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Workshops

Our Workshops are hands-on & project-based so participants come out with a sense of accomplishment & a better understanding of how to solve problems and come up with effective solutions! We'll be updating this page as we get closer to the event!

Building Robots

Presented by Tracy Spade & Sara Spade

An introduction to the three main aspects of robotics/automation. Robotics is a multi-disciplinary subject with roots in mechanics, electronics and computer science. We will assemble a robot (Mechanical Engineering) discover the electronic components and how to put together components to build a circuit (Electrical Engineering) and look at some basic code to program the wireless robot (Programming) we built.

AI Avatar, Voice & Video

Presented by Rasoul Khadivar, Renee Smith & Laura Krylov

The output from this portion of the AI curriculum is intended to be an animated instructor avatar, (As would be used for virtual assistant capabilities of websites, messaging apps, social media platforms, and voice assistants).
Generative AI tools will be used to:

  1. Create & edit AI-generated images

  2. Convert AI-generated text to audio

  3. Combine images and audio to create animated avatar

  4. Put all content together on a powerpoint.

Sustainability: Innovation and technology in the face of climate crisis

Presented by Jen Nelson & student volunteers

Plastic materials are everywhere! From pantries, trashcans, and closets to littering yards, roadsides, drainage areas, and landfills. Tiny microscopic pieces are even in the air and water, including oceans, lakes, and watersheds. And plastics don’t go away, taking centuries to break down. Learn how innovation and technology are being used, from creative ideas to clean our oceans to technology to build more climate resilient cities. This workshop includes hands-on activities addressing contamination from fast fashion to garbage in our oceans and lakes.

Crypotgraph Escape Room

Presented by Jeanne Cuff

The Cryptograph Escape Room, designed for high school students, is an interactive and educational activity that combines puzzle-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Centered around the theme "The American Women who Secretly Broke Codes in World War II," participants must solve cryptographic puzzles and riddles to unlock the code and escape within a set time limit. This hands-on experience promotes collaboration and analytical skills while introducing students to foundational concepts in cryptography and coding, preparing them for future academic or career pursuits in STEM fields.

The Chemistry of Bath Bombs

Presented by  Nicole Stigler & Jayne Stigler

Yes, an enjoyable bath only gets more enjoyable when you add that beautifully colored, lavender scented bath bomb to the water but what causes this surprisingly relaxing bomb to fizz? Explore the fun side of everyday science and learn how to get yourself started down the path of a science career! You also get to take home your own DIY bath bomb... so why not?!

AI Prompt Engineering

Presented by Rasoul Khadivar, Renee Smith & Laura Krylov

Ai is increasingly shaping the way we learn, interact with businesses, and work. When you say AI, most people think of ChatGPT or other generative AI tools. The focus of the session will be to explore how to write good prompts in ChatGPT. We’ll learn how to craft prompts through practicing different techniques and keywords that elicit better responses from AI. By the end of the session, you’ll have some foundational skills for the digital future.

Genetics of a Strawberry

Presented by Olivia Krylov

Genetic testing such as 23andMe has made the previously complex world of DNA accessible and functional. This workshop will explore the basic structure and function of DNA through strawberries; and participants will get to see the effect gene inheritance plays in their own lives with an interactive lab. We hope to challenge your ideas about science and who can be a scientist.

CyberSecurity Family Feud

Presented by Julie Brown

During Cybersecurity Feud, students will participate as teams in a head-to-head game format to learn about: cybersecurity threats; how to spot scams, and what behaviors will minimize and prevent theft of data and money. Following the game, students engage in dialogue and learn what they can do to protect themselves.

Speaker Biographies

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Speaker Bios

Keynote Speaker

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Alia Alramahi

Alia is a Machine Learning Engineer at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago where she specializes in building, tuning, and optimizing advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Alia is a graduate of Benedictine University with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics, and will be starting her M.S. in Analytics at Georgia Tech in January 2025. During her undergraduate studies, Alia published two research projects focused on data science and machine learning, earning first place in an international undergraduate student research competition. Outside of work, Alia is passionate about playing piano, video games, and crochet.

speakers

Workshop Leaders

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Julie Brown

In her role as the Senior Manager of Cyber Market Engagement at McDonald’s Corporation, Julie strategically partners with technology and cybersecurity leaders in the US and Canada to bridge business needs with cybersecurity capabilities to protect McDonald's people, customers, data, and the Brand. By building and maintaining strong relationships, active listening and understanding the needs, strategy and priorities of the markets and segment teams, Julie advocates the adoption of services and solutions that will achieve results in the most secure fashion.

 

Julie is actively involved in volunteer work with Junior Achievement and Ronald McDonald's House Charities, as well McDonald's sponsored events that include the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Grab-A-Byte which focuses on an immersive 1-day experience for Chicago Public School students to learn about STEM in use at McDonald's headquarters.

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Jeanne Cuff

Jeanne is a Director in GovernX® Services-Managed Services at ISG, where she consults on process improvement, managed services, and vendor management. Known for her IT contract negotiation skills, Jeanne combines data analysis, networking, and ITIL methodologies to deliver client solutions.

 

She also leads ISG’s *Digital Dish* podcast as part of the Women in Digital initiative. Jeanne holds a Master’s in Technology Management from Columbia University, is ITIL certified, and is a member of ISG’s 2021 Chairman’s Club.

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Emma Krylov

Emma is a second-year student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Business Economics and Psychology. With a strong interest in biology, she is excited to lead the Strawberry DNA session. In her spare time, Emma enjoys sewing, reading, baking, and spending time with friends.

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Yulia Krylov

Yulia is a junior at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory High School in Chicago, IL and is very passionate about sustainability. She recently has been very interested in humans' effect on the ocean and its impact. She is a part of It’s Our Future, a youth climate activist group that is a part of Seven Generations Ahead. She is involved in co-creating the resource guide, the media team, as well as the Op-ed team.

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Rasoul Khadivar

Rasoul is an experienced technology leader, with a focus on driving innovation through AI and managing complex IT systems. He has led efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into business operations, streamline processes, and enhance decision-making. With expertise in IT strategy, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, Rasoul has been instrumental in using technology to boost organizational efficiency and future-proof operations. 

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Taruna Rai

Taruna is currently the Vice President of Information Technology at Articulate Global, a workplace learning platform. Prior to joining Articulate she held a variety of roles in IT including product management, mergers & acquisitions, program management and IT audit. Taruna has both an MBA and MS-MIS from Case Western Reserve University and has been certified in IT audit, project management, organizational change management and Six Sigma methodologies.

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Tracy Spade

Tracy is an experienced Senior IT Professional with a demonstrated history in developing custom enterprise software solutions for large and small companies. A strong information technology professional skilled in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Business Analysis, Database Development, Project Management and Troubleshooting.

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Jayne Stigler

Scientific Director, Immunology at AbbVie. Provide scientific strategic input into core medical affairs activities such as: health-care professional interactions; generation of clinical and scientific data; educational initiatives and safeguarding patient safety. Works closely with commercial teams to provide strategic medical input into core brand strategies.

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Nicole Stigler

Nicole is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Neurobiology and Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is very interested in researching the neural representations of psycholgocial dysfunction with the goal of contributing to the development of personalized therapies that can relieve suffering among diverse individuals. She also loves everything about coffee.

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