AESS Student Interview: Jinene Ben Said
Can you share your journey with IEEE and what inspired you to take on the role of Chair at IEEE AESS ENSIT?
My journey into IEEE started in 2021, motivated by the urge to be part of a dynamic community where learning, innovation, and collaboration thrive. First and foremost, what attracted me to it was how IEEE could connect students and professionals from different fields for personal and professional growth. This later developed into my starting role as Secretary of the IEEE ENSIT Student Branch in 2022, a position that gave me an even greater appreciation for structure, teamwork, and effective communication in accomplishing results with significant impact.
From there, I went on to serve as Treasurer and then as Chair of the IEEE AESS ENSIT Chapter in 2022. While each position brought its own set of challenges and opportunities, the most striking feature of each was the pleasure of collaboration. Leading initiatives, managing resources, and mentoring peers allowed me to channel my passion for innovation and creativity into tangible outcomes that could inspire and empower others. The opportunity to become Chair was not merely a title but was supposed to be an avenue of giving back to the community that built me up, allowing others to grow just like I did.
Being the Chair until 2024 has been so rewarding: a journey of growth, learning, and rising through challenges. Each step forward has strengthened my commitment to making a difference and continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence that IEEE AESS ENSIT fosters.
What motivated you to join the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS), and how does it align with your personal and professional goals?
The unique multidisciplinary focus on aerospace, electronics, and scalable technologies in AESS just amazed me at first sight. The society provided a platform that was connecting a gap between theory and practice by helping its members engage with real-life challenges in creative and meaningful ways. For me, AESS best fits my interests in IoT and advanced systems. It provided the space to explore new technologies while fueling my personal drive to innovate and contribute toward the future of engineering.
AESS's diverse scope, ranging from aeronautics and space exploration to IoT and electronic systems, greatly widened my horizons. It really made me understand the level of complexity and excitement for both. It allowed me, even more, to join projects with an impact on people while helping me grow as a professional and a person.
What challenges have you faced in leading the IEEE AESS chapter at ENSIT, and how have you overcome them?
It being at the head of the IEEE AESS chapter here at ENSIT, it has been one of my biggest challenges to make the students enthusiastic about aerospace and electronic systems, most of which had relationships to their main courses of studies. Rather than finding that a roadblock, this had given me the perfect platform to show the interdisciplinary aspect of AESS and relate it to a wide field of disciplines.
Overcoming this was done by focusing on events such as Astronomica and DRONATHON that evoke interest and facilitate hands-on learning. Our flagship event, Astronomica, consisted of expert-led conferences, workshops, and an ideathon on space sustainability. Whether one was interested in technical knowledge or creative problem-solving, it had something for everybody and attracted participants from varied fields. It was great to show that aerospace is not only for aerospace engineers.
DRONATHON, involved students in a challenge of working with a very modern piece of technology. The fast and competitive pace of the event provided participants with opportunities to apply problem-solving skills while gaining practical experience. Not without its challenges to organize, we relied on strategic planning and strong collaboration within our team to see these events through to successful conclusions.
We have also invited distinguished speakers, such as Dr. Sabrina Greco, Dr. Marina Ruggieri, and Dr. Jesús Avinic, whose lectures about aerospace, space sustainability, and efficient systems really enriched the content and kept the participants glued. We have prepared Astronomical Nights where the students, by means of telescopes, could observe celestial events such as a lunar eclipse and the conjunction of the moon with Jupiter. Such nights are instructive but at the same time create a feeling of wonder that makes the subject friendly and amusing.
By paying extra attention to inclusiveness, working closely with the experts, and delivering value, we overcome those challenges. Ultimately, these efforts helped foster a sense of curiosity and excitement about aerospace and electronic systems, leaving a lasting impact on the ENSIT community.
How has your involvement with AESS influenced your understanding of the aerospace and electronic systems industry?
Being deeply involved in AESS has had a profound influence on my understanding of the aerospace and electronics industries. The interaction with experts and professionals in the field has shown me just how interconnected and multi-faceted the world of technology is. From aeronautics and space exploration to state-of-the-art IoT applications, AESS has given me the chance to explore a wide array of disciplines, all deeply rooted in the constant pursuit of innovation.
I have developed not just a theoretical understanding of these industries but a practical, solution-oriented mindset through hands-on workshops, industry collaborations, and real-world problem-solving. These experiences have made me more confident and capable in tackling the challenges of an ever-evolving technological landscape and feel better equipped to meaningfully contribute to the industry.
What significant initiatives or events has your chapter organized, and how have they impacted the student community at ENSIT?
Our chapter has been privileged to organize a variety of impactful events that have resonated deeply with both students and professionals, shaping the academic and professional journeys of many. These initiatives include DRONATHON, Astronomica, and the ARTEMIS event, among others, each contributing uniquely to the growth of our community.
DRONATHON – A Gateway to Drone Technology
Events like DRONATHON, one of the major flagships, have plunged students into the world of drone technology. The series of workshops, conferences, and competitions at DRONATHON created curiosity and sparked creativity in exploring practical applications of aerospace and electronics. It has proved to be an excellent platform for students to engage hands-on with state-of-the-art technologies, enhancing their understanding and thus igniting a passion for innovation.
Astronomica 4.0– Celebrating Space Exploration and Sustainability
Another milestone of our chapter's success is Astronomica, our yearly event, our signature in this edition was dedicated to space exploration and innovation. This gathering featured a series of conferences and workshops led by experts in the field, with a special focus on space sustainability. One of the key components was an ideathon, where participants brainstormed solutions to the challenges of maintaining sustainability in space exploration. Astronomica not only deepened participants' understanding of space technologies but also fostered collaboration and innovative thinking on how to ensure that space exploration remains viable for future generations.
Astronomical Nights – A Journey into the Cosmos
We hosted Astronomical Nights, where participants had the opportunity to observe celestial phenomena. These evenings allowed attendees to witness inspiring sights like the partial lunar eclipse and the full moon-Jupiter conjunction, using telescopes to explore the night sky. These events were not just educational but also deeply engaging, offering a unique chance for participants to connect with the cosmos and experience the wonders of astronomy in a practical way. It was a perfect complement to Astronomica, reinforcing our commitment to sparking curiosity and inspiring future scientists.
ARTEMIS – A Collaborative Exploration of Space's Future
Our collaboration with IEEE AESS UPIITA on the ARTEMIS event further expanded the horizons of our chapter. This event focused on NASA's Artemis program, bringing together speakers from NASA to share their insights on the future of space exploration. The event fostered rich discussions about the next era of lunar exploration and space innovation, offering our community a chance to learn directly from experts involved in one of the most ambitious space projects in history.
Workshops and Hands-On Learning
In addition to these large-scale events, we also hosted a variety of technical workshops aimed at developing practical skills. The IoT Workshop in collaboration with the IEEE IAS ENSIT Chapter explored the latest trends and applications of the Internet of Things, bridging the gap between aerospace, electronics, and IoT technologies. These workshops have provided students with valuable hands-on experience, further nurturing their interest in technological fields.
Distinguished Lectures – Insights from Leaders in the Field
Our chapter has also been honored to host several distinguished lectures, offering our members direct access to leading experts in the field. Notable speakers included:
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Dr. Sabrina Greco, President of AESS, who shared her perspectives on the integral role AESS plays in advancing aerospace technologies and fostering innovation and the importance of joining the community.
- Dr. Marina Ruggieri, an authority on space sustainability, who highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in space exploration.
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Dr. Jesús Gonzalez-Llorente, an expert in efficient systems, who discussed the optimization of technologies in avionic systems.
These lectures not only enriched the academic experience of our members but also inspired them to pursue careers at the cutting edge of space exploration and technology.
Through events like DRONATHON, Astronomica, ARTEMIS, and numerous technical workshops, our chapter has solidified its role as a key player in fostering innovation, academic excellence, and professional growth. These initiatives have empowered students to explore new frontiers in aerospace, space sustainability, and IoT, while also offering them the opportunity to engage with leading experts and organizations. As we continue to build on these successes, we remain committed to shaping the future of our community and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
How do you see the future of IEEE AESS ENSIT evolving, and what are your plans to further engage students and professionals?
The future for IEEE AESS ENSIT is one in constant movement toward a center of excellence to which interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange belong at the core. Looking ahead, my priority remains to provide students with as many chances as possible to narrow the gap between academic theory and practice through hands-on workshops, technical sessions, and innovation challenges. This approach will ensure that our members are equipped with the skills and insights needed to excel in industries like aerospace, electronics, and IoT.
In doing this, part of our evolution comes by fostering connections among industry professionals, where through mentorship and other strategic partnerships, even more students will have ample chances of understanding the realities by talking with experts on leading and developing trends and technologies.
Furthermore, I envision forging stronger international collaborations with other IEEE chapters to offer our members a broader range of opportunities and exposure to global innovations. By participating in cross-border projects, we can increase the visibility of our chapter while enriching the experiences of our students by tapping into a wider network of professionals and experts.
I am committed to building a leadership-driven culture that involves active participation from students. By giving students leadership roles, we will have a chapter that is always vibrant, innovative, and resilient to new challenges and opportunities.
With these initiatives, IEEE AESS ENSIT will continue to grow and evolve, supporting students as they transition from aspiring learners to leaders and changemakers in the global technological landscape.
What advice would you give to students considering joining IEEE AESS or taking on leadership roles within their local chapters?
To the students considering joining IEEE AESS or taking up leadership positions, my advice is simple: take up the journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Leadership within IEEE is not just about managing tasks; it is about personal and professional growth. It is an opportunity to hone skills that will serve you throughout your career and to make meaningful impacts on the community around you.
I encourage you to take the initiative. Be it organizing an event, leading a team, or even being just a member, your every action would go a long way in shaping not just the organization but also your growth and development. Explore the various projects and opportunities at AESS. Let your curiosity and passion drive you to push boundaries and seek new experiences.
Challenges will definitely be along your way, but do not be afraid of them. Each problem is a good chance to learn something new, to come up with something really unique, and to rise above. Some of the most rewarding experiences in life are from outside the comfort zone, working on something new. Believe in yourself and stay committed to your goals.
Lastly, let every idea and contribution, however big or small, have the potential to inspire a change and create an impact. Leadership is collaboration, dedication, and a desire to want to make a difference. So, take that first step, get involved, and you'll be surprised at what you can achieve.
Always remember, the AESS community is not just a simple community ,it’s a network of passionate individuals united by a shared commitment to innovation and growth!.