IEEE SSCS Oregon Chapter May Meeting and Seminar

Join us for a talk from SSCS Distinguished Lecturer Prof. Georges Gielen from KU Leuven on Thursday, May 28th, 2026. The seminar will be held from 9:00am to 10:00am (PST) via a Virtual format. Please register for the meeting link and information.

Topic:

Who will design tomorrow’s analog integrated circuits: humans or AI-based synthesis?

Abstract:

Analog/mixed-signal integrated circuits are key in applications where electronics interface with the physical world. The design of analog circuits, however, is time consuming and prone to errors, often requiring multiple redesign cycles. The rebirth of AI and machine learning, and the recent rise of generative AI methods, on the other hand, create a whole new spectrum of techniques to automate this process. This invited talk will explore the high potential of using advanced machine learning (ML) techniques to automatically synthesize and lay out analog integrated circuits. What is hype and what will be feasible? Will we still need analog designers in the future and how will they operate?

Speaker Biography:

Georges G.E. Gielen received the MSc and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium, in 1986 and 1990, respectively. Currently, he is Full Professor in the MICAS research division at the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven. From August 2013 until July 2017 he served as Vice-Rector for the Group of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. In 2018 he was visiting professor at UC Berkeley and Stanford University. From 2020 to 2024 he served as Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven. His research interests are in the design of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, and especially in analog and mixed-signal CAD tools and design automation, including modeling, simulation, optimization and synthesis as well as testing. He is a frequently invited speaker/lecturer and coordinator/partner of several (industrial) research projects in this area, including an ERC Advanced Grant. He has (co-)authored 10 books and more than 700 publications in edited books, international journals and conference proceedings. He is a 1997 Laureate of the Belgian Royal Academy of Sciences, Literature and Arts in the discipline of Engineering. He is Fellow of the IEEE since 2002, and received the IEEE CAS Mac Van Valkenburg award in 2015 and the IEEE CAS Charles Desoer award in 2020, as well as the EDAA Achievement Award in 2021. He is an elected member of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium in the class of Technical Sciences, and of the Academia Europaea.

Shudipto Konika Dishari, Ross McCollum Associate Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract:

Advancing the design of electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices is critical to generating electricity in a clean, sustainable manner for industry, transportation sectors, and beyond. Achieving these goals requires not only a deep understanding of state-of-the-art materials but also the development of more efficient next-generation alternatives that are both efficient and sustainable.

This talk will highlight our efforts to harness nature’s arts for a greener start in energy conversion and storage devices. Specifically, I will present our efforts to leverage plant-based feedstocks and nature-inspired design principles to create unique, durable, fluorine-free solid polymer electrolytes to boost ion transport at electrode interfaces and membranes.

Agenda:

• 12:30 Chair Makes Announcements and Introduces the Speaker
• 12:35-1:15 Speaker gives presentation
• 1:15-1:30 Q&A by the speaker, and final comments by the Chair

In person session of the monthly IEEE Oregon Section Executive Committee.

The IEEE Oregon Section Young Professionals (YP) and Women in Engineering (WIE) affinity groups are excited to host this in-person event at Portland State University for all EE/ECE students!

This is a great opportunity for students to informally interact with, and learn from, three IEEE young professionals who were in the same shoes not too long ago. All EE/ECE students are strongly encouraged to attend and bring in all their school- or career-related questions they are looking to get some insights for!

There will be FREE food and drinks :)