Dean of Engineering Arvind Raman with NSBE Founders (Chicago Six) and Purdue students, staff and faculty who raise four fingers to represent Purdue’s home in NSBE Region 4. Purdue University Board of Trustee Shawn Taylor remarked: "Congratulations to everyone from the Chicago Six (6) and those who worked diligently to plan and execute one of the finest conferences I’ve attended in my career. Continued success and continue to educate and empower America’s best and brightest future and current engineers."

Purdue University proudly marked the 50th anniversary of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) National Convention, held in Chicago from March 5-9, 2025. As the founding institution of NSBE, Purdue’s presence at this milestone event underscored its enduring commitment to engineering excellence and leadership.

The convention welcomed over 30 Purdue graduate students, staff, and faculty, alongside more than 110 undergraduate students from West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses. Distinguished attendees included Purdue alumni who are NSBE Founders, Trustees, alumni presidents, the Dean of Engineering, and multiple engineering department heads. Purdue hosted nine exhibitor booths—a record-breaking number for the anniversary year—engaging with over 200 prospective undergraduate and graduate students during the two-day career fair.

Student Achievements in Research

Purdue students excelled in the Technical Research Exhibition (TRE), showcasing their innovative research through poster and oral presentations:

• Poster Competition:
  • Emmanuel Gichaba (Undergraduate) earned 2nd place overall.
  • Micala Jones (Master’s Student, Agricultural and Biological Engineering) secured 3rd place overall.
  • Additional presenters included undergraduate students: Amareah Bead, Sydney Cozart, Sugru Yahaya, and Master’s and PhD students: Siena Negash, Damilola Lawore, and Jorge Del'Angel.
• Oral Presentations:
  • Sugru Yahaya, Mikayla Roach, Micala Jones, and Don-Terry Veal Jr. delivered impactful research talks.

Several students who attend other universities, but who participated in Purdue’s summer research programs also earned recognition for their academic and research work. Pathways Scholars, Kelly Lige, a 2024 Purdue CISTAR REM student, received an NSBE scholarship meanwhile, Everett (CJ) Mason showcased his Purdue summer research through the poster competition.

Leadership and Awards

Purdue’s NSBE chapter brought home two prestigious regional awards: Chapter of the Year (large chapter category) and 3rd place for Chapter of the Year regardless of size. Courtland Bailey, an undergraduate student, also received a NSBE Scholarship from the Deloitte Foundation.

Purdue students demonstrated exceptional leadership within the NSBE Organization. This is marked current students holding Regional and National roles this past year and those who have been newly elected for the upcoming year.

• 2024 - 2025 Regional and National Leadership:
  • Jared Davis served on the National Conference Planning Committee (PhD Student).
  • Cassie Megwa was Region 4 Finance Chair (Undergraduate Student).
  • Tiennah Mensah held the position of Region 4 Programs Chair (Undergraduate Student).
  • Casey Williams was Region 4 Membership Chair (Undergraduate Student).
  • Emmanuel Gichaba was Region 4 Fall Conference Chair (Undergraduate Student).
• 2025 - 2026 Regional and National Leadership:
  • Casey Williams was elected Region 4 Chairperson (Undergraduate Student).
  • Emmanuel Gichaba was elected Region 4 Vice Chairperson (Undergraduate Student).
  • Gabrielle Carroll was elected Region 4 Telecommunications Chair (Undergraduate Student).
  • Nia Keith was elected Talent Development Chair for Region 4 Professionals E-board (Master’s Student).

Building Community Through Events

Purdue participated in and/or hosted several impactful activities during the convention:

• Undergraduate and Graduate Student research presentations.
• A Graduate Student Networking Reception fostering connections among graduate students and postdocs.
• The lead institution on a workshop focused on Funding for Graduate School
• Engagement of ongoing partnerships with universities [Dual Degree Engineering programs with Morgan State University and Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC)]
• Three Dean’s events culminating in a Chicago Networking Reception.

Alumni also contributed to discussions on NSBE’s origins through a Founders Panel.

The Purdue University 50th anniversary NSBE National Convention team was led by Purdue Engineering’s Graduate Programs, Minority Engineering Program, and the Purdue for Life Foundation, with support from a broad coalition of academic and research partners. These included Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering, Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Master of Engineering Management Program (MEM), Office of Professional Practice (OPP), Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE), Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO), Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources (CISTAR), Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE), Online Programs, Purdue Energetics Research Center (PERC), School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Black Cultural Center, and the Sloan Center for Systemic Change (SCSC). Together, these groups played a pivotal role in ensuring Purdue’s impactful presence at the convention and fostering connections that advance opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Looking Ahead

The celebration will continue with a final commemorative event at Purdue in April 2025 to honor NSBE’s founding meeting held on campus 50 years ago. Open to all members regardless of background or identity, NSBE reaffirms excellence for aspiring engineers worldwide.

Purdue University’s participation at this landmark convention highlights its legacy as a leader in educating engineers while inspiring future generations to innovate and excel.

Learn more about the Purdue NSBE Chapter here: https://www.purduensbe.org/

Purdue undergraduate and graduate students showcased their innovative research at a national conference. (top left) Amareah Bead, (top right) Emmanuel Gichaba - 2nd place overall (bottom left) Micala Jones - 3rd place overall, (bottom right) Visiting Purdue SURF student and Tuskegee Undergraduate Everett (CJ) Mason.

Purdue’s NSBE chapter brought home two prestigious regional awards: Chapter of the Year (large chapter category) and 3rd place for Chapter of the Year regardless of size.

At the annual NSBE convention this week, Purdue AAE Head Bill Crossley and student Don-Terry Veal Jr. met with Oscar Barton, Dean of Engineering at Morgan State University. Don-Terry Jr. is the first student to earn degrees through the partnership 3+2 program, earning bachelor’s degrees from both institutions in just 5 years - and he is currently pursuing his Master’s degree.

The Founders of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), known as the Chicago Six, gather at the Dean’s Networking Reception to celebrate NSBE’s 50th anniversary. Their visionary leadership continues to inspire generations of engineers, shaping the future of STEM and fostering a legacy of excellence.

The Purdue University booth buzzes with energy at the NSBE Convention, drawing pre-college, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, and industry leaders to engage in networking and career discussions. With banners highlighting Purdue’s deep-rooted connection to NSBE’s founding, the booth serves as a hub for aspiring engineers looking to advance their education.