10 Years of Engineering Diversity, Moving Beyond 5G, October 24th throughout the year, and more!

Student Profile – Kevin Hong

Kevin HongMeet Kevin Hong, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University (SJSU) with a passion for cars and engineering. Growing up in Oakland, CA, Kevin’s journey began with building Lego cars and trucks, watching “Top Gear,” and diving deep into the technical explanations offered by YouTuber Engineering Explained. His fascination with how and why things work laid the foundation for a career in mechanical engineering.

Kevin’s high school Creative Technology class introduced him to design and manufacturing, igniting his interest further. But it was joining SJSU’s Formula SAE team that truly put him on the fast track. Initially starting with little knowledge, Kevin learned by doing—designing sprockets and axles for the team’s race car. His hands-on work in the shop, supported by dedicated mentors at Spartan Racing, helped him develop confidence and expertise. This practical experience, Kevin says, has been an incredibly rewarding part of his education.

Last summer, Kevin interned at Kleinfelder, a civil engineering firm that gave him a new perspective on how engineering impacts everyday life. His role involved assisting engineers in ensuring transmission lines were up to code and interpreting historical data. While civil engineering wasn’t his original focus, the experience opened Kevin’s eyes to the breadth of engineering and its applications beyond just technology.

Kevin advises other students not to limit their education to just the classroom. “Don’t fail your classes, but definitely work on projects outside of them,” he says. Encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones, build practical skills, and communicate with others to open doors to new opportunities—just as he did in landing his internship.

Like many, Kevin has faced doubts, especially when it comes to leadership. Now tasked with leading a team, he’s learning to overcome feelings of inadequacy by acknowledging that he’s still early in his career and that leadership is a skill developed over time. “Take a breather and acknowledge your situation. Not everyone is perfect, and the best way to learn is through mistakes,” he says.

Kevin’s ultimate goal isn’t defined by a specific job title but by a desire to broaden his horizons. “I want to learn as much as I can about the world,” he shares. “Engineering doesn’t just teach technical skills—it teaches problem-solving and other life lessons that will help me grow both personally and professionally.”

Even though Kevin has only started his sophomore year, he is off to a great start and deep understanding of the industry he will be joining after graduating in 2027.

10th Annual Conference on Engineering Diversity

Conference for Engineering Diversity (CED)This past weekend, the Conference for Engineering Diversity (CED) marked a huge milestone by celebrating the 10th anniversary of the event. In 2014, a group of students came together with the idea of creating a conference that would help spread awareness and create opportunities for engineering students at SJSU from diverse backgrounds. CED started with only a few sponsors and less than 100 participants but soon grew into an event that encouraged an unexpected number of individuals to attend. Fast forward to 2024, the conference had over 750 registered participants, spanning the entire second floor of the Student Union, and gave out over $10,000 in raffle prizes, innovative competition awards, and scholarships, all of which built into a day of connections for those hungry to network. With over 15 participating companies from CSI and Core Builders to Lockheed Martin and Berkeley Labs, this year’s conference was able to put on workshops, resume reviews, offer free headshots from professional photographers, and network. This was an incredible day full of opportunities and support not only for the diverse SJSU campus but for other higher education properties around the Bay Area to enjoy.

“The organizers of the event would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible volunteers for their efforts in making this year’s conference the best one yet! CED volunteers elevated the experience for attendees by going the extra mile to make everyone feel welcomed, supported, and included.  A lasting impact was made on the success of the conference through the dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism of the volunteers. Thank you all for your support and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to do it without you and we can’t thank you enough,” said Mathew Stowe, Director of MESA and Students Programs Minority Engineering Program.

Historical Events on October 24

October 24 Events banner

1861: the first transcontinental telegraph line was completed in the United States, connecting the West to East coast
1885: Alice Perry was born, she was the first woman to receive a degree in engineering in Europe
1946: the V-2 No. 13 rocket took the first photo of Earth from outer space
2007:  Chang’e 1 was the first satellite in the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program that was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It was named after the Chinese moon goddess

The Future of Connectivity: Understanding 6G and Its Potential Impact on Technology and Applications – Prof. Ahmed Banafa

6G potential6G technology, though still in its conceptual phase, promises to revolutionize telecommunications and digital infrastructure in ways that far surpass 5G. This emerging technology will offer many benefits to the public, including faster data rates, more reliable connections, immersive experiences such as virtual reality, augmented reality, holographic communication, 3D digital spaces, and better remote work, improved healthcare, superior education, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 6G will reduce the need to travel for work, leisure, education, or healthcare, which will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

From terahertz frequencies enabling ultra-fast data transmission to AI-driven networks with sub-millisecond latency, 6G will unlock unprecedented capabilities like real-time holographic communication, autonomous systems, and immersive extended reality experiences. Read more about the exciting future of 6G and discover how it could redefine the way we live, work, and interact.

Read the full article.

 

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