1st Speaker: Dr. Urenna Onyewuchi, Power Engineer at Corning, Inc.

Title: Applying Academic Learning to Manufacturing

Abstract:
Engineering teaches you to work methodically by applying specific principles and theories. The theories present a good starting point to solve problems but the solution is often in the details. This is why automation can’t solve every problem. There are applications to the concepts learnt in electrical engineering classes: electromagnetics, sensor networks, Fourier analysis. Never be content with learning concepts and not applications. Applications may be found online, but discussions with working-class engineers and fellow students substantiate them. The individuals who perform strongly at work are rarely the very smart people. In a manufacturing company like Corning Incorporated they are those who solve process issues either by themselves or in groups, and those who have built strong relationships in the company. Each problem you solve saves the company some dollars. You get accolades for that. Think thoroughly about your design projects. Be creative in your designs and you will be steps closer to succeeding in a manufacturing setting.

Bio:

Urenna Onyewuchi started working at Corning Incorporated in September 2012 after completing her doctorate degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech also in 2012. Her work at Corning includes managing a project on facility power quality monitoring (PQM) and PQM data analysis for decision-making on electrical protection of process equipment and on electrical energy procurement. She is also involved in short circuit current rating (SCCR) analysis for cabinets, process power engineering analysis, and other facility power work.

Her specialization in the ECE Ph.D. program was in asset management of power systems, where she worked under Prof. Miroslav Begovic. Urenna wrote reports and papers on probabilistic frameworks and methodologies for managing environmentally stressed aging assets in electric power utilities. She enjoys modeling electrical processes, developing algorithms on reliability and maintenance of power components, and learning about all things related to power.

Outside of work, Urenna reads fiction, manuals on process power and facility power, and recently, patents. She likes working with nice people.

2nd Speaker: Adedoyin Oyelaran (Doyin), Plant Engineering Manager at Corning, Inc.

Title: You’d Be Surprised: You really can apply classroom studies to real life

Abstract:

Students and recent graduates often wonder how directly their classroom training translates to the real world. The reality is that you use more of your training than you may have been led to believe. While your mileage will likely vary, sooner or later, you will have to refer back to some course content, physics concept, textbook, or lecture in order to solve a problem.

Corning Incorporated, being a technology and manufacturing company with 160+ years of innovation, requires that you think creatively to solve complex problems. In fact, part of what makes Corning Incorporated unique is the affinity for complex, hard-to-duplicate engineering and manufacturing processes.  These often require the best and brightest to have recall of their training.

It matters very little what your role is. If you remain in engineering, you would be surprised how much of your training you use. At the very least, you will use the mechanics of learning engrained in you during your matriculation through engineering school to learn new concepts, adapt to changing technology, and arrive at unique solutions. I’ll share an overview of my journey from school to my current role.

Bio:

Adedoyin Oyelaran (Doyin) has 17 years of service with Corning Incorporated. This includes six internships through both undergraduate and graduate schools. Doyin has undergraduate degrees in physics and electrical engineering from Morehouse College and Rensselaer, respectively. He has an M.Sc. in electrical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

Doyin joined Corning shortly after his M.Sc. studies that were focused on optical data storage. He has been in a number of Corning Incorporated’s businesses in a variety of engineering roles.  He is currently the plant engineering manager in Corning Incorporated’s Life Sciences manufacturing facility in Oneonta, NY where he is responsible for all engineering and maintenance.

He enjoys building and riding road bicycles, playing Scrabble, reading and spending time with his wife and three-year-old son.