The Bridge - Issue 2, 2020 - 5

Editors-in-Chief

Dr. Sahra Sedigh
Sarvestani
Beta Chapter

Dr. Steve E.
Watkins
Gamma Theta Chapter

COVID-19

The Bridge, May 2020
Letter from the Editors-in-Chief

IEEE-HKN Pivots to Online Programming and
Resources to Support Members and Chapters

Dear Eta Kappa Nu Members and Friends,

As closures, quarantines, and online university classes became the norm, IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
quickly delivered resources for its Chapters ensuring those who earned membership in
HKN could still take part in the Honor Society's rituals and events even though they may
not be able to meet in-person.

The theme of this issue is "Beyond Engineering," and it aims to highlight careers
for and contributions by engineers who ventured outside the boundaries of
what is typically associated with engineering. The COVID-19 pandemic makes
this theme especially timely. Engineers of all stripes are playing a critical role
in mitigating the crisis-from modeling contagion to rapid prototyping of
personal protective equipment and infection testing devices. Social distancing
measures have led to online teaching, learning, socializing, and even medical
examinations. The technology enabling this transition is an obvious example
of direct and tangible contributions made by engineers.

A page was added to our website to inform our
members of resources, recommendations and
virtual options for Chapter operations and member
experiences. We created a Remote Induction
Ceremony that holds fast to the Induction Ritual
that has been in use since 1904.

In our first feature article, Mr. Russ Harrison, the Director of IEEE-USA
Government Relations, describes other ways in which engineers can change the
world. It serves as an engaging and enlightening reminder of how engineering
expertise can serve as the foundation for leadership and prominence in the
crafting of public policy, legislation, and international standards. In each of these
activities, an engineer can be tasked with charting the course for developing
new technologies and understanding associated constraints. Our student
profile introduces Mr. Mike Lau, a young engineer whose education in
electrical engineering is complemented by political science.

A tutoring initiative and ideas for community service
and social event opportunities are helping Chapter
members stay connected with one another and
their communities. The worldwide IEEE-HKN Tetris
Tournament has proven quite successful in bringing
the global HKN community together; as has a
series of web-based workshops led by industry and
academic leaders that are free and open to all HKN
members worldwide.

Our second feature article discusses intellectual property-an aspect of
engineering careers that individual engineers often overlook, at our own peril.
Mr. Orin E. Laney, the owner of Atwood Research and former member and
chair of the IEEE-USA Intellectual Property Committee, writes from first-hand
experience, as he underscores the importance of understanding and striving for
fairness in intellectual property clauses in employment agreements.

HKN will hold an Online Graduation Celebration
honoring the members of the Class of 2020, many
of whom will not have on-campus Commencement
Ceremonies. All graduating seniors and their families
will be invited to participate in the ceremony on 30
May, which will feature a Commencement Address

from Dr. Henry Samueli, an HKN Eminent Member
and the Chairman of Broadcom Inc.
Our HKN family is strong and supportive, and
we thank you for being a part of it. Our resources
are impacted by the protective measures currently
in place. If you would like to make a donation
to support HKN and our Chapters, please visit
HKN's donation page (organized through the IEEE
Foundation) and choose the Operational Fund
from the drop-down menu.

Outstanding exemplars of "engineering society" are found in the Eminent
Member category of IEEE-HKN, who are by definition "great benefactors of their
fellow men." This issue's history spotlight describes this designation within IEEEHKN. See the IEEE-HKN website for the full list of these remarkable engineers.
Reading about excellence is an inspiring antidote to the gloom that can
accompany these challenging days. We hope you share the joy that we take in
honoring excellence as you read about the winners of our Senior Design Poster
Competition, Outstanding Chapter Awards, and Outstanding Student Award.
We wish each of you health, fortitude, and resilience and look forward to the
brighter days that are certain to follow. Enjoy this issue!

THE BRIDGE

On24 Pathways to Industry Webpage

Virtual Operations Webpage

HKN.ORG

https://hkn.ieee.org/chapters/chapter-operations/resources-for-virtual-operations/ https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2313379/BB3E620FAF99E73E91BCFA3A33321C6C?partnerref=BridgeHKN https://www.ieeefoundation.org/ieee_hkn https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2313379/BB3E620FAF99E73E91BCFA3A33321C6C?partnerref=BridgeHKN https://hkn.ieee.org/get-involved/awards/eminent-member-recognition/ https://hkn.ieee.org/ https://hkn.ieee.org/

The Bridge - Issue 2, 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Bridge - Issue 2, 2020