Empowering Future Generations: Women in Engineering
Women in engineering continue to shape the future by sharing their experiences, leading meaningful conversations, and empowering the next generation of innovators to thrive in an ever-evolving field. Representing both Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) and women in engineering, Dr. Ruby Mehrubeoglu, professor of Electrical Engineering at TAMU-CC, exemplified this leadership by serving on the Distinguished Speakers Panel at the 44th IEEE International Performance Computing and Communications Conference (IPCCC). Her participation emphasized the vital role of women as thought leaders in the engineering and technology fields on a global stage.
Invited by IPCCC Conference Chair, Dr. Nasr Ullah, Mehrubeoglu participated in the Distinguished Speakers Panel Session, “The Future of Work: AI, Hybrid Work and Workplace Culture.” She was joined by five other women including professors from other universities, professional engineers, and even executives from major engineering firms.
“Since this was a diverse panel, audience members were able to hear a variety of perspectives from our own unique experiences,” Mehrubeoglu said. “It was impactful, not because it was a panel that showed what women think, but because it showed what individuals think.”
Mehrubeoglu had the honor of being invited to participate in this panel because of her work with AI and the courses she teaches to prepare students for their future careers. At TAMU-CC, Mehrubeoglu developed and currently instructs the Artificial Intelligence in Engineering and Science Applications course. Through this course, she teaches students about the ethics of AI and how to develop AI solutions, placing a strong emphasis on understanding these emerging technologies rather than simply using them.
“Something I emphasize to all my engineering students is that it’s always important to know what is under the hood,” Mehrubeoglu said. “It’s not enough to just use these technologies; you need to understand how they work.”
Because of her expertise, Mehrubeoglu shared her thoughts on claims that AI is taking over entry level engineering positions, leaving fewer opportunities for new graduates. She believes the increased use of AI will not eliminate entry-level positions but will instead create a demand for graduates with new skillsets. These include the ability to synthesize different subjects and the ability to learn and adapt to new environments. While AI will require graduates to be more resilient, she said it does not mean they will be unable to find jobs.
Mehrubeoglu also addressed topics such as motherhood in the engineering industry, the skills expected of new graduates, and research topics she believes are on the rise in the coming years.
Mehrubeoglu, alongside other strong female voices in the engineering industry, is shaping the future by sharing her experiences and knowledge with younger generations. By participating in global conversations, advancing education in artificial intelligence, and advocating for a deep understanding of emerging technologies, she continues to empower students and professionals. Her leadership highlights the evolving role of women in engineering and reinforces the importance of mentorship, resilience, and lifelong learning in an ever-changing technological landscape.