scientist at Oden Technologies, where he develops AI-powered solutions that optimize manufacturing processes and improve efficiency on the factory floor. His work on ProcessAI delivers real-time control recommendations that reduce waste, increase throughput, and enhance safety across global operations. Joe has also contributed to Oden Forge, an internal LLM platform that enables domain-specific natural language insights from complex time-series data. Prior to Oden, he scaled predictive maintenance systems for over 15,000 heavy-duty vehicles at Preteckt, where his models saved thousands in annual maintenance costs per vehicle. With a background in electrical and computer engineering and a strong foundation in statistics, Joe combines deep technical expertise with practical, real-world impact. He has helped organizations avoid costly infrastructure mistakes, reduce energy waste, and build data systems that support critical business decisions. At the IEOM North American Congress, Joe will share insights on integrating AI into digital supply chains, drawing from his experience navigating the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker IV<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Ahmed Abou Gharam<\/strong>
\nDesign for Reliability Director<\/strong>
\nMolex<\/strong>
\nRochester, Michigan, USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Ahmed Abou Gharam is an internationally recognized expert in Design for Reliability and AI powered analytics with over a decade of leadership experience in the automotive and microelectronics sectors. As the Director of Reliability Engineering at Molex, he leads global teams in embedding predictive analytics and machine learning into reliability testing workflows, particularly through advanced methods such as Accelerated Life Testing and test to failure protocols that mirror real world usage scenarios. He champions the integration of AI driven reliability prediction models that optimize component designs to withstand extreme conditions including heat, vibration, corrosion, and complex duty cycles found in modern vehicles. Dr. Abou Gharam is a thought leader in applying AI not simply as a technological upgrade but as a transformative tool that advances Design for Reliability from conventional design test fix cycles toward proactive, data guided reliability assurance. His published writings and leadership in industry surveys emphasize the importance of AI based tradeoff modeling and reinforce his role in shaping the future of reliability in digital manufacturing. Drawing on both deep technical insight and strategic vision, Dr. Abou Gharam bridges rigorous research with practical innovation to elevate how products are engineered for trust, endurance, and real world performance.<\/p>\n

\n

AI in Manufacturing Panel<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

4:00 – 6:00 pm, October 14, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Panel Chair<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Neil Murray<\/strong>
\nEngineering Manager<\/strong>
\nZF<\/strong>
\nFarmington Hills, Michigan, USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Neil Gordon Murray Jr. <\/strong>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.\u00a0 He is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt with specialization in Design for Six Sigma.\u00a0 He has published journal papers and is also the author of Witness Horizon 25 Simulation Modeling, Rational Process Design<\/em>.\u00a0 His research interests include theory of invention and creative problem solving, simulation modeling, digital twinning, Edge Computing and Lean Manufacturing.\u00a0 He is a member of IEOM, SPE and IEEE.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker I<\/p>\n

\"\"KC (Ken Cheng)
\n<\/strong>Application Engineer
\n<\/strong>Moldex3D Northern America, Inc.<\/strong>
\nNovi, Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Title: Transforming Plastics Simulation with Automation, Optimization, and AI<\/p>\n

Bio<\/p>\n

KC (Ken Cheng) obtained his Mechanical Engineering Master\u2019s Degree from University of Texas at Arlington and has been working with Moldex3D for 17 years with the background in finite element analysis. With years of Field Application experience in molding analysis consultancy for Moldex3D, Ken Cheng has conducted hundreds of practical case studies for troubleshooting injection molds and composite processes in working with global companies such as Nvidia, Ford, Unilever, Emerson, Corning etc.<\/p>\n

Abstract:<\/p>\n

The plastics simulation industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of cutting-edge technologies. This presentation explores the impact of intelligent automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time process optimization on the plastics manufacturing sector. By leveraging these innovations, manufacturers can achieve substantial improvements in operational efficiency, waste reduction, and overall product quality.<\/p>\n

This presentation will detail the application of AI through Moldex3D to streamline the simulation process. It will introduce new tools within Moldex3D iSLM designed to manage and utilize large local data sets for future projects, enhancing the predictive capabilities of simulations. Furthermore, this presentation will review existing tools that have proven effective in increasing the efficiency of routine simulation tasks.<\/p>\n

The content is aligned with the IEOM Society’s focus on “AI & Digital Supply Chains in Global Uncertainty” by providing insights into the application of AI and automation for a more resilient and efficient manufacturing process.With over 9 years of experience in Plastics Molding Simulation at Moldex3D, Alex Baker is an expert in applying simulation for several different industries, including automotive, connectors, medical devices, and optics. Alex virtually trains users on the Moldex3D software, passing on knowledge of how to translate simulation results to solve real-world problems, and he also runs Benchmark Testing, provides Consultation, and Alpha Tests new features for public release. He received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker II<\/p>\n

\"\"Jd Marhevko<\/strong>
\nASQ Fellow, Shainin Medalist, CSSBB, CMQOE, CQE, WiM HoF<\/strong>
\nVice President Quality<\/strong>
\nDivision U, Electronics & ADAS<\/strong>
\nZF North America Inc.<\/strong>
\nFarmington Hills, Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Title: Using AI & Digitization to Bust Silos in Problem Solving<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Abstract: How do you connect teams with over a dozen unique quality problem solving processes across the full process of product design, development, launch and returns? This case study will show how AI & digitization were used to align the systems and enable a double digit reduction in problem solving time while simultaneously reducing repeated issues. See how you might help to make a difference.<\/p>\n

Bio<\/p>\n

Jd is VP of Quality for ZF\u2019s Electronics & ADAS Division. She has held multiple and progressive senior leadership roles in Operations, Quality, Lean and EHS. She has helped to turn around sites from bankruptcy to best in class. She\u2019s had four sites won the AME Excellence Award and one site win the Industry Week Best Manufacturing Plant of the Year. She is an adjunct professor for the University of Michigan in Operations and Lean. In 2020, Jd was inducted into the inaugural USA\u2019s Women In Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame. Jd is an ASQ Fellow, Shainin Medalist, CMQ\/OE, CQE, CSSBB and MBB. She holds a BSE and MSA. Jd is a Past-Chair of the ASQ QMD. Jd has co-authored several books and articles on Lean and Quality Systems.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker III<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chris Barnes<\/strong>
\nVP Operations Autoliv Canada<\/strong>
\nAutoliv North American Airbag Operations<\/strong>
\nTilbury, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mr. Chris Barnes is a highly accomplished executive leader with 29 years of experience in the automotive industry, specializing in manufacturing operations, lean systems, and strategic business development. Chris holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business and served as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and implement efficiency-driven solutions that enhance productivity and profitability. His leadership is defined by a commitment to continuous improvement, cultural transformation, and talent development. A champion of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, Chris brings global perspective in automotive manufacturing and supply chain dynamics. He has cultivated strategic partnerships with educational institutions such as St. Clair College and the University of Windsor to develop workforce training and recruitment programs, further strengthening the industry\u2019s talent pipeline. Chris is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified Six Sigma Project Champion, Graduate Ford Experienced Leader Program (ELP), CiM Member since 2021, and a Panel Member AIB Curriculum Advisory Committee for Manufacturing (2022-2024).<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker IV<\/p>\n

\"\"Jason Hamp<\/strong>
\nEnterprise AI Technologist – NA Manufacturing<\/strong>
\nLenovo<\/strong>
\nWest Bloomfield, Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Jason Hamp is an accomplished Enterprise AI Technologist and business development leader, currently driving innovation for Lenovo\u2019s Infrastructure Solutions Group in North American manufacturing. With over 20 years of experience in automotive and manufacturing engineering, Jason\u2019s professional outlook is firmly focused on delivering transformative value through advanced AI solutions tailored for dynamic industrial environments.<\/p>\n

In his pivotal role at Lenovo, Jason architects and leads business development initiatives devoted to the adoption and integration of NVIDIA AI technologies in manufacturing. His expertise includes shaping go-to-market strategies, identifying new growth opportunities, and building strategic partnerships with manufacturing AI software vendors. Jason is recognized for translating evolving market trends and regulatory shifts into actionable strategies, helping position Lenovo as a premier collaborator for Industry 4.0 advancements.<\/p>\n

Jason believes the future of manufacturing rests on the convergence of AI hardware and software, modular automation, and resilient, data-driven operations. He champions continuous innovation, technical enablement, and cross-functional collaboration to unlock the full potential of intelligent manufacturing. Teams and leaders who work with Jason benefit from his deep understanding of AI frameworks, keen market insight, and strong communication skills\u2014driving measurable improvements in operational performance and business outcomes.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker V<\/p>\n

Srinivas Kuppa<\/strong>
\nChief Product Officer<\/strong>
\nEsko<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker VI<\/p>\n

\"\"Behrang Bootaki, Ph.D.<\/strong>
\nPostdoctoral Research Fellow<\/strong>
\nAlgoma University<\/strong>
\nSault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Title: AI applications in manufacturing<\/p>\n

Dr. Behrang Bootaki is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Algoma University, Ontario, Canada. His current work focuses on last-mile delivery optimization, heuristic algorithms, and large-scale supply chain modeling. He leverages large-scale datasets, including the Amazon Last Mile Routing Research Challenge, to design data-driven solutions for real-world logistics and delivery systems. He is an active member of the Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS), where he regularly presents his research. Dr. Bootaki earned his Ph.D. in Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the University of Windsor. His dissertation, Machine Learning-Assisted Algorithm Design for Integrated Supply Chain Optimization, addressed the integration of facility location, inventory, production scheduling, and routing decisions using machine learning to enhance modern supply chain performance. His studies have been published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Production Economics (IJPE) and Computers & Industrial Engineering (CAIE). His research interests include data analytics for service operations, optimization in supply chain and logistics, machine learning for optimization, and last-mile delivery innovations such as vehicle routing and truck-drone coordination. He has also taught Supply Chain Management as a Sessional Instructor at Cape Breton University, Canada.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker VII<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Steven Rice<\/strong>
\nAI Researcher and SWE<\/strong>
\nFounder, Kaiju Solutions<\/strong>
\nWindsor, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Steven Rice is an artificial intelligence researcher currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Windsor. His work focuses on using game development technologies, like real-time simulation and artificial intelligence, to solve complex industrial challenges. As the lead developer for a Unity robotics and vision simulation platform, Steven created digital twins for internal work cell concept validation, which greatly reduced research and design costs. He also produced client simulations that improved development cycle times. His current research explores the application of agentic AI for digital twins and novel deep learning methodologies for robot manipulation. He has published work in Manufacturing Letters presenting the first deep learning method for solving inverse kinematics that does not require a pre-existing dataset. He is a recipient of the Vector Institute Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence and a two-time Ontario Graduate Scholar.<\/p>\n

\n

Speaker VIII<\/p>\n

\"\"Dora Strelkova <\/strong>
\nMechanical Engineering PhD Student <\/strong>
\nUniversity of Windsor<\/strong>
\nWindsor, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dora Strelkova is a current Mechanical Engineering PhD student at the University of Windsor, with a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Electrical Engineering and minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Her recent research interests include exploring compliant mechanisms for robotic grippers, custom toolpath strategies for FDM\/FFF Additive Manufacturing (AM), and the development of hybrid recycled resin materials, to name a few.<\/p>\n

With prior roles as an AM Lab Technician (Valiant TMS) and Software Developer (CAMufacturing Solutions Inc.), Dora brings industry experience in a range of AM processes. This includes DLP, FDM\/FFF, DMLM (with Stratasys and GE Concept Laser systems), and DED through toolpath design and simulation using CAMufacturing Solutions\u2019 APLUS software. She holds the TBGA AM Certificate for Engineers and Managers from Purdue University and is a Certified Additive Manufacturing Technician (CAMT) through SME. Through personal projects, Dora has developed a deep familiarity with 3D printing, from short film props to fully 3D-printed shoes and unique multi-material origami. She continues to push the limits of AM and shares her projects on YouTube. Dora is excited to share her insights on the implementation of AI and automation in the world of Additive Manufacturing. Her experience spans automation of mechanical property data analysis and destructive tensile testing, predictive modeling for print performance, and the use of AI for CAD and improving 3D printing accessibility.<\/p>\n

\n

Advances in Vehicle Electrification and EV Technologies Panel<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

2:00 – 3:30 pm, October 15, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Panel Chair<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Saif Siddique<\/strong>
\nEngineering Manager<\/strong>
\nPower Electronics\/ Power Converter<\/strong>
\nStellantis<\/strong>
\nAuburn Hills, Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Global experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and strategy development. Successfully launched numerous global programs with \u201cDetroit Big Three\u201d automakers. Managing high-volume manufacturing products including Power electronics, Electric drive system, HV battery system components, and vehicle integration.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s in mechanical engineering from University of Michigan-Flint. Saif is currently serving as a member of the UM-Flint Engineering Industrial Advisory Board (EIAB).<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker I<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Sikder Kamruzzaman, PhD, SMIEEE<\/strong>
\nProfessor of Networking and Cybersecurity<\/strong>
\nSt. Clair College<\/strong>
\nWindsor, ON, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Title: Towards Safe and Connected Mobility: Securing EV Ecosystems in the Era of 5G and IoT<\/p>\n

Bio:<\/p>\n

Dr. Sikder Kamruzzaman is a seasoned academic and researcher with over 25 years of experience in wireless communications, networking, and cybersecurity. He is currently a Professor of Networking and Cybersecurity at St. Clair College, Windsor, where he teaches and leads initiatives in automotive cybersecurity, cyber-physical vehicle systems, and wireless network security.<\/p>\n

He completed his postdoctoral research in Indoor Localization and Industrial IoT at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he co-led multi-million-dollar NSERC- and OCE-funded projects on intelligent wireless positioning and scalable sensor networks for industrial automation. His expertise spans IoT, AI\/ML, 5G networks, and secure distributed systems, with a strong focus on applications in connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and electric mobility ecosystems.<\/p>\n

Dr. Kamruzzaman has published extensively in journals, conferences, and book chapters, and has secured several Canadian research grants in smart transportation, industrial IoT, and cybersecurity. He has also held academic and research positions across Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh, alongside over five years of Canadian industry experience developing IoT-driven solutions for automotive and healthcare.<\/p>\n

A Senior Member of IEEE, he has served as Vice Chair of the IEEE Toronto Section, Engineering & Human Environment Chapter (2019\u20132022), and actively contributes to the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society. He has also held leadership roles in program accreditation, curriculum design, and research supervision.<\/p>\n

At the 2nd IEOM World Congress, he will speak on \u201cTowards Safe and Connected Mobility: Securing EV Ecosystems in the Era of 5G and IoT\u201d, sharing insights on how cybersecurity, IoT, and AI-driven intelligence can ensure the safety, resilience, and sustainability of next-generation electric vehicles.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker II<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Kazi Atiqur Rahman<\/strong>
\nSenior Software Architect – V2X Technologies, , GNSS, Time Arch, PLC<\/strong>
\nGeneral Motors<\/strong>
\nMichigan, USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Kazi Atiqur Rahman is a Senior Software Architect and researcher specializing in automotive communication systems, PLC, V2X technologies, and real-time systems. He currently works at General Motors, where he designs PLC (EV), C-V2X, GNSS, Time and NFC architectures for Connectivity Hub Module in software-defined vehicles. With over 10 years of industrial experience and more than 8 years of academic and research involvement in Canada, Germany, and Bangladesh, Dr. Rahman has contributed to projects in vehicular networks, wearable computing, wireless communication security, and smart mobility applications.<\/p>\n

He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Windsor, Canada, an M.Sc. in Communication Engineering and Media Technology from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and a B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from BUET, Bangladesh. A published researcher with journals and conference papers, and technical reports, Dr. Rahman has also taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in different universities. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship, Siemens Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship and competition prizes in robotics and smart grid innovation.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker III<\/p>\n

Christopher (Chris) Morgan<\/strong>
\nStaff Solutions Architect – EV Integrations<\/strong>
\nDirector, EV Integrations<\/strong>
\nWeaveGrid<\/strong>
\nLake Orion, Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker IV<\/p>\n

\"\"Md Samsul Alam Sarker, P. Eng., LSSBB<\/strong>
\nArea Continuous Improvement Manager<\/strong>
\nAutokiniton Global Group<\/strong>
\nNew Boston, Michigan, USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Samsul Alam Sarker is a seasoned manufacturing, process engineering, and continuous improvement leader with over two decades of experience driving innovation and operational excellence across the global automotive industry. Currently serving as Area Continuous Improvement Manager at Autokiniton Global Group, he oversees 22 plants in the U.S. and Mexico, delivering efficiency, throughput, and cost reduction initiatives. Previously, Samsul contributed to the launch and scale-up of Tesla\u2019s Model Y at the Giga Factory in Austin, TX, as a Senior Process Engineer in Vehicle Assembly, where he developed and optimized EV processes spanning from body-in-white to trims, chassis, and high-voltage battery integration. He supported the production ramp-up by introducing advanced process innovations and achieving major improvements in cycle time and throughput. His career also includes leadership roles at Yanfeng Automotive, Tower International, US Manufacturing Corporation, Continental Automotive, and other major manufacturers, specializing in lean implementation, continuous improvement, product launches, manufacturing simulation, automotive components stamping, BIW manufacturing and joining, EV assembly, labor and cycle time optimization, and industrial engineering to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize large-scale production systems. Samsul holds a Master of Applied Science in Automotive Sheet Metal Forming and a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Windsor. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, MOST, and MODAPTS, he brings a unique blend of hands-on process knowledge, strategic insight, and a proven record of advancing EV manufacturing technologies through lean and continuous improvement practices.<\/p>\n

\n

Future of Manufacturing – Innovation in Manufacturing Panel<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

4:00 – 6:00 pm, October 15, 2025<\/p>\n

Panel Chair<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Steven Marshall<\/strong>
\nCFD Senior Expert
\nValeo Thermal Systems<\/strong>
\nAuburn Hills, Michigan<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Dr. Steve Marshall is the Senior CFD Expert at Valeo Thermal Systems in Auburn Hills, Michigan USA. He began his career with Valeo in 1994 at their HVAC production facility in Gorseinon, Wales, UK, immediately after completing his BEng and PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Swansea, Wales. He emigrated to Michigan with his family in 1999. Dr. Marshall has always strived to remain current with technological developments in simulation. Transportation Mobility and Electrification are no exception. He recently developed simulation techniques for modeling virus dispersion in city buses along with a simulation of a bus UVPurifier using Germicidal Irradiation as part of Valeo\u2019s mobility initiative during the Covid pandemic. This directly helped Valeo\u2019s production employees commute to their manufacturing plants more safely and also enabled civic transportation providers to keep the public safe on city buses. More recently as part of the electrification of automotive vehicles, Dr Marshall has been working on the simulation of dual layer and ram air control HVAC systems, both used to increase the vehicle\u2019s mi\/kWh for vehicles in the US and worldwide. Dr. Marshall plays as hard as he works, and enjoys renovating his family\u2019s cottage in the upper peninsula of Michigan, running, skiing, and snorkeling, depending on the season.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker I<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Markus Lewandrowski<\/strong>
\nResearch and Development Manager<\/strong>
\nZOLLER Inc.<\/strong>
\nWindsor, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Markus Lewandrowski<\/strong> is managing a research and development department, focusing on practical applications for advanced manufacturing software solutions. Engaged in developing cutting-edge automation solutions and processes that are patent-pending. Involved in optimizing the software development process, including DevOps, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), aiming at ISO 27001 standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) compliance. Providing sales support for automation solutions in North America and consulting for the aerospace, Department of Defense, and automotive industries to implement fully automated logistics and demand systems, with recent projects involving major players in aerospace, automotive, and satellite divisions. Experienced manufacturing technology specialist and consultant with expertise in industrial automation, AI, and RAG software development. Skilled in advising on shop floor automation, monitoring, and creating MES software for streamlined production workflows. Adept at CNC interfacing with controllers such as Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc, Mazak, Makino, and Okuma. Specialist in cobot, robot, AGV, and AMR integrations. Enthusiastic about leveraging AI-driven predictive analytics and RAG to boost manufacturing efficiency and operational excellence. Experienced General Manager with expertise in managing shop planning, sales, HR, maintenance, and IT. Skilled in managing engineering projects in ISO9001\/AS9100 certified environments. Proficient in 3D CAD design, finite element analysis (FEA), and hydroforming tool development. Expert in Microsoft Office 365, Power BI, Crystal Reports, Siemens NX, Tebis, WorkNC, CGTech Vericut, and SMIRT. Certified Tool and Die Maker with a strong background in designing and maintaining progressive dies, jigs, and fixtures for the automotive industry. Proven leadership in managing design teams and optimizing manufacturing processes.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker II<\/p>\n

Roman Honore<\/strong>
\nAI-Driven Quality & Manufacturing Expert<\/strong>
\nPrincipal @ Chemical Mechanix LLC<\/strong>
\nDetroit, Michigan, United States<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Panel Speaker III<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. M. Joseph Ogundu, Ph.D., MBA<\/strong>
\nChairman\/CEO<\/strong>
\nEmerald Global Consulting Inc.<\/strong>
\nFarmington Hills, Michigan \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Joseph Ogundu is the Chairman\/CEO of Emerald Global Consulting Inc., and he brings a wealth of experience in the areas of leadership, strategy development and deployment, risk management, project management, business process excellence, lean transformation, six-sigma, supply chain management, change management, industrial engineering, manufacturing\/process engineering, quality assurance and business restructuring\/turnaround. Dr. Ogundu is a quality and operations excellence practitioner with expertise in solving complex operations problems and delivering results. He provides operations excellence leadership, training and coaching in the following industries; automotive, oil and gas, manufacturing, consulting, energy and healthcare. Dr. Ogundu spent the early years of his career in leadership, engineering, and senior management positions as director and executive director at Country Coach Inc, process engineering manager at DaimlerChrysler AG, senior operations leader at Chrysler Corporation, facilities engineer and project manager at Ford Motor Company as well as senior product engineer at General Motors Corporation.<\/p>\n

Dr. Ogundu was adjunct professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering at both Lawrence Technological University, Southfield Michigan and Oakland University, Rochester Michigan, and adjunct professor of Business Administration at Kettering University, Flint Michigan. He thought courses in both undergraduate and graduate levels including courses in Lean Systems Application, Quality Assurance and Control, Total Quality Management, Operations Research and Stochastic Processes, Manufacturing Processes, Supply Chain Management, Supplier Quality, Business Statistics, Lean Six-Sigma, Production Planning and Control, Materials\/Inventory Management and Operations Management<\/p>\n

Dr. Ogundu graduated with a Doctorate Degree in engineering and manufacturing systems and Masters in business administration from Lawrence Technological University, Master\u2019s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Wayne State University and a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Industrial Engineering from University of Tennessee. Knoxville. He served as board member of Lawrence Tech University College of Management Alumni Association, Finer Cabinetry & Woodwork Inc., Citation Plastics, LLC., River State Foundation Inc., as well as Board member of Healthcare Management department at South University Novi, Michigan Campus, Vice President of Chapter Development Institute of Industrial Engineers SE Michigan\/Toledo Chapter. Dr. Ogundu is the author of the book \u201cThe Relationship between Types of Waste and Operating Performance Measures, published by Lambert Publishing company.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker IV<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Daw Alwerfalli<\/strong>
\nProfessor and Director of Master of Engineering Management Program<\/strong>
\nA. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
\nCollege of Engineering<\/strong>
\nLawrence Technological University<\/strong>
\nSouthfield, Michigan, USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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 \u201cLIFT\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker V<\/p>\n

\"AhadAli\"<\/a>Dr. Ahad Ali
\nAssociate Professor<\/strong>
\nDirector of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
\nDirector, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
\nDirector of Smart Manufacturing and Lean Systems Research Group<\/strong>
\nA. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
\nLawrence Technological University,\u00a0Southfield, Michigan, USA<\/strong>
\nExecutive Director, IEOM Society International<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Ahad Ali is an Associate Professor and Director of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in the A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering at the Lawrence Technological University, Michigan. Dr. Ali is the Director of Smart Manufacturing and Lean Systems Research Group. He earned B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh, Masters in Systems and Engineering Management from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Ali is the Executive Director of IEOM Society and Conference Chair of the Sixth International Conference on Industrial Engineering and operations Management, Kuala Lumpur 2016. He advised six doctorate students in Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems. Dr. Ali has published journal and conference papers. He was past President of IIE Lean Division. Dr Ali has done research projects with Chrysler, Ford, DTE Energy, Delphi Automotive System, GE Medical Systems, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC), National\/Panasonic Electronics, and Rockwell Automation. His research interests include quality, reliability, six sigma, manufacturing, simulation, optimization, scheduling, maintenance, e-manufacturing, lean, CAE and GD&T and. He is a member of ASEE, IEEE, IEOM, INFORMS, and SME.<\/p>\n

\n

Women in Industry and Academia (WIIA) Panel sponsored by Ford Motor Company<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

2:00 – 3:30 pm, October 16, 2025<\/strong>
\n\"\"
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Panel Chair<\/p>\n

Dr. Samira Keivanpour<\/strong>
\nAssociate Professor<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
\nPolytechnique Montr\u00e9al<\/strong>
\nMontr\u00e9al, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Saeideh Kazembeigi is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montr\u00e9al, under the supervision of Prof. David Melancon and Frederick Gosselin, specializing in origami-inspired deployable spacecraft reflectarray antennas. Her broader collaborations span aerospace, industrial engineering, and AI-enabled automation, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to inclusive innovation. Her path into engineering has been shaped by resilience and leadership as one of the few women in every room. She earned both her Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, the top engineering school in Iran. During her undergraduate studies, she was elected as the only woman to the Aerospace Student Scientific Association and co-led a team that won first place in the Engine Design category of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design Competition. In her Master\u2019s, she became the department\u2019s first female director of the Student Office for Aerospace Design Competitions, creating new opportunities for student teams. Later, as an R&D engineer on helicopter engines, she was again the only woman among twenty engineers. At Polytechnique Montr\u00e9al, she contributes actively to community and outreach. She co-founded the RISE \u2013 Powered by You initiative, a mentorship program supporting women in engineering, and leads the collaboration and visibility of her research group through academic and public platforms. In 2025, she delivered two public workshops\u2014The Genius Behind Origami\u2014funded by the Centre de Recherche sur les Syst\u00e8mes Polym\u00e8res et Composites \u00e0 Haute Performance (CREPEC).<\/p>\n

\n

Pegah Mehrabian is a final-year PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montr\u00e9al, under the supervision of Prof. Njuki Mureithi. She holds both Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, specializing in energy conversion. Her doctoral research focuses on fluid\u2013structure interaction in helical coil steam generators for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to making nuclear power a trustworthy component of sustainable energy strategies. She has presented her ideas at leading international conferences, including the International Symposium on Fluid-Structure Interactions (FIV 2024, Brazil), the ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference (PVP 2025, Montreal), and the Symposium on Fluid-Structure Interactions and Control (FSSIC 2025, Oshawa). In recognition of her academic excellence, she received the Bourses de Soutien Financier aux \u00c9tudes Doctorales (2023\u20132025) at Polytechnique. During over eight years of combined academic and industry experience, as both an R&D engineer and an HVAC design consultant, she addressed the importance of women\u2019s presence in engineering and the broader need for representation in technical fields. At Polytechnique, she co-founded the RISE \u2013 Powered by You, a student-led mentorship initiative dedicated to empowering women in sustainable engineering through mentorship, workshops, and community engagement. Her journey reflects both technical expertise and a passion for fostering inclusivity, resilience, and leadership in engineering communities. She is equally committed to visibility and advocacy for women in engineering.<\/p>\n

\n

Ghita El Anbri is a doctoral candidate in Industrial Engineering at \u00c9cole Polytechnique de Montr\u00e9al, specializing in additive manufacturing, logistics, and circularity in the aerospace industry. She was fast-tracked into the PhD program in recognition of her academic performance, having previously completed a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honors in Operations Management and Logistics at HEC Montreal. Her research spans product life cycle management, circular economy, and multi-criteria decision-making, with applications in aerospace and sustainable manufacturing. She has lectured at Polytechnique and HEC Montr\u00e9al, earning the award for Best Laboratory Lecturer from the Industrial Engineering Department (A\u00c9CSP) in 2024, and is a member of the graduate study council of Polytechnique. Ghita has been widely recognized for her academic and research contributions. In 2025, she was part of the winning team in the international Young Engineers Challenge, organized by SAMPE Europe and presented at JEC World 25 in Paris. She won the Woman Leadership Scholarship by Axium Infrastructure in 2024 and was named one of the 100 student leaders from 50 countries by AUF in 2023, won 2nd place in the EV Competition at the IEOM 2023 Conference, and received the Emerging Women in Aerospace Scholarship from CRIAQ and the Howmet Aerospace Foundation Women\u2019s Excellence Scholarship. In 2022, she led a Polytechnique\u2013HEC team to win 1st prize for poster presentation at the Space Resources Week in Luxembourg and was awarded the HEC Montr\u00e9al Sustainable Development Research Fund. Her expertise bridges industrial engineering, sustainability, and the integration of advanced manufacturing.<\/p>\n

\n

Negar Aghigh is a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montr\u00e9al, under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Therriault. With a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tehran, her direct doctoral studies specialize in multimaterial additive manufacturing of self-healing thermoplastic composites. Her project is in collaboration with the Multifunctional Composites Group of North Carolina State University, USA, led by Prof. Jason F. Patrick. With a background in manufacturing and automation, her research focuses on fused filament fabrication of smart materials, particularly sensors and heaters, with the goal of developing sustainable materials that offer improved durability and multifunctional performance. She serves as a teaching and laboratory assistant at Polytechnique Montreal and facilitates 3D printing workshops in schools and libraries across Quebec for the Centre de Recherche sur les Syst\u00e8mes Polym\u00e8res et Composites \u00e0 Haute Performance (CREPEC). Negar has received multiple academic and professional recognitions. In 2025, her team from Canada won the SAMPE Europe Young Engineers Challenge, presenting at JEC World 25 in Paris for innovation in sustainable composite engineering. She was awarded the PBEEE Scholarship (2024\u20132025) by the Fonds de recherche du Qu\u00e9bec for her doctoral research. At the University of Tehran, she ranked fourth among 125 students in the Mechanical Engineering program in 2023. In 2022, she earned fourth rank in the 27th National Student Scientific Olympiad in Mechanical Engineering. Earlier, she ranked in the top 0.2% nationwide in Iran\u2019s 2019 nationwide entrance exam for undergraduate studies.<\/p>\n

\n

Samira Keivanpour is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique Montr\u00e9al, holding a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management from the University of Tehran, as well as a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Universit\u00e9 Laval, Canada. She also worked as a postdoctoral researcher and professional researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universit\u00e9 Laval. She has previously been a sessional faculty member at Thompson Rivers University. As a member of CIRODD and CIRRELT, she actively contributes to several research projects. Her expertise includes operations management, logistics, Industry 4.0, expert systems, and artificial intelligence, with a primary focus on the \u201cIndustry of the Future and Digital Society,\u201d and complementary interests in \u201cEnvironment, Economy, and Society,\u201d as well as \u201cModeling and Artificial Intelligence.\u201d In this sense, she created and leads the Poly Circle X.0 Laboratory at Polytechnique Montreal. Her research focuses on digital innovation and sustainable operations, with key interests in circular economy and end-of-life product management, sustainable and circular supply chains, human-robot collaboration and smart automation in logistics, and the use of AI to drive sustainability in operations.<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Angie Lafferty, P. Eng.<\/strong>
\nGeneral Manager, Engineering & Skilled Trades<\/strong>
\nTRQSS, Inc.<\/strong>
\nTecumseh, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Angie Lafferty is the General Manager of Production Engineering at TRQSS Inc., where she leads a diverse team of engineers and skilled trades professionals in the areas of assembly automation, injection molding, and facilities planning. Based in Tecumseh, Ontario, TRQSS Inc. is part of the Tokai Rika Group, a leading supplier of automotive seat belt systems, serving primarily Toyota\u2019s North American assembly plants.\u00a0 Angie holds a BASc in Environmental Engineering from the University of Windsor and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario, Canada. With over 25 years of experience in product design and advanced manufacturing systems, she applies the Toyota Production System and lean design and development principles to drive operational excellence and innovation.\u00a0 She actively partners with local educational institutions on research initiatives to bridge academia and industry and serves on program advisory committees for local colleges, helping align technical curriculum with evolving workforce demands. Angie is also a dedicated advocate for diversity in engineering and skilled trades, working to create inclusive, opportunity-rich environments in technical fields.<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"Dr. Rupa Vasudevan<\/strong>
\nChancellor<\/strong>
\nBharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BEST IU)<\/strong>
\nAnantapur, Andhra Pradesh<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Rupa Vasudevan is an Educationist, Sociopreneur, Founder and Co-Chairperson of BEST Group (Gatti Valley Educational Institutions).\u00a0 She is the Chancellor of Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BEST IU), a State Private University established in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.<\/p>\n

Co-Founder and Director of Evergreen Naturals \u2013 EN, a company that focuses on cheaper availability of high-quality agricultural inputs to small and marginal farmers, monitoring growth and farming practices and helping in establishing forward and backward linkages in supply chain management. She is Appointed as one of the ten academicians in the General and Executive Council of Karnataka State Higher Education Council- KSHEC, apex body on education in the State. \u00a0Regional Co-Chair for ASSOCHAM \u2013 Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State.\u00a0 Founder and Global President of World Forum for Education, an independent non-profit organization working globally to advance sustainable development, humanitarian response and facilitating public good through Knowledge sharing and Education. Trustee of Apna Desh Foundation, a Foundation that spearheads initiatives, finding meaningful ways to make a difference to our farmers while documenting best traditional practices from rural areas of the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Honorary Trustee of Disha Bharat, a non-profit social organisation that works in the field of value education. Member, Governing Council of Indic Academy (INDICA) \u2013 a non-traditional University for traditional knowledge systems. And Member, Governing Council of India Foundation, New Delhi.<\/p>\n

\n

Global Supply Chain and Digital Transformation Panel<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

4:00 – 6:00 pm, October 16, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Panel Chair<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Guoqing Zhang<\/strong>
\nProfessor<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering<\/strong>
\nFaculty of Engineering<\/strong>
\nUniversity of Windsor<\/strong>
\nWindsor, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Guoqing Zhang, is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Windsor, and also the director of Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization Research Centre. He received his Ph.D. degree in Management Sciences from City University of Hong Kong in 2000. His recent research interests include optimization in supply chain management, logistics, algorithms design and development, RFID, and facility\/warehouse layout. He has published articles on those areas in journals such as Computational Optimization and Applications, IIE Transactions, European Journal of Operational Research, Computers and Operations Research, and Operations Research. He has served as a consultant to Auto, Energy, and Foods industries.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker I<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Bobin Wang<\/strong>
\nAssistant Professor<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
\nFaculty of Science and Engineering<\/strong>
\nUniversit\u00e9 Laval<\/strong>
\nQuebec, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Bobin Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Universit\u00e9 Laval. She holds her Ph.D. in Traffic and Transportation Planning and Management from Beijing Jiaotong University. Her research interests include travel mobility analysis, transportation and climate change, transportation network analysis, the integration of AI with decision-making theories, and econometric and statistical modeling. Dr. Wang has extensive research and professional experience across Asia, Europe, and North America. She has held two postdoctoral positions: one at the Department of Transport & Planning at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and another at the Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering at Polytechnique Montr\u00e9al. She has published in leading transportation journals, including Transportation Research Part A, Part D, Part F, and Transport Policy. As Principal Investigator (PI) of several national and provincial research projects in Canada, supported by NSERC and FRQNT, Dr. Wang is recognized as an emerging researcher in STEM<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker II<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dr. Saravanan Venkatachalam<\/strong>
\nAssociate Professor<\/strong>
\nIndustrial and Systems Engineering Department<\/strong>
\nWayne State University<\/strong>
\nDetroit, Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Saravanan Venkatachalam is an Associate Professor, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. His research and teaching focus on stochastic programming, large-scale optimization, and deep learning for optimization, with applications in supply chain planning, healthcare systems, pricing and revenue management, energy systems, and mobility. Before academia, he spent nine years in industry with JDA Software and Hewlett-Packard, where he developed and implemented decision-support systems across consumer support, supply chain management, transportation, and pricing\/revenue management domains. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Texas A&M University. His publications include work on decision-making under uncertainty, such as operations planning in supply chains, UAV routing, electric-vehicle charging-network planning, and air-traffic-flow management. His supply-chain scholarship advances risk-aware planning and replenishment through stochastic programming and large-scale optimization. His work develops two-stage formulations that capture demand and lead-time uncertainty, quantify downside risk (e.g., mean absolute semi-deviation), and propose scalable solution methods for coordinated replenishment and inventory balancing across multi-echelon networks. Recent projects extend these models with interactive decision support\u2014including explainable analytics and natural-language interfaces\u2014to help planners diagnose drivers of stockouts, evaluate mitigation strategies, and translate model insights into actionable plans.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker III<\/p>\n

\"\"Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan, PhD, E.I.T, SMIISE<\/strong>
\nAssociate Professor<\/strong>
\nAssociate Program Chair, Industrial Systems Engineering<\/strong>
\nFaculty of Engineering and Applied Science<\/strong>
\nUniversity of Regina<\/strong>
\nRegina, Saskatchewan, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan<\/strong>\u00a0is currently an Associate Professor and Associate Program Chair\u00a0of Industrial Systems Engineering at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Prior to this role, he served as a Lecturer\u00a0(September 2009 \u2013 August 2019) and later as an Assistant Professor\u00a0(September 2019 \u2013 December 2021) at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. He then joined the University of Regina as an Assistant Professor\u00a0(January 2022 \u2013 June 2025) before being promoted to his current position. Dr. Khan has contributed extensively to top-tier academic journals and Scopus-indexed conferences in areas such as supply chain management, sustainability, and engineering management. His research has been published in renowned journals, including\u00a0Business Strategy and the Environment<\/em>,\u00a0Supply Chain Management: An International Journal<\/em>,\u00a0IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management<\/em>,\u00a0Production Planning and Control<\/em>,\u00a0International Journal of Production Research<\/em>, and\u00a0Operations Management Research<\/em>, among others. He has also authored book chapters and published books with leading academic publishers such as Taylor & Francis and Emerald Publishing. Dr. Khan has successfully secured significant research funding and has supervised and co-supervised numerous graduate students at the master\u2019s and doctoral levels. His research continues to make a strong academic impact.<\/p>\n

\n

Panel Speaker IV<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dr. Leandro C. Coelho<\/strong>
\nFull Professor<\/strong>
\nChairholder, Canada Research Chair in Integrated Logistics<\/strong>
\nDepartment of Operations and Decision Systems<\/strong>
\nFaculty of Business<\/strong>
\nUniversit\u00e9 Laval<\/strong>
\nQuebec, Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Leandro C. Coelho is the Canada Research Chair in Integrated Logistics and a full professor at Universit\u00e9 Laval. He specializes in industrial emissions reduction projects, particularly in the field of urban mobility, and his projects have saved several thousand tons of greenhouse gas emissions. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is a member of the College of New Scholars of the Royal Society of Canada and co-founder of the MobilOpt group on Mobility Optimization, which specializes in optimizing sustainable mobility and works closely with several cities, ministries and public transport providers. He has several years of experience in industrial projects in Canada and abroad related to logistics challenges, particularly in mobility and greenhouse gas emissions. He holds the Canada research chair in integrated logistics and is interested in applying logistics and optimization techniques for the benefit of business and society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Panels Register: https:\/\/www.xcdsystem.com\/IEOM\/attendee\/index.cfm?ID=g5Y5HAk AI and Data Analytics Panel 2:00 – 3:30 pm, October 14, 2025 Panel Chair Andrea Yzeiri, MMA Chief Data & Analytics Officer and Lead AI Engineer Picsume Windsor, Ontario, Canada Andrea Yzeiri is the Chief Data & Analytics Officer and Lead AI Engineer at Picsume, a revolutionary hiring platform that transforms traditional […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-38","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38"}],"version-history":[{"count":131,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3354,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38\/revisions\/3354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/canada2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}