Dr. Laila Salman, Principal Application Engineer, Synopsys Inc.
I AM…an RF Principal Application Engineer Rooted in Mesopotamian and Egyptian Legacy!
What made you want to work in this industry?
Raised by an Egyptian mother and an Iraqi father, I was immersed in two of the world’s oldest civilizations. Inspired by their enduring engineering achievements, from the pyramids to Mesopotamian water systems, I approach engineering by blending cultural heritage with modern innovation, honoring the past while shaping the future.
As a principal technical specialist at Synopsys Inc., I specialize in radio-frequency (RF) and electromagnetics (EM) simulations. I help engineers understand electromagnetics simulation for RF, antenna, microwave, and signal integrity applications.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the continuous learning and the impact I get to make. At Synopsys, I’m constantly exposed to new technologies, training, and evolving challenges that help me grow professionally while contributing to meaningful, high-impact projects. I find it especially rewarding to see how simulations transform the way engineers and analysts work- saving time, reducing costs, and enabling innovations. I’m also deeply motivated by the company culture: the trust to take ownership, the encouragement to be courageous, and the strong sense of belonging created through collaboration, recognition, and endorsement. Together, these elements empower me to deliver holistic solutions that truly matter.
What are you most excited about for IMS2026?
I’m most excited about IMS2026 as a dynamic platform that connects cutting-edge research with real-world impact. Bringing industry leaders, innovators, and engineers together creates unmatched energy—especially through venues like the IEEE MicroApps Forum, which I’m excited to co-chair this year on the exhibit floor, enabling easy access to timely innovations in design methodologies, advanced modeling and simulation, 5G/6G, test and measurement, and the growing role of AI/ML. I’m also privileged to collaborate with industry and academic leaders through the Industry Workshop Forum and Technical Workshops to deliver concise, high-impact sessions that spark meaningful technical dialogue and industrial insight. IMS2026’s theme, “Revolutionizing RF,” strongly aligns with my passion for continuous learning and collaboration, and I look forward to engaging discussions that advance RF and microwave technology while strengthening partnerships across the community.