Exploring Computer Science E9

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, we explore Computer Science to celebrate community partners and CSEd Week. Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

Our guests, Dr. Dave Bolman, Provost of the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) and Chuck Vermillion, CEO of AccountabilIT share insights regarding Computer Science, the current state of Cyber Security and ways to support each other in the community.

CSO Valentina, an 8th grader, leads the discussion on AI and a shift in styles of education through the use of technology. Dave and Chuck share why a career in Computer Science, especially Cyber Security is growing across the state. Tune in to learn about why being an accountant has also helped Chuck be a better CEO and how much of a tech geek Dr. Bolman really is on this episode.

Arizona Technology Council – Tech Connect and the partnership with the members has led to incredible opportunities for CSOs and SciTech Insitute as a growing STEM Ecosystem.

UAT is an elite, intimate, private technology University focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate for our future. Our technology infused, urban campus in Tempe, Ariz., is a technology nexus; a collection of technophiles, tech geeks and mavens of the digital world that evolve into top technology executives, master programmers, cyber warriors, forensic sleuths, robotic engineers, interactive filmmakers, and game innovators for entertainment and government animation applications.

UAT’s academic majors focus on expanding, new and rising technology such as the Advancing Computer Science degree, Cyber Security degree, Emerging Technology degree and Robotics and Embedded Systems degree. This technology College has the elite status of being among a select few 100 percent STEM-based universities in the nation.

Our unrivaled computer science degree programs are a benchmark of success within academia. UAT is an ideal environment for technology degree students who value uniqueness and the power of advancing technology as well as the rigors of a traditional education.

Provost Bolman has focused his career upon the profound need for a substantial and diverse workforce within Arizona and the nation. As its long-standing provost, Dr. Bolman has built the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) into a unique, all-STEM institution that marries the best of a traditional, small, private college with the genetics of innovation that come with agile technology organizations. As an educator, he has focused on cultivating a base of technology students and future inventors.

As a technologist, he has worked to create a University where the culture of innovation and creation is so regular and celebrated that the goal for each student is to graduate having worked on numerous teams and built complete solutions again and again.

Dr. Bolman has researched, written and spoken on the nature of technology and how to successfully lead innovation. He is an alumnus of Valley Leadership and currently serves as its Past Board Chair. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Technology Council and the AZPBS community board.

Connect with Dr. Bolman on LinkedIn and follow UAT on Facebook and Twitter.

AccountabilIT (pronounced as Accountability) is a Scottsdale based provider of Managed Information Technology and Managed Security Services. They focus on providing services leveraging mature and repeatable processes to ensure the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

AccountabilIT is ranked number 88 in MSSP’s magazine’s top 200 Managed Security Services Providers in the World!

Chuck Vermillion is an industry pioneer in the Information Technology Managed Services space, as a CEO in the industry for over 23 years. In 2016 Chuck founded AccountabilIT as a MSP and MSSP focused in the Phoenix market. Since that time, AccountabilIT has grown by adding 2 offices in Arkansas and an office in San Diego.

Prior to AccountabilIT, Chuck was the CEO and Founder of OneNeck IT Services, a Managed Services Provider managing Enterprise Applications for large enterprises across the United States. In 2011, Chuck sold OneNeck to TDS Telecom, a Fortune 500 Telecommunications Company.

Follow AccountabilIT on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Our Sponsor

SciTech Institute™ was established as the Arizona Technology Council Foundation as the conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations in Arizona. Now, rebranded and named the SciTech Institute™ the goal centers around aligning assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths or find a passion while engaged in community events during the SciTech Festival.

The Chief Science Officer program highlights the 6th-12th graders that have been selected as leaders in their schools and communities to receive training to build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. Science For All allows for tax credit donations to provide engaging experiences for students while RAIN (Rural Activation Innovation Network) focuses on resources for the rural areas of Arizona.

As a STEM Learning Ecosystem, SciTech Institute™ focuses on collaboration and connecting individuals with opportunities! STEM Professionals are encouraged to engage with the future workforce by serving as a mentor, leadership coach, panelist, keynote and session trainer during a variety of conferences hosted or sponsored by SciTech Institute™ and The Arizona Technology Council.

Teachers and Administrators are invited to connect with the resources available while activating a large network of STEM champions for student projects, judges at events, volunteers, exhibitors and more. SciTech Festival Event Coordinators are supported during the planning and execution of community STEM events around the state by the SciTech STREET Team Members and the growing network of volunteers. The possibilities are endless! SciTech Institute™ looks forward to connecting with you today. Visit SciTechInstitute.org today for more information.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your STEM Unplugged Host

After graduating from Bolivar-Richburg High School in rural western New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and played shortstop on the Tiger softball team while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After graduating from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, Kelly fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.

In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air and had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching 6th grade Math.

After being selected as a Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and having her Fiesta Bowl Charities Wish Granted for a morning news studio, she was asked to begin a new class on campus – 7th grade STEM! Using her enthusiastic nature and combined with her strong classroom management she was able to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process to have her 7th graders complete a new project every 2 weeks!

She is excited to serve as the Director of Student Success for the rapidly expanding Chief Science Officers Program. Her goal is to push students just a bit outside of their comfort zone so they can see for themselves the power of their own ideas.

Valentina Lopez is a 3rd year Chief Science Officer currently attending Basis Goodyear.