Eli Lilly and Company, Cummins, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, BorgWarner, Salesforce and academic leaders among 2026 honorees

INDIANAPOLIS — Aug. 14, 2026 — The IEEE Central Indiana Section recognized eight individuals and five organizations for their contributions to the region’s technology, industrial, and academic sectors during its 2026 Awards Banquet, held Aug. 8 at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites.

The annual event gathered engineering professionals, corporate executives, researchers, educators, and students to celebrate advancements across life sciences, manufacturing, mobility, sustainability, and higher education.

“The strength of this year’s honorees lies in the breadth of their contributions,” said Vaneet Aggarwal, Awards Chair for the IEEE Central Indiana Section. “From students and emerging professionals to established researchers and industry leaders, each recipient has made a meaningful impact on Indiana’s technology ecosystem. These awards provide a platform to highlight the people and organizations driving innovation in our state.”

2026 Individual Honorees

Eight individuals were recognized for professional leadership, research, and service:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Leah H. Jamieson, Purdue University
  • Outstanding Educator Award: Euzeli dos Santos
  • Excellence in Research Award: Juan Wachs
  • Excellence in Engineering Education Award: Denny Yu
  • Women in Technology and Leadership Award: Anne Lucietto
  • Young Professional Achievement Award: Peigang Chen
  • Student Leadership Award: Sein Sandar Maria Tun
  • Outstanding Student Award: Zhong Liu
Honorees at the IEEE Central Section Awards Banquet pose with their awards.
Honorees at the IEEE Central Section Awards Banquet pose with their awards.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Leah H. Jamieson, a Purdue University Ransburg Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. An IEEE Life Fellow and former IEEE President and CEO (2007), Jamieson was recognized for her distinguished career in technical leadership and her work as a co-founder of Purdue’s Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program.

2026 Organizational Honorees

Five organizations were recognized for their commitment to innovation and regional development:

  • Industry Innovation Award: Eli Lilly and Company
  • Outstanding Technology Company Award: Cummins Inc.
  • Institutional Partnership Award: Subaru of Indiana Automotive
  • Sustainable Energy & Smart Mobility Award: BorgWarner Kokomo Technical Center
  • Sustainability & Climate Award: Salesforce Indiana

Fostering Indiana’s Innovation Ecosystem

The banquet served as a nexus for stakeholders across the state’s technology landscape. Simay Akar Koehler, Chair of the IEEE Central Indiana Section, emphasized the importance of these cross-sector connections.

“Indiana’s technology community thrives when industry, academia, and research institutions collaborate,” said Akar Koehler. “By recognizing these leaders, we are not only celebrating current achievements but also fostering the mentorship and professional engagement necessary to develop the next generation of technology talent.”

The event featured remarks from senior IEEE leadership, including Connie Kelly, 2025–2026 IEEE Region 4 Director; David Koehler, IEEE Region 4 Chief of Staff; John McDonald, IEEE Foundation President; and Grayson Randall, Chair of the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board.

Looking forward, the Section remains focused on workforce development by connecting students with industry mentors. “By strengthening relationships among our student branches, university counselors, and industry partners, we are helping students build the networks required for a successful transition into Indiana’s engineering workforce,” added Siva Bayyavarapu, Student Activities Committee Chair.

About the IEEE Central Indiana Section

The IEEE Central Indiana Section serves technology and engineering professionals, researchers, educators, and students. As part of IEEE Region 4, the Section facilitates technical exchange, professional development, and networking through technical chapters, affinity groups, and student activities. For more information, visit ieeecentralindiana.org.

About IEEE

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. With more than 533,000 members in over 190 countries, IEEE publishes highly cited journals, hosts global conferences, and develops industry standards that drive technological innovation. For more information, visit ieee.org.

Media Contacts

Simay Akar Koehler
Chair, IEEE Central Indiana Section
Email: simay@ieee.org
Phone: 317-441-0611

Zach Wilson
Chair, Marketing Communications Committee
IEEE Central Indiana Section
Email: zachwilson@ieee.org