Herff College of Engineering
Herff students travel to Baltimore for annual NSBE conference
March 27, 2026
Herff College of Engineering students literally went the extra mile to enhance their academic portfolios and network opportunities.
The students traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 2026 conference, March 18 through March 22. The conference, themed "Advancing S.T.E.M.," opened Wednesday night with a session titled "The Future Starts Here." Throughout the week, students were given the opportunity to dive deeper into their interests by attending workshops tailored to their individual areas of research.
Computer Engineering Major Gloria Enchill said one of those workshops, the NSBE Impact-A-Thon AI Competition hosted by Honeywell Technologies, changed the way she thinks about research.
"One of the most meaningful parts of the convention was taking part in the NSBE Impact-A-Thon AI Competition," Enchill said. "Although my team and I did not win the top prize, the experience was invaluable. I came to understand that innovation does not begin with perfection; it begins with the willingness to explore, take risks, and think creatively. I walked away with several important lessons: Every idea has potential, and no idea should be dismissed as unworthy or foolish when approached with dedication and curiosity. Growth requires consistency, and taking part even without winning is a victory on its own, and collaboration strengthens learning, especially when surrounded by talented peers who are passionate about engineering and technology."
The conference also provided students with opportunities to plan the next chapter of their journey, be it through graduate programs or entering the workforce. Several colleges invited students to learn more about their graduate programs and hundreds of companies from around the country sent representatives to speak directly to students during a two-day career fair, allowing NSBE attendees to learn about National Science Foundation-funded grants and learn about career opportunities.
Biomedical Engineering Major Lucy Ephrem said those conversations helped her focus her future goals.
"Overall, this year’s NSBE Convention helped me gain clarity in my career goals, strengthen my professional network, and build confidence in my path toward tissue engineering and research," Ephrem said. "It confirmed my desire to contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare, particularly through stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and I am excited to continue working toward that future."
But Herff students got an exclusive networking opportunity thanks to the college's connection with Kevin Coby, President and CEO of SITEC, a technology and professional services firm that specializes in design, development and delivery of state-of-the-art technology solutions, as well as software and systems engineering services. After touring SITEC, Coby welcomed Herff's students into his home, where they had dinner with him, his wife, and several of their engineering acquaintances from Howard University.
Of the Herff students who attended, perhaps none were busier than David Adaway and Chinonso Okoli, who represented the Memphis NSBE Chapter as senators during the conference. In their role, the pair represented the chapter during meetings throughout the conference and voted on NSBE bylaws and for upcoming national and regional NSBE officers. Adaway also showcased his research during the conference in a presentation titled "A Comparative Study of Image Restoration Methods for 3D Fluorescence Microscopy."
"Overall, I think my trip to the NSBE Annual Convention was rewarding and insightful," Adaway said. "I am glad that I was able to make an impact on my chapter as a senator, that I taught others about my research at the poster competition, and that I met the Coby’s, who imparted advice that I will take to heart. Even though I could not attend many events at the convention, I still found my time there valuable."