The main objective of the IEEE Long Island Section is to provide its Members with technical training and services to enhance their professional expertise. One of the major initiatives of the Section is the Long Island Systems, Applications, and Technology (LISAT) conference. The twelfth conference is going to be held on April 29, 2016, at Farmingdale State College. I am extremely happy to announce that this year LISAT has invited two distinguished experts as the invited speakers who will present on the latest research in biomedical engineering. In addition, a selected group of high-quality research papers will be presented that have gone through a rigorous review process. One of the main attractions of LISAT is the exhibition where almost all the major industries in the region will showcase their recent technological products. I hope you will consider attending this great conference.

A couple of other conferences are also being co-sponsored by the Section, including the Long Island MTT Symposium & Exhibits on April 14, 2016, New York Scientific Data Summit (NYSDS) on August 14, 2016, and the Center for Excellence in Wireless & Information Technology Conference on November 2-3, 2016. The organizers of the NYSDS conference is looking for volunteers as Reviewers and Session Chairs. Please contact us if you would like to serve the conference.

The Section is also offering a number of technical activities, including specialized workshops, and seminars. Please support these initiatives by joining the events.

All the activities and accomplishments of the Section have only been made possible by significant contributions from the volunteers, Engineers, and industries. The Section has always been grateful to all of them. As a token of appreciation, the Section has organized the Annual Awards Banquet on March 31, 2016, to recognize some of them in the forms of IEEE Region 1 Awards, IEEE Long Island Section Awards, and volunteer recognition awards and certificates. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters, volunteers, and attendees to help organize a successful banquet.

The Section has just launched a new website which will run in parallel with the old one during the testing period. Please visit the new website and let us know your experience and comments for future developments.

The Section has taken another great initiative in creating a database of expertise to support the community. Whenever there is any need of technological opinion or advice on any issue, the Section can direct to the appropriate expert. A recent appearance of Dr. M. Nazrul Islam on two news channels for commenting on cell phone hacking triggered this initiative. Please add your name and expertise to the database.

As always, the Section welcomes comments and suggestions from the Members. Please let us know at chair@ieee.li how we can better serve you and help the growth of technology in the region.

Hope you enjoy the nice weather in Spring.

Thanking you,

M. Nazrul Islam, PhD
Char
IEEE Long Island Section