May 19, 2025
| Time | Location | Session Name | Description | Speaker/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:15 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Welcome | Welcome to the Future of Work Faculty Academy Spring Forum—where innovation meets impact! Kick off the day with powerful keynotes from thought leaders reimagining education, technology, and workforce transformation. Dive into dynamic breakout sessions, explore cutting-edge robotics and manufacturing labs, and spark ideas in interactive research collaboratives. Network with visionary faculty and forward-thinking business partners driving the future of work. Get ready to connect, create, and lead the change! | Ginger Shaw Future of Work Faculty Academy Director Penn State |
| 8:15-9:00 a.m. | Main Conference Room | The State of Robotics Manufacturing in Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) | The ARM Institute leads the way to a future where people and robots work together to respond to our greatest challenges and to develop and produce the world’s most desired products. Discover your place in this new world the ARM Institute is building. | Jay Douglass COO ARM Institute |
| 9:00-9:15 a.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Breakfast Snacks Meet your fellow participants | |
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Research Collabrative* | Join forces in this dynamic Research Collaborative Session where higher ed, K-12 educators, and industry leaders converge at the table! Engage in bold conversations around real-world workforce challenges and future-ready solutions in Southwestern PA. Share insights, align goals, and co-create strategies that bridge classrooms to careers. This is your chance to shape the talent pipeline through powerful, cross-sector collaboration. Let’s build the future—together! | Ginger Shaw |
| 10:15-10:30 a.m. | Move to next sessions | In transit to break-out rooms, tours, and demos | Ginger Shaw Beth Reiners | |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Break-out Room 1 | Digital Twin/Digital Thread of AR/VR Learning | Discover the future of immersive learning in this 90-minute workshop exploring how Digital Twin and AR/VR technologies converge to transform education and training. Learn how the Digital Thread, fueled by real-time AI-driven data capture, enables responsive, personalized learning environments. Experience live demos, real-world applications, and hands-on activities to conceptualize your own interactive module. Understand how seamless data flow enhances simulation, assessment, and engagement. Ideal for educators, technologists, and innovation leaders shaping the next frontier of experiential learning. | Karen Alexander, Director XRconnectED |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Break-out Room 2 | Critical Strengths of Leadership Part I | Unlock the core strengths that define transformative leaders in this energizing, hands-on workshop. Explore the critical traits—resilience, empathy, vision, and adaptability—that fuel impact and innovation. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, discover how to lead with authenticity and confidence. Build a personal roadmap to elevate your leadership influence today. Perfect for emerging and experienced leaders ready to level up. Results from your Critical Strengths assessment will be provided during the workshop with opportunity to address your personal development outcomes. [Participants must be registered for the Spring Forum prior to May 12, 2025 to take the assessment and receive results.] | Kathy Goller Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Teal Horizon Coaching LLC |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Break-out Room 3 | The AI Algorithm Game-Win or Lose? | Step into the world of artificial intelligence in this fast-paced, interactive workshop: The AI Algorithm Game – Win or Lose? Decode how algorithms shape decisions in everyday life—from hiring to healthcare—and explore who wins, who loses, and why. Engage in live simulations that challenge your assumptions and reveal hidden biases in AI systems. Discover the human impact behind the code and what ethical AI really means. Get ready to play, question, and transform how you think about technology and power. | Tiffany Petricini Associate Teaching Professor Penn State and Mike Zula Program & Community Management Specialist Board |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Main Conference Room Hallway | Business Information Tables | Step into an energizing conversation with small, medium, and large businesses driving innovation across our region! Discover their unique missions, explore emerging opportunities, and dive into the challenges shaping their growth. Hear firsthand what today’s employers need from tomorrow’s workforce. Spark meaningful connections that fuel collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Come ready to listen, learn, and lead alongside our regional business champions! | |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | ARM Robotics Manufacturing Hub | Tour of Robotics Demonstration Lab | Step inside the future of manufacturing with an immersive tour that reveals how industry leaders evaluate and elevate their operations. Discover how robotics are tested for impact—without upfront commitments—and what drives smart, high-ROI tech adoption. Learn how companies determine which solutions boost productivity and fill workforce gaps. Explore real-world examples of robotics enhancing, not replacing human potential. This behind-the-scenes experience will reshape how you think about innovation, investment, and the future of work! | Christopher Adams Operations Manager ARM Institute |
| 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Level 1 ARM Institute | YKK AP Technologies Lab Inc. Robot demonstrations | Experience the thrill of smart tech in action with this high-energy demonstration of Go2, Bunker, and PiCar robots! Watch Go2 navigate and detect objects or people with precision in real-time exploration. See the rugged Bunker tackle terrain as it scans its environment for mission-critical insights. Get behind the wheel with PiCar, streaming live video as it maneuvers like a pro. Discover how these cutting-edge systems bring autonomy, vision, and mobility to life! | Chris Suzuki Robotics Engineer, Ming He Associate Robotics Engineer, and Katy Kolor Associate SW Engineer |
| Noon-1:00 p.m. | Lunch | Conference Room Vicinity | ||
| 1:00-1:15 p.m. | Main Conference | Introductions | The Global Impact Forum, Pittsburgh PA Welcome Afternoon Speaker | Justin Aglio Executive Director Readiness Institute at Penn State |
| 1:15-2:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Developing a Thriving Workforce in the Pittsburgh Area | Hear how this workforce development organization connects funding, expertise, and opportunities to a thriving workforce in the Pittsburgh region. Explore opportunities for faculty, students, employers and employees. Be part of the amazing growth conversation for the Pittsburgh region! | Edgar Largaespada Senior Director of Industry Strategy at Partner4Work Pittsburgh |
| 2:00-2:15 p.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Afternoon Snacks Meet your fellow participants | |
| 2:15-3:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Research Collaborative Continues* | Join forces in this dynamic Research Collaborative Session where higher ed, K-12 educators, and industry leaders converge at the table! Engage in bold conversations around real-world workforce challenges and future-ready solutions in Southwestern PA. Share insights, align goals, and co-create strategies that bridge classrooms to careers. This is your chance to shape the talent pipeline through powerful, cross-sector collaboration. Let’s build the future—together! | Ginger Shaw |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Break-out Room 1 | The AI Algorithm Game-Win or Lose? | Step into the world of artificial intelligence in this fast-paced, interactive workshop: The AI Algorithm Game – Win or Lose? Decode how algorithms shape decisions in everyday life—from hiring to healthcare—and explore who wins, who loses, and why. Engage in live simulations that challenge your assumptions and reveal hidden biases in AI systems. Discover the human impact behind the code and what ethical AI really means. Get ready to play, question, and transform how you think about technology and power. | Tiffany Petricini Associate Teaching Professor Penn State and Mike Zula Program & Community Management Specialist Board |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Break-out Room 2 | Digital Twin/Digital Thread of AR/VR Learning | Discover the future of immersive learning in this 90-minute workshop exploring how Digital Twin and AR/VR technologies converge to transform education and training. Learn how the Digital Thread, fueled by real-time AI-driven data capture, enables responsive, personalized learning environments. Experience live demos, real-world applications, and hands-on activities to conceptualize your own interactive module. Understand how seamless data flow enhances simulation, assessment, and engagement. Ideal for educators, technologists, and innovation leaders shaping the next frontier of experiential learning. | Karen Alexander, Director XRconnectED |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Break-out Room 3 | Critical Strengths of Leadership Part II | Unlock the core strengths that define transformative leaders in this energizing, hands-on workshop. Explore the critical traits—resilience, empathy, vision, and adaptability—that fuel impact and innovation. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, discover how to lead with authenticity and confidence. Build a personal roadmap to elevate your leadership influence today. Perfect for emerging and experienced leaders ready to level up. Results from your Critical Strengths assessment will be provided during the workshop with opportunity to address your personal development outcomes. [Participants must be registered for the Spring Forum prior to May 12, 2025 to take the assessment and receive results.] | Kathy Goller Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Teal Horizon Coaching LLC |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Main Conference Room Hallway | Business Information Tables | Step into an energizing conversation with small, medium, and large businesses driving innovation across our region! Discover their unique missions, explore emerging opportunities, and dive into the challenges shaping their growth. Hear firsthand what today’s employers need from tomorrow’s workforce. Spark meaningful connections that fuel collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Come ready to listen, learn, and lead alongside our regional business champions! | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Wrap-up | Ginger Shaw | |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner | TBD Off-site | Coordinated transportation. Dinner with facilitators/speakers and attendees. Pay-as-you-go. Reservation numbers required. | Beth Reiners |
May 20, 2025
| Time | Location | Session Name | Description | Speaker/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:15 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Introductions | The Global Impact Forum, Pittsburgh PA Welcome Opening Speaker | Justin Aglio Executive Director Readiness Institute at Penn State |
| 8:15-9:00 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Modernizing Manufacturing Through Connection to Communities | Why is it important to connect communities to the manufacturing sector across the region? Join Catalyst Connection as they discuss and share their experiences in working with communities to foster opportunities for all members of the community to thrive and prosper. | Petra Mitchell CEO Catalyst Connection and Mike Minner Director Tech Services Catalyst Connection |
| 9:00-9:15 a.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Breakfast Snacks Meet your fellow participants | |
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Research Collabrative | Join forces in this dynamic Research Collaborative Session where higher ed, K-12 educators, and industry leaders converge at the table! Engage in bold conversations around real-world workforce challenges and future-ready solutions in Southwestern PA. Share insights, align goals, and co-create strategies that bridge classrooms to careers. This is your chance to shape the talent pipeline through powerful, cross-sector collaboration. Let’s build the future—together! | Ginger Shaw |
| 10:15-10:30 a.m. | Move to next sessions | In transit to break-out rooms, tours, and demos | Ginger Shaw Beth Reiners | |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Break-out Room 1 | Autonomy: TBD | Take the fast lane into the future with a deep dive into transportation autonomy across Southwestern Pennsylvania! Explore how cutting-edge companies are revolutionizing mobility through autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-powered logistics. Discover the urgent workforce needs fueling this transformation and the high-tech careers emerging in real time. Learn how regional innovation is driving national leadership in this fast-evolving sector. Buckle up—this is where tech, talent, and transportation converge! | TBD |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Break-out Room 2 | Creative AI – Moving the Needle/strong> | Join Kyle for an exploration of creative AI opportunities in image generation, design assistance, content generation/management, music composition, and GPT utilization. In addition to providing increased productivity, learn how to use AI for exploration, innovation, and for creative accessibility. | Kyle Chalupczynski Lecturer Penn State |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Break-out Room 3 | Space Exploration: Space and Defense in Pittsburgh | Blast off into an interactive discussion on Space Exploration and Defense right here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Discover how local innovators are powering aerospace breakthroughs—from advanced materials to AI-driven defense systems. Engage with experts shaping the region’s role in national space initiatives and security missions. Explore emerging career pathways and the technologies fueling liftoff. Join the conversation where Pittsburgh reaches for the stars! | TBD |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Main Conference Room Hallway | Business Information Tables | Step into an energizing conversation with small, medium, and large businesses driving innovation across our region! Discover their unique missions, explore emerging opportunities, and dive into the challenges shaping their growth. Hear firsthand what today’s employers need from tomorrow’s workforce. Spark meaningful connections that fuel collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Come ready to listen, learn, and lead alongside our regional business champions! | |
| 10:30 a.m.-noon | Level 1 ARM Institute | YKK AP Technologies Lab Inc. Robot demonstrations | Experience the thrill of smart tech in action with this high-energy demonstration of Go2, Bunker, and PiCar robots! Watch Go2 navigate and detect objects or people with precision in real-time exploration. See the rugged Bunker tackle terrain as it scans its environment for mission-critical insights. Get behind the wheel with PiCar, streaming live video as it maneuvers like a pro. Discover how these cutting-edge systems bring autonomy, vision, and mobility to life! | Chris Suzuki, Robotics Engineer Ming He, Associate Robotics Engineer Katy Kolor, Associate SW Engineer |
| Noon-1:00 p.m. | Lunch | Conference Room Vicinity | ||
| 1:00-1:15 p.m. | Main Conference | Introductions | The Global Impact Forum, Pittsburgh PA Welcome Afternoon Speaker | Justin Aglio Executive Director Readiness Institute at Penn State |
| 1:15-2:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Pittsburgh Robotics and Technology in Action | Explore the exciting developments across the region in robotics and technology from two experts who are at the forefront of driving and delivering on economic growth, workforce development and community engagement. Be part of the future – share time and conversation with these experts! | Jenny Sharpe Director of Workforce Development Pittsburgh Robotics Network and Marie Pelloni Sr. Director, Talent and Workforce Development Initiatives Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC) and Fortyx80 |
| 2:00-2:15 p.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Afternoon Snacks Meet your fellow participants | |
| 2:15-3:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Research Collaborative Continues | Join forces in this dynamic Research Collaborative Session where higher ed, K-12 educators, and industry leaders converge at the table! Engage in bold conversations around real-world workforce challenges and future-ready solutions in Southwestern PA. Share insights, align goals, and co-create strategies that bridge classrooms to careers. This is your chance to shape the talent pipeline through powerful, cross-sector collaboration. Let’s build the future—together! | Ginger Shaw |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Break-out Room 1 | Creative AI – Moving the Needle | Join Kyle for an exploration of creative AI opportunities in image generation, design assistance, content generation/management, music composition, and GPT utilization. In addition to providing increased productivity, learn how to use AI for exploration, innovation, and for creative accessibility. | Kyle Chalupczynski, Lecturer, Penn State Behrend |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Break-out Room 2 | Developing a Leadership Growth Mindset | Unlock your leadership potential in this high-impact, interactive workshop on developing a Leadership Growth Mindset! Explore the critical differences between growth and fixed mindsets in faculty and business settings—and why they matter. Learn proven strategies to shift your perspective, embrace challenges, and lead with adaptability. Engage in hands-on decision-making exercises designed to reinforce growth-focused thinking. Walk away with actionable tools to cultivate resilience, drive innovation, and inspire others through a mindset that grows with you! | Lois Bradley, President and Founder The Bradley Partnerships |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Break-out Room 3 | Driving the Future: Navigating Transportation Autonomy in Action | Take the fast lane into the future with a deep dive into transportation autonomy across Southwestern Pennsylvania! Explore how cutting-edge companies are revolutionizing mobility through autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-powered logistics. Discover the urgent workforce needs fueling this transformation and the high-tech careers emerging in real time. Learn how regional innovation is driving national leadership in this fast-evolving sector. Buckle up—this is where tech, talent, and transportation converge! | TBD |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Manufacturing Futures Institute (MFI) | Tour of CMU MFI facility | Explore and learn the mission of the MFI to inspire, engineer, and lead technological and workforce advances for agile, intelligent, efficient, resilient, and sustainable manufacturing. | Sandra DeVincent Wolf Executive Director, Manufacturing Futures Institute |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Main Conference Room Hallway | Business Information Tables | Step into an energizing conversation with small, medium, and large businesses driving innovation across our region! Discover their unique missions, explore emerging opportunities, and dive into the challenges shaping their growth. Hear firsthand what today’s employers need from tomorrow’s workforce. Spark meaningful connections that fuel collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Come ready to listen, learn, and lead alongside our regional business champions! | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Day 2 Wrap-up | Ginger Shaw Justin Aglio | |
| 6:30-8:00 p.m. | Hotel Indigo Rooftop | Evening Social | Network with fellow participants. Enjoy refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, music, and a cash bar. Relax and enjoy the Pittsburgh views from atop the Hotel Indigo! | Beth Reiners |
May 21, 2025
Day 3