Purdue IE Shows Up Strong at NSBE 2025 Conference in Chicago
Purdue IE Shows Up Strong at NSBE 2025 Conference in Chicago
Last month, Purdue's Industrial Engineering (IE) community made a powerful impact at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 2025 Annual Convention in Chicago. With over 100 Purdue Engineering undergraduates and more than 30 graduate students, faculty, and staff in attendance, the Boilermaker presence was impossible to miss.
Dean of Engineering Arvind Raman with NSBE Founders (Chicago Six) and Purdue students, staff and faculty who raise four fingers to represent Purdue’s home in NSBE Region 4.
Held at McCormick Place, the NSBE Convention brought together over 15,000 attendees from across the country for four days of career development, community-building, and celebration of Black excellence in STEM. From the bustling career fair featuring more than 400 exhibitors to inspiring research presentations and professional workshops, the energy was electric—and Purdue IE was right in the middle of it.
Aliya Scott, Graduate Program Leader and IE mentor, noted the “positivity and confidence” Purdue students brought to the event. “You could tell they came in prepared—not just collecting swag, but having real conversations and making solid connections,” she said.
Daniel Roberts, IE academic advisor and doctoral student in Leadership and Innovation, emphasized the motivational atmosphere: “Attending the recent NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Conference in Chicago was an inspiring and energizing experience. Walking into the convention center and seeing thousands of bright, ambitious students eager to make an impact in STEM was truly uplifting," he said. "One of the most exciting aspects was seeing top companies actively looking for diverse talent. From Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, recruiters were eager to engage with students, offering internships, full-time positions, and mentorship opportunities. The energy in the career fair was unmatched students came prepared, ready to showcase their skills, and companies were just as eager to connect with them."
Roberts also emphasized that the conference was not only about career advancement, but also about celebrating Black excellence in engineering and technology: "It was a testament to the power of opportunity, preparation, and a shared commitment to success. Looking ahead, it’s exciting to think about how these talented individuals will continue to break barriers and drive innovation in their respective fields.”
Elliott Sigal Rising Star Associate Professor, Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Brandon Pitts, Maya Luster, Nuela Enebechi, Professor Barrett Caldwell, and James J. Solberg Head and Ransburg Professor Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Young-Jun Son
John A Edwardson Dean of Engineering Arvind Raman joined the celebration, recognizing Purdue’s historic role in NSBE’s founding 50 years ago and applauding today’s students for carrying the torch forward. His remarks echoed a sense of pride in Purdue’s ongoing commitment to diversity, leadership, and innovation. "Proud that NSBE was founded at Purdue 50 years ago through the leadership and drive of Purdue Engineering students in 1974, is open to all students, and has grown to become one of the largest student-led engineering societies in the country, positively impacting thousands of engineering students worldwide."
The NSBE 2025 Conference not only highlighted the achievements of Black engineers nationwide—it showcased the strength, preparation, and community spirit of Purdue IE. With connections made and momentum built, the future looks bright.
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