Keynote Speaker
The ICACIT Symposium 2026 features internationally recognized leaders from academia, industry, and global organizations who will share their vision, experiences, and insights on the future of engineering and computing education. Through these keynote conferences, participants will explore emerging trends, innovative practices, and strategic perspectives on quality assurance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, accreditation, and higher education.
Dr. Isabel Hilliger Carrasco
Directora de Unidad Ingeniería y Diseño (DILab) de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
She is a faculty member at the School of Engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Director of its Design Engineering Unit (DILab). Isabel holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Biotechnology and a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Computer Science) from the same university, as well as a master’s degree in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from the School of Education at Stanford University.
Between 2011 and 2013, Isabel led the development of indicators to evaluate school support programs in Chile as National Deputy Coordinator of Technical and Pedagogical Assistance at the Chilean Ministry of Education. Since 2013, she has been involved in various projects in general and higher education, both nationally and internationally.
Between 2020 and 2023, she served on the executive committee of the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR), and she currently serves on the board of directors of the Chilean Society for Engineering Education (SOCHEDI), the Comeduc Foundation, and the Artificial Intelligence Global Education Network (AIGEN). Her current research addresses various topics in higher education, engineering education, and educational technology, with a focus on the use of curriculum analytics for quality assurance in higher education.
Dr. Edmundo Tovar Caro
Pasado Presidente Sociedad de Educación del IEEE
He holds a degree in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where he is a tenured professor at the School of Computer Engineering, working in the area of Information Systems Governance and Management.
He works on the management, research, and promotion of Open Educational Resources (OER). He served as an elected member of the Board of Directors of the OpenCourseWare Consortium (2009-2013), and as Executive Director of the OCW and Open Education Office at UPM (2008-2016). He has been a member of the Board of Governors of the IEEE Education Society since 2005, serving as President in 2021-2022 and currently as Junior Past President (2023-2024).
He has been a member of Standing Committees of the IEEE Educational Activities Board (EAB), currently serving on the Continuing Education Committee and chairing the Educational Products Editorial Committee. He is also a member this year of the IEEE TAB/PSPB Products and Services Committee. Edmundo Tovar is a professional member of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu.
Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Herrera
Vicedecano Académico Facultad de Ingeniería Universidad Los Andes de Colombia
He studied Mechanical Engineering at Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia) and earned a Ph.D. in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain).
Since 1994, he has been a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universidad de los Andes, where he has taught courses in dynamics, mechanisms, and robotics. He is the author of several academic publications, including the book Dinámica Mecánica.
He has led accreditation processes before the National Accreditation Council (CNA) of Colombia and ABET for various engineering programs, in addition to serving as a peer evaluator and consultant in accreditation processes for universities in Colombia and Ecuador. He currently serves as Academic Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and he is a member of the International Staff of Evaluators of ICACIT.
Dr. Sandro Paz Collado
Director de la Carrera de Ingeniería Industrial y director de la Maestría en Dirección de la Ingeniería en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Industrial engineer and quality assurance specialist with more than 28 years of experience in higher education, consulting, and accreditation processes. He currently serves as Director of the Industrial Engineering program and Director of the Master’s in Engineering Management at PUCP, and is also a board member of CONEAU.
He was Director of Evaluation and Accreditation of University Higher Education in Peru. He has extensive experience in quality assurance systems, ABET and ICACIT accreditation, statistical quality control, operations research, process optimization, data analysis, Six Sigma methodologies, and higher education institution management.
He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science from the University of Puerto Rico. He has carried out teaching, research, and consulting work in Peru, Puerto Rico, and the United States, participating in curriculum design, accreditation processes, and continuous improvement projects in both industry and higher education institutions.
Dr. Víctor Tuesta Monteza
Decano de la Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Urbanismo de la Universidad Señor de Sipán
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning at Universidad Señor de Sipán (Peru) and a researcher recognized by CONCYTEC – RENACYT. He holds a Ph.D. in Education Sciences, a degree in Systems Engineering, and a Master’s in Business Administration, with experience in academic management, research, innovation, and quality assurance in higher education.
He has held academic and technology leadership positions at Universidad Señor de Sipán, including directing engineering professional schools, coordinating graduate programs, and managing research, development, and innovation projects. His career is linked to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, systems engineering, applied research, and strengthening accreditation and continuous improvement processes in engineering programs.
He has also participated in projects funded by CONCYTEC and in technology innovation, software development, and academic modernization initiatives. His academic and institutional work focuses on promoting educational quality, scientific research, and the connection between technology, education, and innovation.
Dra. Vanille Trantoul
Head of Latam Edusign
EdTech leader and specialist in academic digital transformation. She currently leads digitalization and attendance management projects for higher education institutions in Latin America, focusing on optimizing administrative processes and student tracking as key tools for preventing dropout.
With a multicultural profile and fluency in four languages, she has successfully managed the implementation of technology programs at universities in Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and El Salvador. She is a professional committed to innovation and the strategic use of data to improve retention and academic success.
Dr. Nicolas Elton
Director Regional de QS para Sudamérica y el Caribe
He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile. He began his professional career at Oracle, where he managed software implementation projects from Chile for the United States, including the implementation of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions for the Rochester Institute of Technology.
He is Regional Director of QS for South America and the Caribbean. In this role, he collaborates with universities and governments across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen institutional performance, international visibility, and university strategy through the use of data. He has nearly two decades of experience in higher education and educational technology, combining academic knowledge, innovation, and analytics to support strategic decision-making at institutions.
Dr. Victor Grimblatt
Director Ejecutivo, Synopsys
Victor Grimblatt holds engineering degrees in microelectronics (INPG, France) and electronics (Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Chile), and earned his Ph.D. in Electronics from the University of Bordeaux in 2021. He currently serves as R&D Executive Director and General Manager of Synopsys Chile.
He has published papers in the areas of the Internet of Things (IoT), Electronic Design Automation (EDA), smart agriculture, climate change, and embedded systems. Between 2012 and 2024, he chaired the joint Chilean chapter of IEEE EDS/CASS/SSCS and served on various technical and steering committees for conferences such as ISCAS, ICECS, LASCAS, and VLSI-SoC. He was a member of the IEEE CASS Board of Governors (2021–2023), founder and leader of the CASS Special Interest Group (SIG) on Electronics for Agrifood until 2024, chair of the LASCAS Steering Committee (2018–2022), and CASS representative to the IEEE Climate Change TAB. He is currently a member of the IEEE CASS Board of Governors for the 2025–2027 term.
He also served as President of the Chilean Electronics and Electrical Industry Association (AIE) between 2017 and 2021. Earlier, between 2006 and 2008, he took part in the «Chilean Offshoring Committee,» formed by Chile’s Ministry of Economy.
He has received several honors, including «Innovator of the Year in Service Exports» (2010), «Best IEEE/AIE Engineer» in Chile (2022), «IEEE Region 9 Outstanding Engineer» (2023), and the «CASS Meritorious Service Award» (2024).
Victor’s main research areas are Electronic Design Automation (EDA), Climate Change, and the Internet of Things (IoT) applied to Smart Agriculture.
Dr. José Loría Arcila
Director General del Consejo de Acreditación de la Enseñanza de la Ingeniería, A.C. (CACEI)
He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), a Construction Specialist degree from UNAM, a Master’s in Engineering from MIT, and a Ph.D. in Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has served as Director General of CACEI, Mexico’s engineering accreditation council, since 2022.
He has an outstanding record in teaching, research, university management, and quality assurance in higher education. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UADY, Director of International Relations at CACEI, and coordinator of international educational evaluation projects, including representing Mexico in the OECD’s AHELO project.
Mg. Olman Vargas Zeledón
Miembro Consejo de Acreditación, AAPIA - CFIA
He holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Costa Rica, with advanced studies in Traffic Safety in Sweden and training as a mediator. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, infrastructure, traffic engineering, and professional association management.
He has held key positions at Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, served as Executive Director of CFIA for nearly two decades, and was President of CFIA and of the Association of Civil Engineers in 2023-2024. He currently serves as General Manager of OVZ Consultores S.A. and is President-elect of UPADI for the 2027-2029 term.
He has also had a distinguished academic career as a professor at the University of Costa Rica, the National University, and the Latin University of Costa Rica, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. His career reflects a strong commitment to the development of engineering, infrastructure, and professional accreditation in Costa Rica and the region.
Arq. Roberto Leal Paz
Vicepresidente del Consejo de Acreditación de la ACAAI
He is an architect from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC), where he has served as a full professor since 1979. He has held important institutional positions, including Director of Planning at USAC, leading curriculum renewal and self-assessment processes that contributed to the accreditation of the Architecture and Graphic Design programs.
Professionally, he has directed the firm Leal.2arquitectos since 1987, specializing in residential and commercial design and construction. He has also held senior positions at public entities such as the Superintendency of Tax Administration and the Municipality of Guatemala.
He is a regional reference in educational accreditation. He was Founding President of the ACAAI Accreditation Council between 2006 and 2016, and currently serves as Vice President of that organization.
Ing. Jessica Pizarro Contreras
Gerente General de Acredita CI, Agencia Acreditadora Colegio de Ingenieros de Chile
She holds a degree in Commercial Engineering from the University of Santiago de Chile and a Master’s in Government and Public Management from the University of Chile. She serves as General Manager of Acredita CI, the accrediting agency of the Chilean Association of Engineers.
With more than 20 years of experience in quality assurance systems for higher education, she has delivered numerous conferences, talks, and training workshops, and has led more than 500 accreditation processes in Chile under national and, in particular, international criteria for the country’s engineering programs.
Dr. Miguel Solís
Presidente de la Sección Chile Centro del IEEE
He is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering of the Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB) in Chile. He received his Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering Sciences from UTFSM in 2012, and completed his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at UTFSM in 2017.
He currently serves as Section President of IEEE Chile Centro, 2025-2026, where he also served as Vice-President (2023-2024), and as President of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Chile Centro chapter (2022-2023).
Dr. Jaime Rohten
Presidente de la Sección Chile Sur del IEEE
Dr. Jaime Rohten is an Electronic Engineer who graduated with highest honors, and holds a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences with a specialization in Electrical Engineering, obtained in 2011, 2013, and 2017, respectively. His main research areas focus on renewable energy, energy conversion, and automatic control systems.
Since 2015, he has been a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Universidad del Bío-Bío, in Concepción, Chile, where he conducts teaching and research in power electronics and control systems analysis. Since 2023, he has served as director of that department. He is also active in the IEEE Chile Sur Section, where he served as Vice President starting in 2024 and took over the presidency in January 2026.
Dr. Carlos Raymundo Ibañez
Presidente de la Sección Perú del IEEE
Dr. Carlos Raymundo is a Principal Professor and Researcher at the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Peru, where he serves as General Coordinator of the Research Directorate. He is a recognized researcher in artificial intelligence, data science, digital transformation, innovation, and health and energy technologies.
He has an outstanding scientific record, with more than 300 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, and is inventor or co-inventor of 30 patents registered with INDECOPI. He has led more than 20 research projects funded by national and international sources and has completed academic stays at prestigious institutions in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, and France.
Dr. Arturo Rodríguez García
Liderazgo Estratégico en Ingeniería, Innovación Educativa y Gestión de la Calidad
Dr. Arturo Rodríguez García holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and a Master’s in Telecommunications from the University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), and a degree in Mechanical-Electrical Engineering from the National University of Engineering (UNI) in Peru. He has an outstanding academic and university management career focused on strengthening quality, innovation, and digital transformation in higher education.
He is recognized for his leadership in quality assurance and accreditation processes for engineering programs, serving as an international evaluator for organizations such as ICACIT and in initiatives aligned with the Washington Accord. His work focuses on integrating international standards, using emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in education, and developing continuous improvement models for higher education institutions.
He currently serves as Coordinator of Research, Innovation and Development in the Department of Industrial Technologies at the University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), promoting applied research, community engagement, and the modernization of engineering education in Latin America.
PhD. Isabel Hilliger
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
She holds a degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Biotechnology, a Master’s in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Computer Science area) from PUC-Chile. Her work and research focus on developing processes for continuous curricular improvement in higher education in Latin America, using analytical tools centered on the needs of administrators, faculty, and students.
She is an Assistant Professor on the Special Faculty Track and Deputy Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Quality at the School of Engineering of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC-Chile), and an Associate Researcher at the Millennium Nucleus for Higher Education.
PhD. Sandro Paz Collado
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of South Florida.
He has served as Director of Evaluation and Accreditation of University Higher Education at Sineace. He is currently the Director of Academic Innovation in the Department of Engineering, Section Coordinator and Program Director of Industrial Engineering, and Full Professor in the Department of Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. He is also the General Coordinator for Accreditation and Continuous Improvement of the School of Science and Engineering, leading the accreditation of its programs with CEAB (Canada), ABET (USA), and ICACIT (Peru).
He has experience as a consultant in quality management, statistical process control, data mining, simulation, and optimization. He has served as an evaluator for the National Quality Award.