Program Schedule
4:30 p.m. – Doors Open
5:00 p.m. – Welcome by Eva Sage-Gavin ’80
Harnessing Tech for Democratic Resilience
This panel will explore how technologies, such as cryptocurrency and AI, can promote democratic resilience while sharing strategies to minimize threats to democracy from emerging technologies. Attendees will have the chance to engage in a thought-provoking dialogue, asking questions and sharing perspectives on the intersection of rapid technological advancement and democracy.
- Colleen L. Barry, Dean of the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
- Sarah Kreps, Director of the Brooks School Tech Policy Institute, John L. Wetherill Professor in the Department of Government, Adjunct Professor of Law
Saving Nature in a Dynamic World
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth, driving ecosystem resilience and sustaining human societies. It underpins essential processes such as pollination, food production, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling while also ensuring food security and preserving cultural heritage. Biodiversity spans species diversity, genetic variation, and the richness of ecosystems, all of which are increasingly at risk. Researchers at CALS and Cornell are leading efforts worldwide to restore biodiversity in food systems, improve animal health, and develop climate adaptation strategies, around the globe. Artificial intelligence offers groundbreaking tools to support innovative solutions to challenges in biodiversity.
Programming update: Unfortunately, Ben Houlton and Amanda Rodewald will no longer be part of this session.
- Gary Tabor ’81, Professor of Practice, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Founder and President of the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Bozeman, MT
From eLab to Enterprise: Challenges and Triumphs of Young Entrepreneurs
Every fall, student teams apply to Cornell’s student accelerator in hopes of molding and shaping their startup dreams. Join us for an insightful conversation featuring several accomplished alumni of the eLab program. These dynamic young entrepreneurs will share their invaluable learnings from their time in the program, discuss the challenges they’ve faced since graduating, and provide updates on the current status of their companies. This panel offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the impact of the eLab program on their success.
- Michael Santiago MS ’14, PhD ’16, CEO, FloraPulse
- Keivan Shahida ’20, CEO & Co-Founder, Response
- Adele Smolansky ’23, Founder & CEO, AI-Learners
- Moderator: Eva Sage-Gavin ’80, Board Director and former Senior Managing Director, Talent & Organization, Accenture
Conversation and Q&A with President Michael I. Kotlikoff
Hear from President Kotlikoff on the university’s impact, challenges, and potential and ask him your questions live.
- Introduction by Cornell Board Trustee Ana Pinczuk ’84, MEng ’85, P ’19, ’22
- Michael I. Kotlikoff, President at Cornell University
Networking dinner reception
Attendees will have ample opportunity to network and walk about the first floor of the Computer History Museum while enjoying heavy hor d’oeuvres and open bar.
