(This text has been taken from the December 2016 issue of Member News)
IET volunteers, with support from IET staff, are continually working to increase the presence of Local Networks (LNs) in the Americas.
At the heart of this work is the IET’s mission: to inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community, supporting technology innovation to meet the needs of society. Here’s a roundup of the latest activities in the Americas region.
New England
The New England LN recently collaborated with the local IEEE Chapter at two major events: The World Maker Faire in New York and the Women in Engineering Eastern Forum. At both events, and for the first time, the Network made IET torch kits with children. They were a huge hit, introducing engineering and the IET to the next generation and their families.
Toronto
The Toronto LN appointed a new Chair in September, Rose Almond MIET, a young professional and the first female Chair of an Americas LN Committee. The network continues to organise some great activities, most notably hosting the regional Present Around The World (PATW) Final. In December it will be running a joint Christmas lecture with the IMechE on medical engineering.
Southern California
The South California LN continues to be one of the most active IET networks in the region. Highlights include: a tour of WET design, a SpaceX tour and an event for potential Present Around The World competitors sponsored by Arup. South California have also built a strong online community and continue to be a great example of a Local Network that actively communicates with the wider engineering community. With a new Chairman, Russ Burnham CEng MIET, at the helm, the future looks exciting for this network.
Northern California
The Northern California LN welcomed a new Chair, Allan Casey CEng FIET, who attended the 2016 Global Volunteer Conference in July. Allan and the Committee’s remit is to explore opportunities to grow, as Northern California remains a small network. The LN is involved in the IET’s Present Around The World competition for young professionals and students. They are proud that the winner of the Present Around The World global final is one of their own, Sean Lubner, based at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Northern California.
Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidad and Tobago LN have been building relationships with local universities. The IET has expanded its accreditation presence in Trinidad and Tobago, renewing the University of the West Indies Electrical and Computer Engineering programmes and accrediting the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s programmes. The LN is also the proud winner of the ‘Most Operationally Excellent Network in the Americas 2016 Award’ presented at the 2016 Global Volunteer Conference in July.
Want to get involved in your Local Network activities? Find your nearest LN on our interactive map.
