The STEM Speaker Series returns featuring three events with four experts in conversation about new and noteworthy technologies. All events are free with registration and will be hosted at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston from 6-8 p.m.
“Our goal is to connect everyday West Virginians with local scientific and technological experts who can answer their questions about new technology, how that technology works, and how their lives could be affected,” said Dr. Janet Rorrer, senior director of Science, Technology & Research (STaR) at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
The new fireside chat model will be formatted as an interactive conversation about the scientific and technical aspects of each discipline with statewide leaders leading the discussion. This next series will highlight Emerging Technologies including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing.
“The STEM Speaker Series highlights the researchers, educators and industry leaders who are driving that work while creating a space where anyone can join the conversation,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “Whether you’re a student, a business owner or simply curious about new technologies, these events make it easy to learn, ask questions and engage directly with experts.”
Featured experts will include:
Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid on Wednesday, September 16
Al-Sinayyid is an assistant professor of computer science and director of the Cybersecurity Innovation Center at West Virginia State University. He is an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity educator, researcher, and academic leader with more than 17 years of experience across higher education and industry. Al-Sinayyid’s work focuses on CyberAI, critical infrastructure protection, industrial control system security, cybersecurity education, and workforce development. He has secured and contributed to more than $4 million in funded initiatives and has conducted more than 40 research projects and publications. As a speaker, Al-Sinayyid connects emerging developments in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with practical strategies for education, workforce preparation, organizational resilience, and responsible technology adoption. He earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, with over 17 years of combined experience in academia and industry.
Cybersecurity with Alexandria Donathan and John Sammons on Wednesday, October 14
Alexandria Donathan and John Sammons are two leading experts in the field of cybersecurity, each with decades of experience. Donathan serves as executive director of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security, providing strategic leadership for its research, education, workforce development, and industry engagement initiatives. She works closely with government, defense, academic, and private-sector partners to advance the Institute’s mission and secure opportunities for collaboration and growth. Before joining Marshall, Donathan held senior cybersecurity roles with U.S. Cyber Command’s Joint Force Headquarters–Department of Defense Information Network and Palo Alto Networks, advising defense leaders and supporting the deployment of cybersecurity capabilities across the Department of Defense. Sammons is a tenured, full professor and associate director of the Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security, where he founded the university’s highly successful Cyber Forensics and Security program. His best-selling textbook, The Basics of Digital Forensics, has been adopted by universities around the world, and he is currently at work on the third edition. Sammons has developed and taught an array of courses at the graduate and undergraduate level, including digital evidence, advanced digital forensics, incident response, and cyber threat intelligence. Before entering academia, he worked as a law enforcement officer, served as a commissioned officer in the West Virginia National Guard, and later co-founded Second Creek Technologies, the first digital forensics firm in West Virginia.
Quantum Computing with Garland Garris on Thursday, November 12
Garland Garris is senior vice president of Quantum Research and Technology Strategy at Tychon. Garris has worked in the quantum computing field for several years and founded the Quantum Security and Quantum Information Science program at Accenture Federal Services. He assists clients in exploring potential application of quantum computing and assessing risk posed by quantum computers to cryptography while working extensively with federal agencies in transitioning to Post-Quantum Cryptography. Garris has 30 years of professional experience, 15 of which were served within national security agencies. He has served as executive leader responsible for cybersecurity of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as one of the founders of the FBI’s Insider Threat Center and provisioned implementation of multiple data science, investigative and analytic systems. Prior to federal service, Garland worked in Information Technology and law enforcement management at the state level.
The STEM Speaker Series began in 2014 with a goal of communicating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) research to all West Virginians. This event is sponsored by STaR Division: Science, Technology & Research (STaR) at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and is supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. OIA 2242771.