Innovation Showcase at Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) on Friday, November 15, will spotlight the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in our technology ecosystem.
The exhibit at NIU’s Engineering Building, 590 Garden Road, co-sponsored by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), highlights CEET’s status as a key resource for workforce development in the region.
The event starts with registration at 9:30 am and ends at 3:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. It includes tours of the building, research and project posters from students and professors on display, and remarks from CEET Dean Dave Grewell and program leaders from CEET’s various departments.
At 10 a.m., Grewell will open the event with remarks, followed by brief presentations from each of CEET’s six department and program leaders in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, engineering technology, biomedical engineering and mechatronics.
The day will be anchored by a panel discussion, “Leveraging AI and Machine Learning,” from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The 90-minute panel session will feature four professionals working in different facets of artificial intelligence: Chipp co-founder Scott Meyer; Greg McFalls, founder of McFalls Technical Solutions; Brian Freeman, senior data scientist at Trane Technologies; and Erin Rau, digital services commercialization leader in North America at Trane Technologies.
Visit the event calendar listing for biographies of each speaker and more information about the event.
Chipp helped NIU launch the first AI teachers in calculus, advising and physics. So far, about 80 students, mostly freshers, are part of CEET’s AI tutor pilot.
Grewell, who will serve as the panel’s moderator, said the topic is extremely important in understanding the latest developments and ethical considerations shaping the future of technology.
“It provides a unique opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions and understand the implications of AI for different industries,” said Grewell. “Participating in these types of discussions also promotes networking and collaboration among professionals who are passionate about innovation.”
“So many people, so many institutions are moving far too slowly in embracing the potential of AI,” he added. “There is a lot of fear, partly due to misunderstandings. We want to shed light on the potential of AI and the role each of us can play in realizing that potential.”
CEET Senior Associate Dean Mansour Tahernezhadi echoed Grewell’s perspective.
“AI is here to stay. How can we ensure that AI becomes an empowerment, a support mechanism for humanity and job creation and things like that, rather than AI being a threat?” said Tahernezhadi. “People are the guardians of innovation. AI can be a great supporter and accelerator of innovation, but a machine cannot innovate itself.”
IMEC President Dave Boulay said his organization is proud to partner with CEET on the Innovation Showcase.
“Our long-term partnership helps Illinois manufacturers tap into future talent and cutting-edge research,” said Boulay. “As AI reshapes industries, events like these are critical to driving innovation and preparing the workforce to keep manufacturers competitive.”
Headquartered in Peoria, IMEC has four other office locations throughout the state, including one in the Chick Evans Field House on NIU’s DeKalb campus.
Innovation Showcase is free and open to the public. If you plan to attend, please register before November 11e to Matt Baron, CEET director of marketing and communications, at mbaron@niu.edu.
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) serves as the U.S. Department of Commerce’s NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. IMEC is a team of industry improvement specialists committed to providing Illinois manufacturers with solutions, tools and resources to create a sustainable, competitive future.
IMEC stimulates growth through excellent companies and helps organizations become more effective and efficient through tailor-made solutions and support. In 2023, they served more than 2,500 businesses and helped create or retain more than 5,200 jobs, resulting in a total impact of more than $650 million on the Illinois economy.
