Speakers

Session Speakers

Breakout sessions will be led by a distinguished group of AI experts from across Pace University’s faculty and staff. These presenters bring extensive academic, industry, and applied experience in AI.

James Brusseau

James Brusseau, PhD, teaches at Pace University in New York City and at the University of Trento in Italy. His academic research explores the human experience of artificial intelligence in the areas of authenticity, freedom, and personal identity.

Matthew Ganis

Matthew Ganis, PhD, is a professor of computer science on the Pleasantville Campus. A 40-year veteran of IBM, Ganis is recognized as an industry expert in agile software methodologies. He has spoken extensively on iterative development methods and the use of social media analytics to understand customer sentiment and behavior. Ganis is the author of two books—one on distributed Scrum and another on social media analytics—and has published more than 50 papers across his fields of expertise.

Hetal Mistry

Hetal Mistry, MS, is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science and an adjunct professor, teaching Introduction to Computing, Web Design for Non-Profit Organizations, and AI in the Workplace. Her research tackles two high-impact challenges: developing hybrid Graph Convolutional and Graph Attention Network models to detect anomalies across domains in cybersecurity, and exploring how mobile and fixed broadband access correlates with carbon emissions across global economies. Her work bridges AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity, aiming to drive both technological innovation and responsible digital growth.

Johnni Medina

Johnni Medina, MA, is the manager of content and digital engagement in Pace's University Relations and the creator of a suite of custom AI bots for Pace marketing teams. They have also helped lead AI literacy initiatives, delivered generative AI curriculum to students and staff, and consulted on AI adoption at Pace and beyond. Medina focuses on designing practical, people-first systems that require no programming knowledge, enabling broad integration within nontechnical teams.

David Sachs

David Sachs, EdD, is a professor of information systems in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and has served as faculty co-chair of the University’s AI Committee since April 2024. Sachs authored the AI materials currently used in CIS-101, which has served over 2,000 undergraduates, and manages many of the AI training initiatives underway at the University.

Christelle Scharff

Christelle Scharff, PhD, is a professor of computer science, associate dean, and co-director of the AI Lab in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. She holds a PhD in symbolic artificial intelligence from INRIA, France’s National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology. Her research spans global software engineering, mobile for social change, and machine learning, with grants from NSF, IBM, Microsoft, VentureWell, and Google. A two-time US Fulbright scholar, she conducted research in Senegal in 2012–2013 and 2019–2020.

Joe Seijo

Joe Seijo is the associate director of instructional design and an adjunct instructor in the criminal justice program in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. He supports faculty in developing online courses for both new and existing programs. His current focus is empowering faculty to confidently integrate AI into their teaching to enhance course content and increase student engagement.

Diane Snyder

Diane Snyder, MEd, has a 40-year career in education, engineering, and technology. After starting as a systems engineer at General Electric, she moved into academia and now serves as an adjunct professor of telecommunications. Her recent work focuses on creating hands-on AI courses that teach technical foundations and practical applications, managing STEM grants for underrepresented groups, and integrating ethical AI into educational curricula.

Gordon Snyder

Gordon Snyder, MS, is a veteran STEM educator with four decades of experience. He authored four engineering textbooks, co-founded the Hi-Tec Conference, and has led National Science Foundation–funded Centers of Excellence in emerging technologies. Recognized as one of the top 15 STEM faculty in the United States by Microsoft, Snyder has served as an adjunct professor since 2005. His current work focuses on AI curriculum development and collaborating with academic and industry partners to advance practical, trustworthy AI use.

Gabriel Terrizzi

Gabriel Terrizzi, BA, is the director of web, mobile, and AI services. He authored the University’s first ethical guidelines for the use of generative AI and co-developed the institution’s inaugural faculty-approved classroom policy on AI. Terrizzi has led the development and deployment of AI tutors, overseen the training of T-Bone, the University’s AI-powered chatbot, and taught multiple sections of the University’s pioneering AI in the Workplace course for students, faculty, and staff.