Conference

UPRM ENGINEERING COMMUNITY SUMMIT

ECoS 2026

It is with great pride that we announce the Engineering Community Summit (ECoS) on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Throughout the years, our School of Engineering has been a prolific source of professionals that have paved the transformation of our society.

ECoS provides companies the opportunity to promote their work, give students, faculty, and engineering professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in STEM related fields, and serve as a catalyst for strengthening relations between university, industry, and community.(See Engineering Community Summit ECoS 2025 report)

Thanks to our sponsors, this year we were able to give scholarships to 24 outstanding engineering students (https://www.uprm.edu/portada/2026/03/13/becasecos/ )

Save the date on your calendar!!

STEM Relevant Topics

Resume Book

Renowned Speakers

Student Sponsorships

See you on October 3, 2026!

Conference Schedule

7:00am - 8:00am Registration & Breakfast @ Students Center - Sponsorship Opportunity

Welcome & Plenary Session #1

8:00am – 8:30am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Speakers: UPRM Officials & ECoS Team

8:30am – 9:30am

Topic: An Unexpected Journey: Lessons in Leadership, Growth, and Resilience

Description

Careers rarely follow a straight line. The most valuable lessons often come from unexpected opportunities, difficult setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. In this presentation, I will share personal stories and leadership lessons learned through both professional successes and personal challenges. Together, we will explore themes such as taking ownership of your career, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, navigating change, and maintaining resilience when life doesn’t go according to plan. Through these experiences, attendees will gain practical insights into how intentional action, continuous learning, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone can accelerate both personal and professional growth. My goal is not to provide a formula for success, but rather to share lessons from my journey that may help others navigate their own.

Speaker: Javier Malave, Global ISR Director

Place: Figueroa Chapel Auditorium

9:40am - 10:30am Block 1

Topic: Hardware Development for Radiation Testing

Abstract: Ensuring semiconductor reliability in extreme radiations environments requires rigorous validation. This presentation explores the critical methodologies behind Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single Event Effect (SEE) testing. We will examine the engineering challenges of hardware development, focusing on how specialized PCB architectures are engineered to facilitate precise radiation testing. Attendees will gain insights into how complex hardware systems are developed to measure radiation effects, providing a deep understanding of the infrastructure required for high-reliability electronics in aerospace & defense applications.

Speakers: Erick Echevarria, Texas Instruments

Place: TBD

Topic: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Speakers: TBD, HPE

Place: TBD

Topic: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Speakers: TBD

Place: TBD

10:30am - 11:00am Morning Break @ Students Center - Sponsored by HPE

11:00am - 11:50am Block 2

Topic: The Communication Gap: Translating Technical Expertise into Business Impact

Abstract: Technical expertise is essential but technical expertise alone rarely drives a business decision. Engineering and IT professionals create impact when they translate complex technical problems into clear business meaning. Leaders don’t just need to know what the technical issue is; they need to understand why it matters, what choices exist, and how each option affects risk, cost, and outcomes. Technical depth may earn you a seat at the table, but the ability to convert that expertise into actionable decisions is what increases your influence. This session explores the communication gap between technical experts and business leaders and provides practical techniques for translating technical details into risk, impact, cost, and business outcomes. Students will learn techniques to communicate clearly, preserve technical credibility, and become trusted advisors who help organizations make better, faster, and more confident decisions.

Speaker: Lara Tilford (SubDivision Manager IT Cyber Security)

Place: TBD

Topic: Beyond Orbit: Space Materials Innovation and Career Liftoff

Abstract: Members of Space Mission Systems – Satellites will share their professional journeys and engineering experiences highlighting the role of materials and process development in shaping innovation. Through personal stories of growth, challenge, and achievement, Linda Wong, Linda Castellon, and Francis Samalot will reflect on the parallels between technical problem-solving and career development, including overcoming barriers, breaking the glass ceiling, and navigating what it means to be a woman in engineering across generations. Their conversation will offer insight into how diverse experiences and persistence have helped shape their success at The Boeing Company.

Speakers: Linda Wong, Linda Castellon, and Francis Samalot

Place: TBD

Topic: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Speakers: TBD

Place: TBD

11:50am - 1:00pm Lunch Break @ Students Center - Sponsored by Lilly

Plenary Session #2

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Title: TBD

Description:

TBD.

Speaker: TBD, Procter and Gamble

Place: Chardon Amphitheater

2:10pm - 3:00pm Block 3

Topic: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Speakers: TBD – Pratt & Whitney

Place: TBD

Topic: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Speakers: TBD

Place: TBD

3:00pm - 3:30pm Afternoon Break @ Students Center - Sponsored by Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Plenary Session #3

3:30pm – 4:30pm

Topic: TBD

Description:

TBD.

Speaker: TBD – Pratt and Whitney

Place: Chardon Amphitheater

Connections - Sponsored by P&W

4:30pm – 6:00pm

Talk with company professionals and learn about their experiences.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to expand your network!