IEEE LeapForward is a mentorship and engagement initiative connecting engineering students across SMU, UT Dallas, UT Arlington, UNT, and Collin College with industry professionals in the Dallas IEEE community. Through a recurring series of technical talks, hands-on workshops, and networking events, LeapForward bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice — giving students direct access to mentorship, career guidance, and real-world industry insight.
Rather than a one-time conference, LeapForward is built as a continuing multiple-event series designed to build lasting community and momentum across the academic year, spanning technical talks, career-focused workshops (like mock interviews), and industry networking opportunities.
Technical Talk
Talk by Dr. Neena Imam on Quantum Computing technologies (specific topic will be updated soon)
About the Speaker
Neena Imam is the inaugural Director of the O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) at SMU, a role central to advancing the university’s commitment to data-driven education and next-generation computational research. Prior to joining SMU, she was the Director of Strategic Researcher Engagement at NVIDIA Corporation, where she partnered with academic researchers to accelerate GPU-enabled applications in AI and machine learning. Earlier, Neena served as a Distinguished Scientist and Director of Research Collaboration in the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Her work at ORNL focused on high-performance computing, emerging microelectronics, and post-Moore’s Law architectures. She has authored and co-authored many scientific publications, has been invited to speak and serve on panels at major conferences, and remains active in professional organizations supporting research and education in HPC and AI. Neena earned her Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, following Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in the same field from Case Western Reserve University and the California Institute of Technology. She also served as a Science and Technology Fellow for Senator Lamar Alexander in Washington, D.C. from 2010 to 2012.
Co-sponsored by: IEEE CommSoc Student Leadership Conference
6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75205, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/569853