Daytona WIE Affinity Group
Chair: Kayla D. Taylor
Vice Chair: Dr. Laxima Niure Kandel The Daytona WIE Affinity group was was formed in 2022.
Secretary: Dr. Helen Hernandez
Treasurer: TBA
Mission & Vision: To foster community through inclusion; provide people with soft skills to help people in their careers and to inspire each other.
IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) is one of the largest international professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists, and inspiring girls around the world to follow their academic interests to a career in engineering. Section Members with IEEE WIE membership are automatically placed into the WIE Affinity Group. Please consider participating in our activities. Contact Chair Kayla Taylor
Current Events 2025
Presented by: Kayla D. Taylor, Ph.D Student, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU).
Location: ERAU, Lehman Building, Room LB373
A STELLAR LEGACY: WOMEN WHO HAVE REDEFINED SPACE SCIENCE
Throughout history, women have expanded our understanding of the cosmos, often against the gravity of societal barriers and gender discrimination. This presentation celebrates their remarkable contributions and legacies as inspirations for future generations of women and minorities in science. From the early comet-hunting days of Caroline Herschel to the revolutionary astrophysical insights of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, these pioneers transformed our view of the universe and our place within it. The stories of these women reveal how perseverance, intellect, and vision can transcend discrimination, leaving us with an enduring reminder that reaching for the stars often begins with defying the limits placed upon us by society.
Upcoming Events 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026: International Day of Women and Girls in Science @ MOAS Daytona
Saturday, March 14, 2026: Space Day @ MOAS Daytona
Past Events 2022
Women in Aerospace and Aviation “Expert Panel” — October 26, 2022
Women in Aerospace and Aviation “Expert Panel” — October 26, 2022The Daytona Section WIE, along with the Section, presented the monthly program on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, featuring an expert panel of women engineers employed in aerospace and aviation. We welcomed Katherine Ghelarducci from the Kennedy Space Center, Caeley Looney from L3Harris, and Angie Gonzalez and Mineris Figueroa from Northrop Grumman (L-R).
Led by panel moderator and Daytona Section WIE Chair Rebecca DeMarco, panelists described how they became interested in engineering and what excited them about working in aeropsace and aviation. The importance of air superiority for the defense strategy of the U.S. was put into focus, and panelists expressed that they liked to be on the cutting edge, to come up with new solutions, and to respond to learning challenges.
We had a very good turn-out at the “Job Search Guidance Panel” Event on October 7. There was a lively discussion about corporate culture, along with tips and recommendations to succeed in applying and landing an internship or full-time position in industry, and prepare students for the ERAU Career Services job fair on October 11. Thank you to Chair Shawn Wilkerson for participating as a mentor.
News and Updates
Truly honored and deeply moved by the surprise recognition I received In Summer 2025 through the 2024–2025 CTLE Thank-A-Professor Program for exemplifying the value of “Foster Thriving.”
Laxima Niure Kandel, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Computer Science
DB-DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
Past Events 2025
High School Cybersecurity Camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Organized by Dr. Laxima Niure Kandel, Professor at the College of Engineering, ERAU, this intensive 4-day cybersecurity camp is designed to inspire young high school students to explore degrees and careers in cybersecurity. Participants gain hands-on experience in a safe air-gapped environment, learning real-world skills like cryptography, digital forensics, steganography, and password cracking.
Time and Place: June 9 – June 12, 2025
Lehman Building, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach FL.
Kennedy Space Center Visit
Kennedy Space Center VisitFriday, June 13, 2025, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Organizer: Dr. Laxima Niure Kandel, Professor, College of Engineering, ERAU
Meet up at Lehmann Building on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus.
As part of a summer research program, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has invited fifteen undergraduate students to explore the wonders of space and innovation during an educational trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
Highlights include visits to Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the iconic Space Shuttle Atlantis, and live Astronaut Encounter presentations, among other inspiring exhibits.
Cyber Safety for Seniors: Protecting Yourself Online.
Cyber Safety for Seniors: Protecting Yourself Online.8 members of the Volusia County, Florida community joined us for an informative and engaging presentation on Cybersecurity Awareness. This event was designed specifically for Seniors in Volusia County!
Learn how to protect yourself online, avoid scams, create strong passwords, and safely navigate the digital world.