Abstract: This transformative webinar explores the art of strategic influence as a cornerstone for professional growth and success. Participants will learn how to effectively persuade, inspire trust, and shape decisions through powerful communication and influence techniques. Whether you’re aiming to build your personal brand, advocate for change, or unlock new opportunities, this session equips you with the confidence and skills to take your career to new heights.
Speakers: Dr. Karen Panetta, Dr. Jessica Bian
Bios:
Dr. Karen Panetta received the B.S. degree in computer engineering from Boston University, Boston, MA, USA, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Northeastern University, Boston. She is currently the Dean of Graduate Engineering Education and a Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA. She also holds a secondary
appointments in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and a Visiting Faculty appointment in the Tufts School of Dental
Medicine. She is the Director of the Panetta Vision and Sensing System Laboratory. Her research interests include developing efficient algorithms for Artificial Intelligence, simulation, modeling, signal, and image processing for biomedical, security and conservation applications. She was a recipient of the 2023 IEEE-HKN Asad M. Madni award for Outstanding Technical Leadership and Excellence, the 2012 IEEE Ethical Practices Award and the Harriet B. Rigas Award for Outstanding Educator. In 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Award for Engineering and Science Education and Mentoring by U.S. President Obama for her Nerd Girls Program to empower young women in STEM. She was the Vice President of the IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society. Karen was the 2019 President of IEEE-HKN (Eta Kappa Nu) honor society and 2021-2022 IEEE Awards Board Chair. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine. She was the IEEE-USA Vice-President of communications and public affairs and Vice-President of the IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society. From 2007 to 2009, she served as the Worldwide Director for the IEEE Women in Engineering, overseeing the world’s largest professional organization supporting women in engineering and science. She is the editor-in-chief of the award winning IEEE WIE Magazine and co-author of the book, “Count Girls In.” Karen is the CEO and Co- founder of Tessera Intelligence Inc. and Co-inventor of the first Digital Twin. She is a Fellow of NAI, IEEE, AAIA, NASA JOVE and AAAS and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Her passion is utilizing her engineering knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Karen has advised world leaders and led humanitarian projects around the globe to change lives, help communities thrive and to protect the environment.
Dr. Jessica Bian is a visionary leader and architect. She has spearheaded the electric power industry’s reliability metrics and grid risk assessment. She is currently CTO at RAS Fusion. Before that, she was with Grid-X Partners, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington, DC. Previously, she was the Director of Performance Analysis at North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Under her leadership, a total of 18 industry-wide reliability indicators were established to determine grid reliability, adequacy, and associated risks. She is widely recognized as a pioneer and trusted world leader in the field. She is a Fellow of IEEE, and a member of US National Academy of Engineering. She serves as the 2024-2025 Chair of IEEE Industry Engagement Committee. She was the 2022-2023 President of the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES).
