STEAM Leadership Conference and speaker series set for early August

ROME, N.Y. — The Project Fibonacci Foundation’s 6th annual STEAM Leadership Conference and its associated ESTEAMed Speakers Series are set for Aug. 4-10 at multiple locations around Griffiss Business & Technology Park at the Steve J. DiMeo Campus in Rome.

This year’s conference theme is “Artificial Intelligence, the Smart Machine, and the Human Factor.” The event features a mix of local and internationally renowned experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) research, technology, education, policy, and other disciplines.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) will present opening-day remarks highlighting federal AI policy initiatives. Speakers include Dr. Michael J. Hayduk, deputy director of the Air Force Research Laboratory; Dr. Bill Dagget, founder of the Successful Practices Network and the International Center for Leadership in Education; Kay Firth-Butterfield, CEO of Good Tech Advisory; and Dr. Steven Novella, academic clinical neurologist at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Other presenters include Peter Boie of Engineering Wonders fame, Walker Smith of Stanford University, and Jordan Wirfs-Brock of Whitman College.

For more information on speakers, visit: https://projectfibonacci.org/wp/2024-steam-leadership-conference-2/.

Due to seating limitations, the ESTEAMed Speakers Series is an invitation-only event. To learn how to become an invited guest or to request a VIP pass, contact Courtney Newvine at cnewvine@projectfibonacci.org or call (315) 334-1163.

Conference theme

During the event, student cohorts will put artificial intelligence (AI) “on trial” across multiple-use cases with prosecution and defense teams presenting pros and cons as well as addressing guardrails for AI’s safe use. Also on tap are workshops and activities that highlight local and regional experts presenting about STEM and AI-related topics.

STEAM scholars will have the opportunity visit Masonic Medical Research Institute, Munson, and the Mohawk Valley Community College Game Art Lab, as well as explore internship and apprenticeship opportunities. The conference also includes the Fuel Your Future College/Career Fair, showcasing about 25 organizations, mid-week.

The conference wraps up on Aug. 10 with a STEAM Fair followed by project presentations and a graduation ceremony.