Beyond the Prompt: The Rise of AI Agents

DATE:            Thursday May 22, 2025

PLACE :        March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) (see below for directions)

TIME :           5:30 p.m.  Social Time & Registration

6:00 p.m.  Dinner

7:00 p.m.  Presentation  (45-60 min)

COST:            $15- $20, See information in Reservations

ABOUT THE MEETING:   We will explore what AI agents are, why they matter, and how they go beyond the prompt to unlock new kinds of business value. We’ll cover the essential building blocks of agent systems, including multi-agent coordination, planning, and tool integration—and why understanding the underlying mechanics is critical to using them effectively.

The session wraps with a live demo of a multi-agent system in action, showing how these autonomous systems can be designed to solve practical problems (and where things can still go sideways). Whether you’re just agent-curious or thinking about deploying them in the real world, you’ll leave with both inspiration and technical insight.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:  Dr. Natalia Connolly, PhD brings deep expertise in generative AI, artificial intelligence and machine learning to allenging business problems. A physics PhD by training, she became a data science and analytics executive, building and scaling data teams in industries as diverse as management consulting, e-commerce, retail, FinTech, and AgTech. In addition to the diversity of industries with which she has gained experience, Natalia is familiar with the differences in the data and artificial intelligence needs at large, well-established companies versus smaller start-ups.

Dr. Natalia has a PhD in high energy physics from the University of California. She performed her thesis work at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, and completed her postdoctoral training at Berkeley National Laboratory under the tutelage of Dr. Saul Perlmutter (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2011).

MENU SELECTIONS:  Pepperoni Pizza, Gluten-Free Pizza, Bourbon Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza

LOCATION:  March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (39.27955510134435, -84.34861587323701)

RESERVATIONS:  MEETING RESERVATION LINK.  Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $15 for members advanced registration.  Non-members cost is $20 cash at the door.

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on Wednesday May 21st, 2025.

DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by May 22nd, 2025

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Depending on the subject matter, attendance at IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings now qualifies the attendee for Professional Development Hours towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.

UC, MU, and NKU Senior Design/Capstone Projects

DATE:            Thursday April 24, 2025

PLACE :        March First Brewing & Distilling (Brewhouse Room) (see below for directions)

TIME :             5:30 p.m.  Social Time & Registration;   6:00 p.m.  Dinner;   7:00 p.m.  Presentation  (45-60 min)

COST:            $15- $20, See information in Reservations

ABOUT THE MEETING:   This meeting will feature presentations on select senior projects by students from University of Cincinnati, Miami University, and Northern Kentucky University.  Each year the engineering students complete their senior projects.  We are amazed at the talent and creativity of these students as they present their projects to us. These presentations are typically an interesting mix of hardware and software, solving problems, improving efficiencies, and creating new opportunities.   Additional information will be posted when available.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

University of Cincinnati

Team 1:

• Project Title: Analog Synthesizer with MIDI Control and Digital Effects

• Abstract: A custom monophonic, modular, Euro-rack mountable analog synthesizer consisting of two Voltage Controlled Oscillators, a Voltage Controlled Filter, and a Mixer was combined with a Euro-rack mountable Digital Effects Bank powered by an Electrosmith Daisy Seed to create awesome sounds for recording and live performances.

• Team members: Dan String, Jordan Smith, Justin Wade

• Advisor: Dr. Wei Wei

Team 2:

• Project Title: Stomata, Green Toolkit

• Abstract: The Stomata project introduces a fresh, innovative approach to tackling urban climate change by pairing sustainable ecosystem design with a modular, cost-effective environmental monitoring device. Our team, focusing on the computer and electrical engineering side, is responsible for building and programming this device to support nature-based climate solutions. Urban areas face serious climate-related challenges—poor air quality, rising temperatures from the heat island effect, and a loss of biodiversity. There’s a clear need for solutions that not only monitor environmental conditions but also support ecological restoration in a scalable, affordable way. Unfortunately, most current technologies fall short in integration, usability, or cost. That’s where Stomata comes in. Our device measures key environmental factors like air quality, soil moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity, with real-time data visualized through a mobile app. It’s designed to be easy to replicate, making it a strong candidate for deployment in other urban areas or academic settings. Ultimately, this project lays the groundwork for smarter, more accessible environmental monitoring and offers a practical solution that we’re piloting right here at the University of Cincinnati.

• Team members: Khadija Coulibaly, Perry Johnson, Hamza Khairy

• Advisors: Dr. Drew McAvoy

Miami University

 Team 1:

• Project Title:  3D Printed Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft

• Abstract: Our team’s goal is to create a fully functional fixed-wing airplane capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), both manually and autonomously, with integrated payload carry and release capabilities. Unlike past teams, our team 3D printed and assembled parts to construct the airframe, which is reinforced with carbon fiber rods.

• Team members: Aiden Haley, Andrew LaMendola, Ashtin Reip, John Tomtishen

• Advisor: Prof. Jim Leonard

Team 2:

• Project Title: Duplo Mindstorm

• Abstract: The Duplo Mindstorm project explores the design and development of a servo and sensor system for a Duplo-based robot. The project required a combination of 3D printing, modeling, and hardware integration to ensure compatibility and functionality with Duplo.  Components are housed in custom 3D-printed Duplo blocks, allowing for versatile robot designs, similar to Mindstorms from Lego.

• Team members: Dana Clark, Cody Radabaugh, Sam Stage, Tommy Trinh

• Advisor: Dr. Peter Jamieson

Northern Kentucky University 

 Team 1:

• Project Title:  All-Terrain Autonomous Guided Vehicle

• Abstract: The demand for ongoing innovation has increased over recent years due to the positive impact spread across a multitude of industries. While the versatility and application varies upon industry and industry needs, one challenge is known across all industries; that is, being able to create a durable robot while being affordable. This project aims to design an innovative all-terrain autonomous guided vehicle, or rather all-terrain AGV with the ability to navigate both an indoor and outdoor environment in addition to being cost effective. The project encompasses crucial designs such as adding four tracks and a suspension for the outdoor environment, adding a camera to track objects and overall placement of the robot’s location, and using a RPLIDAR sensor to map out the given surroundings. Alongside this, we’ll be using a NVIDIA Jetson Nano using Python to control the robot in addition to a remote to ensure that the robot can move by manual operation alongside being autonomous. Ensuring the robot is affordable, durable, and flexible given the environment it’s surrounded by is crucial for the robot, and the project aims to offer a sustainable solution for any industry while being able to perform tasks alongside being able to carry light objects within any environment.

• Team members:  Conner Degarmoe, Trevor Harms, Chase Gordon

• Advisor: Dr. Mahdi Yazdanpour

Team 2:

• Project Title: Will be announced soon!

MENU SELECTIONS:  Pepperoni Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Bourbon Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza, Gluten-Free Pizza, includes drink.

LOCATION:  March First Brewing & Distilling (Brewhouse Room) 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (39.27955510134435, -84.34861587323701)

RESERVATIONS:  MEETING RESERVATION LINK.  Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $15 for members advanced registration.  Non-members cost is $20 cash at the door.

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on April 23th, 2025. DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by April 23, 2025

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Depending on the subject matter, attendance at IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings now qualifies the attendee for Professional Development Hours towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.

Engineering Ethics: Principles & Applications

DATE:            Thursday, March 27, 2025

PLACE :        March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) (see below for directions)

TIME :           5:30 p.m.  Social & Registration,    6:00 p.m. Dinner,    7:00 p.m.  Presentation  (45-60 min)

COST:            $15- $20, See information in Reservations

ABOUT THE MEETING:   This comprehensive presentation on Engineering Ethics provides an in-depth exploration of ethical principles, real-world case studies, and emerging challenges engineers face in their profession. Participants will gain a solid understanding of how ethics shape decision-making in engineering and how ethical considerations impact public safety, corporate integrity, and technological advancements. This presentation will satisfy the 1 PDH ethics requirement for professional engineers.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:   Dave Hernandez is among the nation’s top consultants in the Power & Energy sector serving the industry as a distinguished Professional Engineer licensed in 52 U.S. jurisdictions. He has held responsible charge of over 25,000 electrical projects throughout his 19-year career and is frequently retained by international design firms, electric utilities, and law practices. Dave is an IEEE Senior Member where he serves in several leadership roles across the organization. He has conducted over two dozen workshops and has been published 11 times through various industry outlets.

MENU SELECTIONS:  Pepperoni Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Bourbon Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza, includes drink.

LOCATION:  March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (39.27955510134435, -84.34861587323701)

RESERVATIONS:  MEETING RESERVATION LINK.  Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $15 for members advanced registration.  Non-members cost is $20 cash at the door.

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on March 26th, 2025.
DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by March 26, 2025

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Attendance at this IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings qualifies the attendee for 1.0 Professional Development Hour towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses regarding Ethics.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.

Review of novel technology: L3Harris Mason

DATE:           Thursday, February 27, 2025

PLACE :        March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) (see below for directions)

TIME :           5:30 p.m.  Social Time & Registration,  6:00 p.m.  Dinner,   7:00 p.m.  Presentation  (45-60 min)

COST:            $15- $20, See information in Reservations

 ABOUT THE MEETING:   L3Harris Space & Sensors History and Technology. Learn (1) the history of radio communications (used for space missions) that started here in Cincinnati, and  (2) IR technology being developed for use in military applications.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:  Susan Butsch has been a member of Cincinnati’s IEEE chapter since 2020. She currently serves as Secretary for the executive committee. Susan has experience in quality engineering for commercial, aviation, military and space applications. She is currently working as a materials and process engineer for L3Harris in Mason, Ohio.

MENU SELECTIONS:   Menu: House Smoked Pulled Pork and Brioche Buns and drink

LOCATION:  March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (39.27955510134435, -84.34861587323701)

RESERVATIONS:  MEETING RESERVATION LINK.  Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $15 for members advanced registration.  Non-members cost is $20 cash at the door.

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on Wednesday February 26, 2025.

DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by February 26, 2025

NO WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Depending on the subject matter, attendance at IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings now qualifies the attendee for Professional Development Hours towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.

2025 CINCINNATI SECTION IEEE SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications are now being accepted for

2025 CINCINNATI SECTION IEEE SCHOLARSHIPS.

To be eligible for a $1000 tuition scholarship:

• Student must have completed a minimum of 30 semester credit hours.
• The scholarship is awarded for the Fall Quarter/Semester so Student must not have graduated prior to that quarter/semester (i.e. Sophomore, Junior or Senior).
• Student must be enrolled in an ABET accredited Bachelor of Science program.
• Student must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Robotics Engineering, or Robotics Engineering Technology.
• Student must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent to a “B” average).
• Student must be registered as a full-time undergraduate student.
• Student must be in good academic standing with their university.
• Student must submit with their application a letter of recommendation from either a faculty member or an IEEE member, endorsing their academic performance.
• Student is not required to be an IEEE member to apply. However, if selected as a recipient, the student must join IEEE and provide their membership number to the Scholarship Chair to receive the award.
• Students who have previously received the IEEE Cincinnati Section scholarship are ineligible to apply again

Terms and Conditions:

• Scholarship application form is available here:

Scholarship application 2025

• Download the application and complete it with the required information.
• Email your completed scholarship application to scholar.cinti@ieee.org by 1 August 2025.
• The Scholarship Committee will review and confirm application eligibility.
• Award winners will be randomly selected from the pool of eligible applications.
• If not awarded, a member is eligible to submit a new application the following year.
• Award monies will be paid directly to the University Bursar with Student ID and Name.
• The awardee must be registered with IEEE National as a student member.
• Scholarships will be awarded for the fall semester or quarter 2024.
• Awardees must be registered with IEEE National as a student member.

Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis

ABOUT THE MEETING:   An arc-flash hazard analysis, also known as an arc flash study is a risk assessment that evaluates the likelihood of an arc flash incident and how to protect people from the resulting hazards:

What it does:  Determines the potential energy of an arc flash, the likelihood of injury, and the appropriate PPE to protect workers

Why it’s important – Helps ensure compliance with arc flash codes and standards, and facilitates safe work conditions

Who requires it – OSHA enforces employers are required to ensure their workers understand and can protect themselves from arc flash risks

How often it’s required – NFPA 70E requires arc flash studies to be updated every 5 years or as needed per power system modifications

An arc flash hazard analysis typically includes the following components:

• Field survey – Data collection of the power distribution system
• Single-line diagram – Produce a power distribution schematic
• Short-circuit analysis – Determines the fault current that would flow to each piece of equipment in the event of a short circuit
• Incident energy analysis – Determines the potential arc flash energy present in each piece of equipment per IEEE 1584
• Protective device coordination – Compares the fault current to the interrupting capacity of main circuit breakers or fuses
• Reports and recommendations – Includes label installation with hazard and PPE guidance

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:  Dave Hernandez is among the nation’s top experts in the Power & Energy sector serving as a Nationally-Licensed Electrical Engineer and a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional.  He has held responsible charge of over 2,000 Arc Flash Studies throughout his 19-year career and is frequently retained by international design firms, electric utilities, and law practices.  Dave sits on the board of the IEEE 1584 Arc-Flash Hazard Working Group as a Senior Member.  He has conducted over two dozen workshops and has been published 11 times through various industry outlets. Dave holds both BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering specialized in power systems.

MENU SELECTIONS:   Menu: Pepperoni Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Bourbon Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza

LOCATION:  March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (39.27955510134435, -84.34861587323701)

RESERVATIONS:  RESERVE HERE  Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $15 for members advanced registration.  Non-members cost is $20 cash at the door.

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on Wednesday January 22nd, 2025.
DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made BEFORE January 23th, 2025.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the section site for updates!

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Depending on the subject matter, attendance at IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings now qualifies the attendee for Professional Development Hours towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.

Section Social Event

Date:           Thursday December 5^th, 2024 (SPECIAL DATE)

Location:    MERITAGE,   40 Village Square Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Time:          06:45 PM to 09:00 PM

Cost:           $30 per person (Member and spouse/guest- each)

ABOUT THE MEETING:   This is a good time to network and get to know your fellow members better.  This will be a relaxing, elegant and fun night out with no agenda- just a good time!

MENU SELECTIONS: Entrees Samples:

• Scallops with Lemon Butter, Pan seared, served over a bed of rice with -roasted carrots
• Thai Glazed Salmon Grilled, served over a bed of rice with the daily vegetable
• Daily Fish with Crab Butter Pan seared, over a bed of rice with oven-roasted carrots
• Garlic Shrimp Pesto Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pesto and roasted garlic served over linguini
• Chicken Diavolo Pasta; Grilled chicken, mushrooms, red peppers, tomatoes, spinach tossed in a creamy diavolo sauce
• Carmel Glazed Lamb Chops, Served over sautéed spinach with macaroni and cheese
• Filet Mignon, Served with a twice baked potato
• New York Strip Topped with Demi-Glaze, Topped with onion straws and served with a loaded baked potato
• Crab Cakes, Topped with chipotle sour cream, served with brussel sprouts tossed in Caesar dressing, topped with pancetta

Beer & Wine included

LOCATION:  MERITAGE,  40 Village Square Cincinnati, Ohio 45246  (39.27172135156316, -84.45915736379386)   MAP

RESERVATIONS:  REGISTER HERE   Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $30 per person- open to Members and a guest only.

Reservations close at 6:45pm on Wednesday December 4th, 2024.

DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by December 4th, 2024.

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  No PDH credits are issued for this meeting

UC STUDENT MEETING

ABOUT THE MEETING:   UC Student presentation TBA.  This meeting is always very popular and well attended.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:  TBA

MENU SELECTIONS:   Buffet Menu: Assorted Bearcat Sheet Pizzas from Adriatico’s.

LOCATION:  Please see map link below. The nearest parking garage is Woodside Garage or the Campus Green Garage. There is also on street parking on Martin Luther King Blvd. (https://www.uc.edu/about/maps.html)

RESERVATIONS: Event Registration  Dinner for this event is FREE;  If you are planning to participate in dinner, you MUST register so we have enough for everyone.

The system is available if the text “Click Here to Register” is displayed in large red letters on a yellow background below. After selecting “Click here to Register”, select “Register and pay the fee…” if you wish to attend the dinner at 6:00pm, or select “Register only (skip optional fee)” if you only wish to attend the presentations at 6:30pm. While there is no fee for this meeting, your selection will help us determine how much pizza to purchase

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on October 23, 2024.

DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by October 24th, 2024

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for the DINNER portion of this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Depending on the subject matter, attendance at IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings now qualifies the attendee for Professional Development Hours towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.