The IEEE WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor series highlights a dedicated WIE volunteer who is well known for their notable contributions to IEEE WIE.
In this issue, we feature Samantha Lubaba Noor, Fault Isolation Engineer at Intel and IEEE WIE Reskill and Upskill webinar/workshop lead.
IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?
Noor: “Since joining IEEE WIE as an undergraduate in 2012, I progressed from Bangladesh Section volunteer to global committee member. These roles taught me to bring people together around shared goals and turn ideas into action. My journey with WIE has strengthened my confidence and connected me with inspiring women worldwide, which has helped my personal and professional growth.”
IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?
Noor: “The initiative I’m most excited about is IEEE WIE’s Reskill and Upskill Workshop Series, which I started moderating in 2024 and continue to support through committee service and moderation. The original objective of the series was to introduce female engineering students to emerging technologies and diverse research arenas. As the series developed, we expanded its scope to include career development for early-career women, pairing technical learning with practical guidance on evolving career paths.
The workshop covers a broad range of research fields, including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, semiconductor devices, implantable devices, robotics, sustainability, and cybersecurity. The webinars feature experts from leading tech companies and universities, bringing both industry and academic perspectives to participants. Each webinar attracts significant participation from around the globe. The positive feedback I receive from the audience at each event motivates me to continue this work.
By broadening access to emerging technology education and career guidance, I believe, the series helps prepare a more skilled, connected, and inclusive global engineering workforce.”
IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?
Noor: “One significant challenge in my professional journey was moving from doctoral research in photonic integrated circuits to an industry role in product fault isolation at Intel. The semiconductor industry is fast-paced, and the learning curve is steep. Keeping pace required intensive training and self-directed study. Guidance from colleagues was also valuable during the early stages of my transition.
This experience taught me that learning something new can be challenging, but it becomes more meaningful when I identify useful resources, ask for support, and take an active role in my own development.”
IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?
Noor: “I stay current by regularly reading peer-reviewed journal papers and conference proceedings in my field and attending relevant conferences. In my role at Intel, I also participate in internal research poster sessions, where colleagues share emerging work and early-stage developments that may not yet be commercially available. These activities help me connect academic research with industry innovation.”
IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?
Noor: “Mentorship helps young professionals build confidence, set goals, and learn from someone else’s experience. It can also help them understand workplace expectations and explore career options.
When mentoring others, I listen first to understand their interests and challenges. I share practical lessons from my experience, offer clear and honest feedback, and help them consider useful next steps. I encourage them to ask questions, take on new opportunities, and make their own decisions. My goal is to support them as they grow more confident and independent.”
