Arts & Science Connections Conference - Day 1
Monday, October 2, 2023
► Employer Panel – How Technological Innovations are Changing the Job Search
9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Are you curious about how AI might impact your next job search? Hear from industry insiders working at the cutting edge of technological innovations in resume writing, interview preparation, recruitment, and more.
Featured Panelists:
Nikita Gupta, she/her, MITB, Co-Founder, Careerflow.ai - former Engineer and Analyst who became a senior technical recruiter. As a job seeker, she started Careerflow.ai, an AI career copilot that has helped 1000+ people land their dream jobs. Previously, she has worked for companies such as Uber and AWS. Nikita has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Geek Wire, YourStory, Brainz Magazine, TEDx, The Sunday Times, The Information, and Hollywood Times. As a content creator, she has 200K+ social media followers.
Sharan Jhangiani, he/him, Head of Product, Yoodli - Head of Product at Yoodli, an AI-powered communication coach. Yoodli helps you ace your next presentation or interview by providing private and judgment-free analytics on your filler words, eye contact, body language and more. Previously, he was the first Machine Learning hire at Productiv, building out infrastructure and features powered by Machine Learning. He studied data science at the University of Washington, where he started DubHacks Next, a community and incubator for people who build.
Dave Mayers, PhD, Chief Scientist, Knockri - visionary and technology evangelist, spearheading groundbreaking research as the Chief Scientist at Knockri. In his current role, he works as a trusted domain expert focused on the adoption of automation in Human Resources - building trust in AI through transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. With a deep understanding of workplace psychology and machine learning, he works with Fortune 100 clients to design and implement novel approaches to the automation of employee interviews, helping to solve issues related to efficiency, job performance, and discrimination in employee decision-making.
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► Building Competencies through eLearning
11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Explore micro-credentialing, self-directed learning, and career opportunities in the tech sector with Vivian Lee, an expert in education management and technology.
Vivian Lee, she/her, M.Ed, Ed.D Candidate, Team Lead, WIL Digital E-Learning, Information and Communications Technology Council - education management and technology specialist, with 10 years of experience in team leadership, curriculum design, and course architecture in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. By day, Vivian is the Team Leader of the WIL Digital e-learning department at ICTC, and she is an e-learning program development and delivery specialist, designing tech curriculum and educational policy. Her favourite topics in education are predictive policy modelling, digital citizenship, artificial intelligence systems, and next-generation cybersecurity strategies. By night, she is an academic researcher who is working through her doctorate in curriculum policy for provincial and governmental institutions. Her thesis work and publications center EdTech futures, STEM for multilingual learners, digital citizenship curriculum policy, digital access issues, intersectional education frameworks, and next-gen media literacies.
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► Gryphons in the Workforce Alumni Panel - Careers in Digitial Arts and Sciences
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
Wondering how your discipline-specific knowledge could be used to create, educate, entertain, or inspire? Are you curious about careers in digital arts and sciences? Hear from alumni who have navigated the transition from university to the workforce and what they’ve learned along the way.
Featured Panelists:
Chelsea Brant, she/her, BA, MFA, Artist and Sessional Professor of Drawing, Sheridan College, Studied Studio Art & Art History at U of G - a multidisciplinary artist and independent curator, currently teaching drawing at Sheridan College in Oakville. Brant received a BFA degree from the University of Guelph and an MFA from the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked for several arts organizations in administrative roles, curatorial assistantships, and program coordination positions. She has served on several arts boards, including her current role with Nuit Blanche YXE Festival Board of Directors. Brant’s artistic work has been exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally, with her most recent solo exhibition presented at The Gallery at Art Placement in Saskatoon, SK.
Rob Brunette, he/him, BAS, Lead Concept Artist, Blackbird Interactive, Studied Ecology & Studio Art at U of G - University of Guelph alumni who now works as a Concept Artist and Illustrator in the entertainment industry. Currently, Rob works as a Lead Concept Artist at the video game studio Blackbird Interactive. Previously, Rob worked as an Illustrator for Marvel and as a Concept Artist for Hasbro / eOne.
Kassondra Krahn, she/her, BA, Lead Artist, Timbre Games, Studied Art History & Studio Art at U of G - 3D Artist based in Vancouver. She has an environment art background in games and likes to make cozy, 3D dioramas in her spare time using Blender.
Farhad Omarzad, he/him, BAS, Graphic Designer, University of Guelph Athletics, Studied Biology & Studio Art at U of G - multifaceted Arts and Science graduate, with a dedicated focus on Design. He currently works for the University of Guelph’s Athletics Department, lending his skills to create designs for social media posts, digital signage, posters, and more. His enthusiasm for design and art drives his work. He has also found success as a freelance photographer, with his work featured in several publications.
Naomi Robson, she/her, H.BSc, MSc., MSc., Visualization and Design Specialist, Robson Visuals, Studied Bio-Medical Science & Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at U of G - accomplished researcher, visual communicator, anatomist, and designer with a strong focus on health and science. She excels at unraveling intricate communication hurdles and devising innovative, user-centric solutions that effectively bridge gaps in science communication. Holding a degree from the Master of Science in Biomedical Communications Program at the University of Toronto, as well as a Master’s of Science in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph, Naomi brings a wealth of knowledge to her work.
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► Revolutionizing the Professional Workforce: Unleashing the Power of AI in Careers
2:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
In this presentation, we will explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the professional workforce and careers. AI technologies are revolutionizing the way we work, enabling new possibilities. We will discuss how AI is reshaping various industries and job roles. Additionally, we will delve into the potential challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the professional realm. Join us as we uncover the fascinating ways AI is shaping the future of work and careers.
Melanie McQueen, she/her, BAS, Senior Bilingual Recruitment Consultant, Summit Search Group - brings a positive and enthusiastic attitude to her work life and provides an energizing outlook on recruitment and selection. Using her background in Neuroscience and Psychology, she is able to best understand the candidates and organizations she is collaborating with in order to deliver results. She takes time to research organizational needs and what motivates candidates in their careers to guarantee a good match is made. Melanie’s client-focused approach ensures she provides an excellent and engaging customer service experience. Melanie is also the DE&I representative at Summit, ensuring all recruitment processes promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.