The world's leading technical professional association to advance excellence in innovation, technology and allied sciences for the benefit of humanity - IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers) - recently conducted a successful student branch networking event at CQUniversity Rockhampton.

The event was held to foster benefits and opportunities for members and to advance respective professions.

Members and guests network at the IEEE event

Students and staff members from the areas of computing, information technology, mathematics, engineering and science were invited.

The event enabled existing and prospective members to network with people from similar disciplines and to find out how each can get involved with the IEEE activities.

The event was sponsored by IEEE Queensland Division as a part of its membership drive. On the day, about 25 students and staff members from varying disciplines were present and signed up for membership.

The chief guest was Professor Kevin Tickle, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Business, Informatics and Education.

The event was graced by Dr Shawkat Ali (Student Counsellor, IEEE CQUniversity Branch), Dr Amanullah Maung Than Oo (Advisor, IEEE CQUniversity Branch), Dr Andrew Chiou, Dr Ananda Jeeva, Dr Yang Xiang, Dr Sanath Alahakoon, Dr Lily Li, Dr Ashfaqur Rahman, Dr Tasadduq Imam, Dr Ronald Dodd, Mitchell McClanachan, Clinton Hayes and other staff members of the University.

Professor Kevin Tickle addresses the audience

IEEE CQUniversity Branch Student Counsellor Dr Shawkat Ali introduced the student branch members to the chief guest and the audience.

In his welcome speech, Professor Tickle mentioned the diversity of disciplines represented among the members of the society and the networking opportunities available both at national and international level.

Dr Mark Griffin, Student Activities Chair at Queensland Chapter, addressed the audience through an ISL linkage. He introduced several student branches in Queensland and the possibilities to link with industries through IEEE members.

Dr Griffin encouraged appropriate student members to take the opportunity to apply for the IEEE Thesis Award which not only provides a certificate of reward but also recognises the effort a student puts forward for an undergraduate thesis.

Later on, Dr Shawkat Ali presented the activities and scope of work within IEEE and its technical societies.

From the student members, Ashfaque Chowdhury, Gang Liu and Silvio Cesare have been nominated as the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer of the Student Branch for the year 2009-2010.

Next year, the new committee aims to organise several technical sessions, industry visits and networking sessions for the continued professional development of the members.

CQUniversity students and staff members from the fields of computing, information technology, mathematics, engineering and science are welcome to join this eminent technical society.

IEEE members at the event