Lauren DeMaio (BS in Computer Science '24) is a senior at the Seidenberg School, who mixes the art of dance with the science of computing. Join us as we walk through Lauren's typical day on campus, her lattes, her algorithms, and the story of how her decisions have led to an adventure in learning and teaching, at Pace.

Lauren’s typical day begins with a brief stop at the Seidenberg building where she is greeted by fellow students and faculty collaborating on projects, doing homework, or simply catching up from the weekend. These interactions set the tone for Lauren’s day and are a reminder of the fun and collegial community she has found at Seidenberg.

Lauren’s path to Pace was a bit less traditional than some. During her senior year in high school, and driven by a passion for dance, Lauren decided to leave public school to attend the Joffrey Ballet School as a Jazz and Contemporary Trainee. “I was commuting each day from my home in Dutchess County to New York City,” noted Lauren. Though the dance program was supposed to be four years long, Lauren decided to apply to a handful of colleges. “I just wanted to keep all possible paths open for myself,” shared Lauren. “I had very little interest in most of the schools I applied to, but when I received my acceptance to Pace, I was so thrilled that I accepted the offer.” Lauren ended up deferring her acceptance for one year, as she continued her studies at Joffrey.

When the COVID pandemic hit, however, it inspired Lauren to re-evaluate her path. “I took a look at my deferral from Pace and just jumped,” advised Lauren.

Computer Science was the only major that ever spoke to me, so I just took that idea and ran with it. Here I am in my senior year of undergrad, and I could not be happier with the decisions I made, especially with choosing Pace.

Lauren has filled her time at Pace with more than just studies. She has been able to nurture her love for teaching (she previously taught dance) through being a Teaching Assistant, with Dr. Carmine Guida as her mentor. In this role, Lauren is able to transfer approaches she’s used in teaching dance to help students in CS 241 Data Structures & Algorithms and CS 321 Intro to Game Programming. “Breaking down abstract computer science topics is just like breaking down the mechanics of a tendu,” shares Lauren. “Seeing that spark moment for the student where they finally understand has just further fueled my love for teaching.”

In addition, Lauren participates in the Design Factory project. During the Fall 2023 semester, Lauren and her teammates, led by the Design Factory program director Dr. Andreea Cotoranu, focused on responsible consumption and production, and looked for opportunities to address them. As part of their journey, they travelled to CERN (The European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland, and spent two weeks developing solutions alongside other schools from the Design Factory Network. Lauren’s team is currently in the prototyping phase of their project, expecting to finish it by the end of the Spring 2024 semester.

Everyone on the team is so welcoming and passionate about what they are studying. It is truly inspiring to be part of such an aspiring group of students.

Despite her busy schedule, Lauren finds time to socialize (and caffeinate) throughout the day. You can find her each morning grabbing a latte from Variety Coffee Roasters. She also takes the opportunity to enjoy an espresso when she visits Dr. Guida to discuss her research and the progress of students in CS 241 and CS 321. After class, Lauren and her friends often walk over to the McNally Jackson bookstore, with a quick stop at the Funny Face bakery, to get hot chocolate and browse new books.

Despite changing gears, Lauren continues to be influenced by her background in dance. “Dancers have this beautiful ability to create a welcoming space for others where self-expression and being fully oneself in the present is key,” offers Lauren. “Not to make it seem like a science, but there is a power that comes with having the ability to make people feel comfortable in any particular space.” Lauren tries to apply this openness and promotion of self in all her interactions. “Giving people the space to express their passions really helps me see people as they are, and I have dance to thank for the ability to do that.”

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s top ranked trial advocacy program continues its track record of success with even more top finishes amongst fierce competition over the last week and weekend in February.

For the first time, Haub Law took home the championship at New York Law School’s third annual Soccer Negotiation Competition on February 23 and February 24, with a second Haub Law team finishing as semifinalists. Impressively, both Haub Law teams went undefeated in the preliminary rounds and advanced to the second day of the competition. From there, the Haub Law teams faced each other in the semifinals, each vying for a spot in the championship round. Ultimately, the team consisting of Marc Bisogno (2L) and Josie Buckley (3L) defeated the second Haub Law team consisting of Samantha Portillo (2L) and Nate Pinero (2L). With the second team finishing as semifinalists, Marc and Josie advanced to the finals ultimately defeating a strong Villanova Law team and finishing as champions. Both teams were expertly coached by first time coach and Haub Law’s first student coach ever, Andrea Garcia (4L).

A new addition to the Haub Law adjunct faculty, Dan Lust, a sports attorney, established the New York Law School’s Soccer Negotiation Competition three years ago. “When I started as a law student at Fordham, there was a baseball negotiation competition at Tulane Law School but there was no other similar competition for other sports anywhere in the country. I eventually made the decision to start a basketball negotiation competition at Fordham Law and, more recently as an adjunct professor at New York Law School, I established a soccer negotiation competition.” Serving as Director of the Competition and a Judge, Professor Lust recused himself for Pace students in this year’s competition but had high hopes for his new students. “This year’s competition was a hard-fought battle and an overall fierce competition that featured top tier schools and advocacy teams from across the country,” said Professor Lust. “Remarkably, Haub Law was not only the first non-Marquette school to win the competition but was also the first to have two teams make the final four.”

The Haub Law Advocacy Program had additional successes over the weekend. The Haub Law trial team won the invite only Shark Beach Showdown National Trial Competition. Liam Rattigan (3L), Chloe Devanny (3L0, Sabrina Rehfeld (3L), and Arianna Cruickshank (3L) alongside their coaches Nicolette Brusco, Samantha Tighe, and Jack Logan went undefeated amongst the top 24 trial advocacy programs in the country. The advocates moved through the preliminary rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately the championship round where they won against the University of Georgia. To top off the success, Liam Rattigan took home the best overall advocate award. The competition was hosted by Nova Southeastern University.

Haub Law students Nicholas Kocaj, Julia Stueber, Tyler Justic, and Alexandra Tagliamonti had an incredible performance at the Online National Championship Mock Trial Competition, ultimately finishing in top 25%. Nicholas Kocaj and Alexandra Tagliamonti made it to the top 10 out of 50 teams. The students were supported throughout the competition by their dedicated coaches, Jared Hatcliffe, Dounea Elborji, and Marlene Geerinck. Julia Stueber was named best advocate of the competition as well.

Success was also had in the ABA Law Student Division National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC), which took place at the Eastern District of NY Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, NY. Haub Law students Stephanie Areford, Amanda Dinkin, Chelsea Paglia, and Roselby Jackson de la Torre participated on behalf of the Law School. Stephanie Areford and Amanda Dinkin won their NAAC regional rounds and advanced to the nationals. The team was coached by Brad Gorson ’13 and assisted by many others, who, along with the team, put in a tremendous amount of hard work and preparation. Amanda Dinkin, Roselby Jackson de la Torre, and Stephanie Areford were also recognized with awards for top ten best advocates. Stephanie and Amanda will compete against the top four teams from the region in the National Finals, which will be held in Philadelphia in April.

Over the weekend, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University also hosted the 2024 ABA Representation in Mediation Competition, which is a mediation-style ADR competition. In addition to hosting the Competition, Haub Law students Olivia Paolillo and Luis Morales competed in it and were led by coach Nancy Montagnino. This regional competition was hosted and organized this year by Haub Law’s internal competition directors, Sarah Kissel, Maggie Minas, and Amanda Dinkin along with Director of Haub Law's Advocacy Programs and Professor of Practice in Advocacy, Louis Fasulo.

“Pace proud sums it up! The results this weekend are a tribute to the community effort here at the law school,” said Director of Haub Law’s Advocacy Programs and Professor of Practice in Advocacy, Louis Fasulo. “It is our most successful weekend ever. Our Advocacy Boards commitment, our student advocates, alumni mentors, and coaches hard work and tireless effort continue to enhance our National Reputation. Most importantly it exemplifies the valuable learning experience we are affording to our students. The number of Team Awards and individual recognitions including multiple best advocate awards have created great excitement. There is more to come.” Haub Law will celebrate the trial advocacy program, its students, alumni, and achievements at the biannual Gavel Gala to be held on April 11, 2024.

The Lab Will Serve as the Hub of AI at Pace, Offering Training for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Local Businesses

Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems is launching a new artificial intelligence (AI) lab at its New York City campus.

The lab will be housed in the brand new, cutting-edge building at 15 Beekman, the dedicated home for Seidenberg. It aims to serve as the central hub of AI for the Pace community, offering training and opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate for students, faculty, and staff.

In addition, the AI lab will extend its training initiatives to local businesses and community members, leveraging Pace's extensive expertise in AI research and development, which spans over 30 years.

"Pace has had a critical mass of influential talent amongst all of the sub-genres that are coming together as AI today,” said Jonathan Hill, dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “I am delighted to see us at the forefront of this historic time when artificial intelligence is part of every conversation."

The lab's activities will focus on the New York tech community, featuring planned meetups and networking for local professionals to connect and learn about the latest industry developments.

"Pace is exceptionally positioned as a leader in AI research and development," said Katie Todd, assistant dean and co-director of the lab. "We've been doing it for a long time. Seidenberg alumni are working at some of the hottest AI companies–and our students are consistently building and launching their own AI-driven apps."

The newly established AI lab represents just one of Pace University's upcoming developments in the field of AI. Next year, the university will launch two new graduate programs dedicated to artificial intelligence.

The two programs will offer differing tracks in the study of AI. The first program, the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, places a strong emphasis on theory and the development of AI applications. Conversely, the second program, the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence, will provide students with hands-on training on how AI can be used in business and other areas to generate value.

Both programs will incorporate project-based experiential learning that will prepare students with the practical skills needed to join the next generation of AI innovators.

"The AI Lab at Pace University will permit us to consolidate, strengthen and extend the existing AI initiatives and create exciting new ones in education and research leveraging partnerships within and outside the university," said Lab Director Christelle Scharff, PhD, associate dean and professor of Computer Science at the Seidenberg School.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.

It’s a busy time of year at Pace.

As we navigate the tail end of winter, with its brisk air and the last whispers of cold, we find ourselves on the cusp of a transformative season at Pace University. This period of transition reminds us of our enduring mission of Opportunitas—a time to reflect on growth, renewal, and the exciting journey ahead.

Our recent PaceBound event for prospective students was a heartwarming prelude to the vibrant community and opportunities that await them here. Their enthusiasm and aspirations are a vivid reminder of the impactful journey that Pace offers and I can’t wait to see them on campus this fall. .

With Commencement on the horizon, the excitement within our community is palpable. This milestone is more than a ceremony; it's a celebration of the determination, achievements, and future endeavors of our graduates.I hope to share news about this year’s Commencement honorees soon. For all our soon-to-be alumni: be sure to stay informed about critical deadlines and preparations, ensuring a memorable and smooth transition to this significant next chapter.

Our campus is alive with stories of innovation and collaboration, from groundbreaking faculty-student research endeavors, to enriching global perspectives, and the empowering services provided by our Career Services. These stories not only highlight the academic excellence at Pace but also underscore our commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

Finally, keep an eye out for the Great Colleges To Work For survey, launching on March 11 via email. This crucial initiative is part of our commitment to workplace excellence, and we encourage all full-time faculty, staff, and adjunct faculty to share their perspectives. The survey is voluntary, confidential, and a key tool in assessing our progress and identifying future priorities. Let's seize this opportunity to voice our experiences and contribute to making Pace an even greater place to work.

As we anticipate the arrival of spring, let's embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to advance, driven by our shared commitment to excellence and the Pace mission.

There’s a lot going on, and there’s more to come.

Let’s go get it.