Expanding Knowledge and Building Connections: The Impact of NC State’s ECE Colloquia Seminar Series

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Colloquia Seminar Series at North Carolina State University serves as a vital platform for fostering academic growth, networking and exposure to cutting-edge research. Featuring expert speakers and diverse topics, the series offers students a chance to engage in discussions that shape their academic and professional trajectories.

At NC State, the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Colloquia Seminar Series serves as a cornerstone of academic growth, research exploration and professional networking. These weekly seminars bring together students, faculty and distinguished researchers to discuss cutting-edge topics and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

For first-year Ph.D. students Aishwarya Ray Majumdar and Elin Ranjan Das, the colloquia series has been an invaluable part of their academic journey. It provides exposure to diverse research areas, global perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.

A unique aspect of the seminar series is its Friday coffee gatherings, where students and faculty come together in an informal setting to discuss research ideas and network. Aishwarya finds these sessions to be a refreshing break from the research routine, allowing him to interact with peers from different research groups. Elin, too, values the opportunity to exchange thoughts with colleagues, gain new perspectives, and build lasting academic relationships. Both Aishwarya and Elin emphasize the value of attending seminars in person, as it enables real-time engagement with speakers, the ability to ask follow-up questions, and in-depth discussions that deepen their understanding of complex topics. These face-to-face interactions make learning more dynamic and pave the way for potential research collaborations.

The colloquium covers a broad spectrum of ECE subfields, exposing students to cutting-edge advancements beyond their immediate research focus. Aishwarya recalls fascinating talks on continuous and discrete variable quantum computation and antimatter detection, which, through outside of her core research, expanded her academic perspective. Additionally, she recalls an excitement for the opportunities created. She said, “It opens up internship opportunities for research and collaboration opportunities with your group to other groups who are working on similar problems.”

An essential feature of the seminar series is its inclusion of international speakers, which introduces students to global research methodologies and fosters potential collaborations. Elin echoes this sentiment, noting how the passion and dedication of distinguished speakers inspire him to pursue research with enthusiasm. Interacting with fellow students deepened his understanding of various research methodologies and career paths. He recalls the networking benefits and enhanced perspective.

“It gives us a new horizon and new perspective because the professor is giving us the point of view of a faculty, but from the student, I can also get a point of view from a student researcher,” said Elin. 

For both Aishwarya and Elin, participation in the ECE Colloquia Seminar Series has been pivotal in shaping their research interests and career aspirations. While Aishwarya continues to explore research collaborations through seminar interactions, Elin is determined to pursue a career in research and development, whether in academia or industry. The seminars provide not just academic knowledge but also valuable networking opportunities, encouraging students to engage in collaborative research and build professional connections.

Whether attended for credit or personal enrichment, these seminars offer a unique platform for interdisciplinary learning, networking with experts and discovering innovative research ideas. For Aishwarya, Elin, and many others, the colloquia are more than just weekly lectures—they are a gateway to new ideas, collaborations and professional growth in the ever-evolving field of electrical and computer engineering.

Day of Giving plays a vital role in sustaining this momentum. Scheduled for March 26, 2025, this philanthropic initiative directly fuels our mission by providing essential resources to invite world-class speakers, curate innovative sessions and enhance networking opportunities. Your generous support ensures that every guest experience is both engaging and impactful, reinforcing NC State’s commitment to academic excellence and community collaboration.

The ECE department continues to host a variety of insightful seminars featuring prominent experts in the field.

For more details, visit ece.ncsu.edu/seminars

Discover how you can join NC State Day of Giving and support our community: