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 | Session 1: 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! Business Conversation Table Partners Invited. | Dr. Urmi Ashar Assistant Professor Rangos School of Health Sciences, Health Administration and Public Health Duquesne University |
| 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 | Classroom | 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 | Boardroom | 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 | Main Conference Room | 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 | 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 | ||
| 1:00-1:10 p.m. | Main Conference | Introductions | The Global Impact Forum, Pittsburgh PA Welcome Afternoon Speaker | Justin Aglio Executive Director Readiness Institute at Penn State |
| 1:10-1:55 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 |
| 1:55-2:00 p.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Afternoon Snacks | |
| 2:00-3:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Session 2: 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! Business Conversation Table Partners Invited. | Dr. Joie Marhefka Associate Teaching Professor Biomedical Engineering Technology Penn State |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Main Conference Room | 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. | Classroom | 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. | Boardroom | 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 |
| 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 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 | Session 3: 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! | Dr. Tim Schlak Associate Professor of Librarianship Robert Morris University |
| 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 | Classroom | 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 | Main Conference Room | 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 | 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 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 |
| 2:00-2:05 p.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Afternoon Snacks Meet your fellow participants | |
| 2:05-3:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Session 4: 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! | Dr. Ann Jabro University Professor of Communication (Communication & Organizational Leadership) |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Classroom | 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 |
| 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Boardroom | 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. | Main Conference Room | 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 |
| 4:30 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Day 2 Wrap-up | Ginger Shaw Justin Aglio |
May 21, 2025
| Time | Location | Session Name | Description | Speaker/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:15 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Introductions | Welcome to the Final Research Preparation Workshop | Ginger Shaw |
| 8:15-9:45 a.m. | Main Conference Room | Research Business Storytelling | Unleash the power of storytelling to transform your research into compelling business narratives in this hands-on workshop with Leadership Story Lab. Learn proven techniques to connect with audiences, drive impact, and make your data unforgettable. Turn insights into influence—where research meets resonance and strategy sparks storytelling! | Esther Choy CEO and Chief Story Facilitator Leadership Story Lab |
| 9:45-10:00 a.m. | Break | Refreshments | Beverages/Breakfast Snacks | |
| 10:00 a.m.-12:25 p.m. | Break Out Rooms | Thought Leader Sessions | Get ready for rapid-fire insights in this high-energy Speed Networking with Thought Leaders sessions! Connect face-to-face with top minds in business and workforce development for fast-paced, idea-rich conversations. Spark partnerships, gain fresh perspectives, and leave with powerful connections to shape the future of work! | Business and Workforce Leaders |
| 10:00-10:25 a.m. | Break Out Room #1 | Thought Leader: Workforce | Topic: All About The Workforce. Why retraining, hiring practices, and retaining skilled workers is important to employers in the region and what resources are in place to assist. | Susie Puskar COO Partner4Work WIB |
| 10:00-10:25 a.m. | Break Out Room #2 | Thought Leader: Business | Topic: Growth Mindset for Leadership. A growth mindset in leadership is essential to foster resilience, continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation. | Lois Bradley The Bradley Partnerships |
| 10:30-10:55 a.m. | Break Out Room #1 | Thought Leader: Business | Topic: Storytelling in Leadership, Research and Life. Explore the power of storytelling as a vital tool in leadership, research, and everyday life to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful change. | Esther Choy CEO and Chief Story Facilitator Leadership Story Lab |
| 10:30-10:55 a.m. | Break Out Room #2 | Thought Leader: Workforce | Topic: Workforce Investment Boards (WIB). The role of workforce boards to increase employment, retention, earnings, and occupational skill attainment. | Mayada Christiansen Sr. Managing Director, Programs Partner4Work WIB |
| 11:00-11:25 a.m. | Break Out Room #1 | Thought Leader: Workforce | Topic: Partnerships for the Future. The importance of partnerships that include employers, labor unions, job seekers, educators, agencies and policymakers to learn, collaborate, and strategize solutions for the local workforce. | Matthew Delp Asst. Superintendent of Secondary Education and HR Franklin Regional School District |
| 11:00-11:25 a.m. | Break Out Room #2 | Thought Leader: Business | Topic: Education & Business. Educational workforce development is crucial for equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to meet evolving industry demands and drive economic growth. | Justin Aglio Penn State |
| 11:30-11:55 a.m. | Break Out Room #1 | Thought Leader: Workforce | Topic: Workforce Strategy. Engaging businesses and other entities to develop and deploy strategic solutions to solve common challenges in talent pipeline development, recruitment, and retention. | Edgar Largaespada Senior Director of Industry Strategy at Partner4Work Pittsburgh |
| 11:30-11:55 a.m. | Break Out Room #2 | Thought Leader: Business | Topic: What Tech Next? Exploring emerging technologies across the region to identify innovation trends, growth opportunities, and their potential impact on local industries and communities. | Jordan Mroziak AI Education Consultant CodeJoy LLC |
| Noon-12:25 p.m. | Break Out Room #1 | Thought Leader: Workforce | Topic: Workforce and Technology. How do advancing technologies in the region and the level of employee preparation and development (new or current) impact regional employers and business. | Marie Pelloni Sr. Director, Talent and Workforce Development Initiatives Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC) and Fortyx80 |
| Noon-12:25 a.m. | Break Out Room #3 | Thought Leader: Business | Topic: AI and Medicine. AI is transforming medicine by enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and improved patient outcomes through data-driven insights. | Marie Abunto Executive Medical Director AMBA Venture |
| 12:30-1:15 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Lunch | Beth Reiners | |
| 1:15-2:00 p.m. | Main Conference Room | Research Wrap-Up Closing | Research teams identified. Team Leads identified. Pre-proposals submitted. | Ginger Shaw Justin Aglio |
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING
*Faculty moving forward with the research teams must be present all three days of the Spring Forum. Please read guidance here.