Happy International Women’s Day from IEEE YP! On this special day, we are featuring one of our distinguished female leaders.
Dr. Noor E Karishma Shaik currently serves as IEEE YP PSPB Representative. Noor has been volunteering for IEEE since a decade, and she has been with IEEE YP for the last seven years. She started with IEEE YP as the Editor at the Impact Blog, later worked as Editor-in-Chief for the YP Newsletter and recently as Communications Coordinator.
In her day job, Noor is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. She also holds an honorary appointment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Her expertise lies in developing computer vision solutions for applied imaging (medical, remote sensing, and general applications) through artificial intelligence, image processing, machine learning, and nanofabrication.
In this edition of our volunteer spotlight, Noor answers a few questions about her experiences as an IEEE volunteer.
1. Why do you want to be an IEEE Volunteer?
IEEE volunteering has enhanced my leadership skills, expanded my professional network globally, and provided opportunities for international collaboration. I would like to contribute to the global engineering community by sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for other professionals while developing my leadership and organizational skills. In a happy fusion of work and volunteering, I enjoy serving the global community while pushing knowledge boundaries. I am especially passionate about increasing participation of young professionals and women in STEM to strengthen communities worldwide.
2. What are the various positions that you have held till date?
I have been working with IEEE Young Professionals for the last eight years, starting as an IEEE YP IMPACT Blog writer before becoming Editor in Chief, and then leading the YP Communications team encompassing web development, IMPACT Blog, social media, and promotions. I have also served in various IEEE volunteer roles, from student branch leadership to technical committee memberships.
During my PhD at the University of Melbourne, I began as Chair of my student branch and later served as Student Activities Coordinator at IEEE Victorian Section. Under my leadership, our Student Branch received special recognition at the Asia Pacific level for its engagement and activities. I have been awarded the IEEE Richard E Merwin Scholarship and named Outstanding Student Volunteer in the Victorian section for my service. Two years ago, I joined the IEEE Nanotechnology Council Modeling and Simulation Committee to promote editorial engagement and feeling proud that our team was recognized as the best technical committee last year. Looking ahead, I am excited to take up a new role as a YP representative with the IEEE Publication Services and Products Board.
3. What have you done as an IEEE volunteer that you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of initiatives that have helped bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating meaningful networking opportunities for young professionals to support their job placements and career transitions.
4. What advice would you give to new volunteers?
I don’t believe in broad advice. What worked for me might not be the right path for others. Each person has their own journey and destination, shaped by unique perspectives and experiences. These shape who we are and teach us valuable lessons. That’s why I encourage people to look both within themselves and at the world around them. However, if I am passing the baton to the next generation of volunteers, I would emphasize on the importance of doing your share of good work. Take initiative, start small but stay consistent, network actively, and don’t hesitate to propose new ideas or projects.
5. How would you describe IEEE in 3 words?
Innovation, Community, Excellence
6. Do you have a favorite IEEE story?
My favourite story involves organizing a successful virtual conference during the pandemic that connected researchers globally. A particularly moving moment I would recall is from a Python Programming workshop organized as part of a symposium during the pandemic. Our goal was to educate participants while keeping them motivated and connected in the digital space. Later, I learned from feedback that the hackathon’s second-place winner was a motor neuron patient who communicated entirely through BCI technology. No matter what happens in life, keep doing meaningful work toward a greater purpose—you never know where you are shining light and making an impact.
7. IEEE-wise, what are your goals for the future?
I aim to expand IEEE’s impact in emerging technologies and contribute to making technical education more accessible globally.
8. Career-wise, what are your goals for the future?
To continue advancing research in my field while mentoring young professionals and contributing to technological innovation.
9. What do you suggest to the future event organizers?
The future of volunteering is evolving towards hybrid mode offering virtual and physical engagement, with an emphasis on sustainable and inclusive initiatives. In a decade of volunteering, I have adapted to diverse event formats while consistently creating experiences tailored to participants’ needs. We gather feedback after each event to improve our future planning. Focus on participant engagement, leverage technology effectively, and always have contingency plans for technical issues. Also, ensure you are recognizing and promoting your fellow volunteers who are trying to make a difference.
10. Please discuss other extracurricular achievements outside IEEE
I enjoy recharging in the nature and have recently resorted to hiking. I encourage all the volunteers to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. After all, a healthy organization starts with healthy people.
Curious to know more about IEEE Volunteering Platform, do visit this website : volunteer.ieee.org
