At the end of July, Case School of Engineering Professor Alp Sehirlioglu organized and hosted the prestigious IEEE-International Symposium on Applications of Ferroelectrics (ISAF) Conference in Cleveland. The event brought together more than 300 attendees from over 30 different countries. The conference featured a wide array of engaging technical sessions covering diverse topics such as materials for neuromorphic computing, ferroelectric memories, and ultrasonic actuators.

One of the aspects of the conference was its strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. As part of the Women in Engineering program, a notable panel discussion titled “Shattering Gender Barriers for Young Women” was conducted, empowering and inspiring women in the field. 

In addition, the conference hosted an LGBTQ+ ally training, a pioneering initiative within the IEEE conferences, provided by the CWRU LGBT Center.

In line with promoting sustainability, a new event called “Featured Invited Talks on Sustainability” was introduced for the first time in the history of ISAF events. The initiative was made possible by the sponsorship from the Case School of Engineering, reflecting its dedication to creating a sustainable university environment.

Beyond the conference sessions, attendees had the opportunity to explore Cleveland. Sightseeing excursions included visits to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cheering on the Guardians baseball team, enjoying a live concert at the historical Coast Guard station, and sampling the diverse cuisine offered in downtown Cleveland.