PELS Podcast Series

Fireside Chat with Rivian Vice President of Electric Power Conversion, Dr. Silva Hiti

Tune in with Marium Rasheed, member of the IEEE PELS WIE Committee, as she hosts the podcast, Power At the Table, in a fireside chat with Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian. 

Abstract:
Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from writing control algorithms in grad school to leading power electronics and motor development for an entire electric-vehicle company? Or how engineers choose between OEMs and startups, stay technically sharp while moving into leadership, and build confidence in industries not originally designed with them in mind?

In this fireside chat, Dr. Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian, shares her journey from growing up in former Yugoslavia to contributing to the pioneering GM EV1 program, shaping technologies in multiple startups, and now leading vertically integrated power electronics and motor development at Rivian. She reflects on navigating ambiguity, making fast strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving EV landscape, and building high-performing engineering teams. Silva also speaks candidly about mentorship, identity, and the realities of being a woman in engineering, as well as how she stays grounded while operating at an executive level.

Attendees will gain insights on making career moves across OEMs and startups, leading teams in high-velocity environments, understanding emerging EV technology trends, and balancing technical passion with business realities. The conversation also offers practical guidance for early-career engineers and women in engineering on confidence, mentorship, and taking opportunities even when you don’t feel 100% ready.

Whether you’re an aspiring technical leader, an EV enthusiast, or a student charting your path in power electronics, this session delivers both a strategic perspective and the human story behind a leader helping shape the future of electric mobility.

Fireside Chat with Maria Cortez on Driving Leadership and Innovation in Engineering

Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Maria Cortez, Senior Vice President at Advanced Energy Industries. In this episode, Maria shares her remarkable journey in driving transformative growth within engineering and technology. As a seasoned global executive, she discusses the challenges of launching breakthrough technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and leading large teams toward ambitious goals. Tune in to hear Maria’s insights on resilient leadership, strategic foresight, and how she is shaping sustainable, future-ready solutions in the tech world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary leader at the forefront of innovation.

Imparting Cognitive Learning Abilities into Power Electronics

In this episode, we had a chat with Dr. Huai Wang from Aalborg University, who shares his views on how artificial intelligence will become a very powerful tool for power electronics in reducing design time and accurate decision making. Besides this, he also talks about the growing interest of AI from the industries ensuring reduced time-to-market.

An Excerpt of Experiences and Design Challenges in IFEC 2020

In this podcast, we talk to the young and bright minds of h-bridges from the University of Belgrade, one of the runners up team in IFEC 2020, who share their experiences and embark on the importance of design challenges and competitions for qualitative learning.

A Fireside Chat with Professor Ned Mohan

We had an inspirational conversation with Professor Ned Mohan in this episode. You will hear about his professional journey in the field of power electronics, power systems, and motor drives, as well as some professional advice.

Perspectives on a Career Path After (Graduate) School

Considering your future career path? Weighing interests between a career in Academia, Industry, or an International Laboratory? Join hosts from the IEEE PELS Young Professional committee in a conversation with three panelists: Yongheng Yang (Zhejiang University), Samantha Gunter (General Motors), and Lalit Patnaik (CERN), who share their experiences and perspectives working on varying challenges in the power electronics industry across the globe. Additionally, hear their advice for students and young professionals looking for future employment opportunities. 

Spotlighting the Future of Design Trends in Power Electronics with Dr. Alan Mantooth

In this episode, we had a chat with Dr. Alan Mantooth from the University of Arkansas, who puts forth his views on the significance of AI/ML, cyber-physical security and design automation for power electronics and about the scope & missions of the newly formed Technical Committee on Design Methodologies (TC10).

Presented by the IEEE Power Electronics Society Technical Committee on Design Methodologies

A Fireside Chat with Professor Annette Mütze

Internationalization has become a buzz word in many ways.  Academics are expected to make themselves at home internationally. In this talk, I would like to share with you my own years of experience living internationally and how this has impacted my career, my thinking, and my day to day challenges as a professor. 

A Fireside Chat with Professor John Kassakian

In this episode, we had an inspirational conversation with Professor John Kassakian. You will hear about his exciting journey in the field of power electronics as well as some professional advice.

A Fireside Chat with Thomas Jahns

In this episode, we had an inspirational conversation with Professor Thomas Jahns. You will hear about his professional journey in the field of power electronics, electric machines, and drives and some exciting advice.