Category: Ecosystem News

Novel Materials and Devices for AI Acceleration at the Edge – Prof. Daniele Ielmini

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the energy consumption of computing has become a major limitation to the widespread adoption of edge-AI applications in areas such as personalized healthcare, virtual/augmented reality, and smart homes. To address this challenge, in-memory computing (IMC) has emerged as a promising technology that enables in-situ, data-centric computation with reduced data movement. However, IMC requires high reliability, large storage capacity for computing parameters, and fast reconfiguration to support novel AI models such as transformers.

In this talk, Prof. Ielmini provided an overview of novel edge-AI technologies addressing these IMC challenges. First, he discussed 3D memory solutions to increase the number of parameters within AI accelerators, including both horizontal 3D crosspoint (3DXP) and 3D vertical resistive switching memory (3D-VRRAM). He also highlighted oxide-based electrochemical random-access memory (ECRAM) for accelerating AI training using fully parallel tensor-product operations in crossbar arrays. Finally, he outlined future challenges and opportunities for advancing AI acceleration.

       

Keynote Speakers Series – Valerie Sheares Ashby, President of UMBC

In September, University of Maryland, Baltimore County President Valerie Sheares Ashby visited the NYU Tandon campus to deliver a keynote seminar.

In her talk, President Sheares Ashby shared key lessons from her path to leadership — from early inspiration by her parents and mentorship during her Ph.D. to the pivotal moments that encouraged her to step into academic leadership roles. Before becoming President of UMBC, she served as Dean of Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, where she led transformative initiatives in faculty recruitment, philanthropy, student engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to Duke, she chaired the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she advanced innovative programs, including co-founding the Chancellor’s Science Scholars Program in partnership with UMBC’s renowned Meyerhoff Scholars model.

This keynote was organized and presented by the NYU Ecosystem Hub, which hosts interdisciplinary events, fosters networking and collaboration, supports leadership development, advances inclusive academic policies, and provides mentoring for STEM faculty across NYU Tandon School of Engineering and NYU Arts & Science.

CBE Leaders Roundtable – August 13, 2025

 
Following AIChE – American Institute of Chemical Engineers‘ 2025 Chemical Ventures Conference, a cohort of chemical & biomolecular engineering chairs were given a tour of Tandon’s lab spaces and invited to participate in a roundtable discussion with faculty, industry representatives, and venture capitalists.

Tours were conducted in the lab spaces of Herman F. Mark Professor Elisa Riedo, Senior Vice Dean & Alstadt Lord Mark Professor Eray Aydil (Pulkita Jain), Professor André D. Taylor and Assistant Professor Nathalie Pinkerton, Ph.D. (Rachel Pollard). Chairs were also shown the New York University Nanofabrication Cleanroom by Director & Associate Professor Davood Shahrjerdi. They were also shown the Urban Future Lab by Director of Carbon to Value Initiative and Interim Managing Director Frederic Clerc.

Welcome remarks for the roundtable were given by Juan J. de Pablo, NYU Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Executive Vice President for Global Science and Technology, and NYU Tandon Executive Dean.

Donald F. Othmer Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering & Sustainable Engineering Initiative Miguel Modestino and NYU Associate Vice Provost for Research Annette ‘Nina’ Gray moderated the roundtable. Faculty, industry & VC panelists included Susan Schofer of SOSV / HAX, Andrew Chang of Activate, Marissa Beatty of Turnover Labs, Minh Tran of Heliotrope Photonics, Azade Hosseini, PhD of NYU Innovation Venture Fund, and Herman F. Mark Professor Elisa Riedo (who is also co-founder of Glaucus).

Roundtable participants included Justin Notestein of Northwestern University, Ive Hermans of The Johns Hopkins University, Shikha Nangia of Syracuse University, Junhang Dong of University of Cincinnati, Millicent Sullivan of University of Delaware, Sanat Kumar of Columbia University, Scott Banta of Columbia University, Hemant Pendse of University of Maine, Rajesh Khare of Texas Tech University, Christopher Kitchens of Villanova University, Levicky Rastislav of NYU Tandon, Dilip Gersappe of Stony Brook University.

 

Gender from the Engineering Point of View. From Avatar to Social Cognition

 
The seminar “Gender from the Engineering Point of View: From Avatar to Social Cognition” brought together powerful perspectives from medicine, neuroscience, and engineering. Dr. Gennaro Selvaggi and Dr. Jon Freeman offered a fascinating look at gender-affirming care, social perception, and the role of innovation—from avatars in surgery to how the brain processes gender. A big thank you to our speakers and to Professor Elisa Riedo for moderating such a compelling and timely conversation.
 
 
   
 

Be relational, not transactional

This Monday, we had an inspiring session at the Ecosystem Effective Leadership Workshop: Leading Multi-PI Research Teams and Centers.
Our speakers Annette ‘Nina’ Gray, Melody Goodman, Kristie Patten, Miguel Modestino, and Laure Zanna shared invaluable insights into empowering teams, navigating conflicts, and creating collaborative environments that drive success!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our speakers for sharing your vision and expertise. Your discussions on how to build and lead high-performing teams, manage conflicts, and cultivate a sense of shared purpose will resonate deeply with us!

   

     

An Inspiring Evening with Dr. Walter Massey at NYU

On Monday night, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Walter E Massey to the NYU ECOSYSTEM HUB Keynote Speaker Series—a conversation filled with wisdom, vision, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of science and education.

Dr. Massey’s career is a testament to innovation and leadership, marked by decades of dedication to advancing scientific discovery and expanding educational opportunities for all. His impact resonates far beyond the institutions he has led, inspiring generations to push boundaries and create meaningful change.

New York University is a place that values innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to pushing boundaries, just as Dr. Massey has throughout his career. His work embodies the very spirit of what we aim to foster here—where ideas have the power to change the world.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, we were honored to present him with the Polytechnic Medal. Created to commemorate the values that have made the NYU Tandon School of Engineering a home to innovation and opportunity since 1854, the medal’s inscriptions allude to the noblest goals of engineers and engineering: bringing technology to society and ensuring that their work respects the primacy of nature while pushing the bounds of human achievement.

A heartfelt thank you to Juan J. de Pablo for leading an incredible discussion, Georgina Dopico and Elisa Riedo for their invaluable participation, and Alesha Gooden for her support in making this event a success.

We also extend our gratitude to NYU WIT for co-sponsoring this inspiring evening!

   
   
   

Paving the Way for the Next Generation of Engineers: Sparkle Insights from Dr. Andrea Goldsmith

“Much work is needed to make the road ahead for the next generation of diverse engineers a bit easier. To make progress, we need to collect statistics, raise awareness, track diversity, and recruit advocates. We need everyone to mentor, sponsor, and promote diverse engineers.”

Thank you, Dr. Andrea Goldsmith, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University, for an inspiring and thought-provoking seminar! Your insights highlighted the essential steps needed to foster a more inclusive and equitable future in engineering. This is so aligned with the values of NYU Ecosystem Hub, where we strive to create opportunities, support diverse talent, and build a stronger, more inclusive STEM community.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the discussion—let’s keep working together to make a meaningful difference!

        
   

Faculty Lunches Are Back—Join Us Every Wednesday!

We know—Covid changed our routines. But it’s time to bring back something we’ve all missed: shared faculty lunches! 🎉

Why eat alone at your desk when you can join us for good food and even better company? Starting now and continuing through the end of 2024, we’re hosting Faculty Lunches every Wednesdayfrom 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM on the 12th floor of 370 Jay Street.

Make Wednesdays something to look forward to—whether you come for the food, the camaraderie, or simply to take a break. Let’s rebuild connections, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of being together.

Mark your calendar, and we’ll see you there!

          
     

NYU STEM Chairs workshop for Inclusive Faculty Recruitment

On November 25, 2024, NYU Tandon and Arts & Science department chairs came together for a dynamic brainstorming workshop focused on overcoming recruitment barriers and fostering inclusive hiring practices.

The session was led by Keren Bergman, Charles Batchelor Professor of Electrical Engineering at Columbia University and Faculty Director of the Columbia Nano Initiative. Prof. Bergman shared valuable insights from her extensive experience in faculty retention and recruitment, drawing on her tenure as Chair of ECE at Columbia and her current leadership role in directing the Chip Act Initiative.

The workshop highlighted actionable approaches for cultivating a more inclusive academic community and advancing NYU’s commitment to excellence in faculty recruitment and retention.

This collaborative event marked another step forward in our efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion across the university.