Career Transitions: A Panel Discussion with SEM YP
Join the Southeast Michigan Young Professionals Affinity Group for a panel discussion on career transitions! Our speakers will discuss a wide variety of topics related to career transitions of different types - technical/management, industrial/academic, reallocation, and more. The panel discussion will be followed with a pizza dinner and open networking. This is our first in-person event of the year, and we hope to see you there!
Below is more info on the location of the event at Oakland University:
Google Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Campus Map: MED-19306_CampusMAP_OUWBhighlights.pdf
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Date and Time
Location
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- 201 Meadow Brook Rd
- Rochester, Michigan
- United States 48309
- Building: SFH (South Foundation Hall)
- Room Number: 208
- Starts 25 September 2025 04:00 AM UTC
- Ends 16 October 2025 07:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Venugopal Thirakanam
Biography:
Venugopal Thirakanam is an Embedded Software Engineering Manager at Magna Electronics with over 19 years of experience in embedded systems and automotive software development. He specializes in ADAS, microcontrollers, SoCs, ASPICE, AUTOSAR, Linux, image processing, and technical leadership. Throughout his career, Venugopal has led innovations and efficiencies, including approximately $75 million in savings through SoC and OS optimizations, developing reusable ADAS software adopted across more than 10 OEM programs, and creating automation tools that accelerate testing and validation. He serves as a technical paper reviewer/judge for industry and academic forums and has delivered keynote talks at conferences on embedded AI, ADAS, and software engineering. He holds an M.S. in Software Systems from BITS Pilani and a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication from JNTU. Passionate about mentoring, innovation, and building high-performing teams, Venugopal continues to drive advancements that enhance vehicle safety, performance, and user experience.
Nivedhitha Giri
Biography:
R&D Manager at FANUC America with over a decade of experience in robotics and industrial automation. Focused on developing and delivering advanced motion control software features for large-scale automation applications, leveraging skills in robotics and project management.
Currently leading initiatives to improve robot motion control and address market needs across global segments. Committed to driving innovation in robotics solutions while fostering collaboration and strategic resource management to achieve organizational goals.
Sean Lucas
Biography:
Sean Lucas is a biomedical engineer and experienced research and product development leader based in Northville, Michigan. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare and medical imaging industries, he has led strategic initiatives in ultrasound and CT imaging at top companies including Canon Medical Systems, Philips Healthcare, GE Healthcare, and Epsilon Imaging. Sean holds advanced degrees in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and holds several patents in ultrasound imaging optimization. His work bridges clinical research, strategic development, and product innovation to deliver impactful solutions in cardiovascular and diagnostic imaging.