CIMST Participates in IEEE Nexus Student Leadership Conference

Event Details

  • Venue: Illinois Institute of Technology, Kent School of Law
    565 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661-3691
  • Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Conference Overview

The 2026 IEEE Nexus Region 4 Annual Student Leadership Conference (SLC) brought together student leaders, young professionals, and IEEE volunteers from across Region 4. The conference focused on leadership development, professional growth, and technical inspiration, offering participants a dynamic environment to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Attendees engaged in a wide range of activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry professionals and IEEE leaders. The conference empowered students to develop skills, connections, and vision for impactful careers and meaningful service.

A group of participants wearing lanyards with name badges stand on stage in a warmly lit conference room.

CIMST Student Participation

Under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, three graduate students from the Computer Science program in the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST) presented their research at the conference:

  • Sheetal Kumar
  • Ozgur Gurbuz
  • Jyothi Lakshmi Nagaraj

 Sheetal Kumar, Chicago State University CIMST student, stands behind a podium while presenting a slide deck on Malware Detection in Cybersecurity.

Ozgur Gurbuz, Chicago State University CIMST student, stands at a podium at the Chicago-Kent College of Law, giving a presentation in front of a large screen. The slide shown is titled "Problem Statement," and the background wall behind the speaker is covered in a banner featuring a step-and-repeat of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and 'Women in Engineering' (WIE) logos.

Jyothi Lakshmi Nagaraj, Chicago State University CIMST student, stands at a podium at the Chicago-Kent College of Law, giving a presentation in front of a large screen. The presentation slide is titled 'Introducing the Digital Twin' and features a diagram showing a bidirectional flow of data between a 'Physical Patient' and a 'Digital Twin' (a virtual model), with labels describing it as a 'Flight Simulator for Health.' The background wall behind the speaker features a step-and-repeat of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and 'Women in Engineering' (WIE) logos.

Student Experience

Participating students shared:

“I had an amazing experience at the event. It provided a fantastic platform to present my research and engage in meaningful discussions. The experience significantly boosted my confidence and allowed me to connect with new people while learning from their technical expertise.”- Sheetal Kumar

“It was my first IEEE event, and I had a very positive experience. I had the opportunity to meet many people and build new connections, which made the event highly engaging. Presenting my paper on machine learning–based anomaly detection was especially valuable and contributed to my academic growth. The event was well organized, and everything ran smoothly. Overall, it was a great experience, and I look forward to attending similar events in the future.”-Ozgur Gurbuz

“It was an exceptionally enriching experience, offering a valuable platform to present my research and engage with fellow researchers, peers, and industry professionals. The discussions and feedback I received were insightful and will significantly contribute to refining my work.” – Jyothi Nagaraj

Sheetal, Jyothi, and Ozgur stand side-by-side for a photo in front of a step-and-repeat of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and 'Women in Engineering' (WIE) logos.

Highlights of the Conference

The conference featured a diverse range of sessions, including:

  • ARM technology demonstrations
  • Leadership and career development discussions
  • Technical panels and interactive workshops

A standout session was the Women in Engineering panel, titled “Engineering Your Path: Leadership, Technical Mastery & Entrepreneurship,” which provided valuable insights into career growth, leadership, and innovation.

Additionally, networking sessions and training workshops further enhanced the overall learning experience, allowing students to connect with peers and professionals across disciplines.

A group of four panelists sit on a brightly lit stage, with one woman in a purple shirt speaking into a microphone while the others listen.

A group of conference participants stand on stage holding a blue fabric banner that reads "IEEE-Eta Kappy Nu."

Conclusion

The conference was exceptionally well-organized and intellectually stimulating, providing CSU students with meaningful opportunities to present their work and expand their professional networks. Participation in events like the IEEE Nexus SLC reflects CIMST’s ongoing commitment to student success, research engagement, and professional development.

 

 
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