Fidel Makatia Omusilibwa

What advice would you give to young technologists on how to get the most out of the IEEE membership experience?

Think of IEEE like a well-designed algorithm: you get out of it what you put in. If you only skim the surface, the returns are limited — but deep engagement can be transformative. Network intentionally at conferences, workshops and local chapter events; those conversations matter more than you think. Go further by volunteering and joining at least one IEEE Society aligned with your interests. These focused communities accelerate learning, expand your network and become invaluable during career or research transitions. IEEE is not just a membership; it’s a multiplier. The more you engage and contribute, the more value it returns throughout your career.

What’s keeping you busy these days?

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering focused on analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design, with research at the intersection of AI–hardware co-design. My work explores how AI techniques can be used to make radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) and high-speed input/output circuits more intelligent, adaptive and energy-efficient. We are at a pivotal moment where AI algorithms are advancing rapidly, but hardware is increasingly the bottleneck constrained by bandwidth, latency and power rather than compute alone.