B WOMEN’S SWIMMING NSU Women’s Swimming earned 11 NCAA individual national championship titles en route to earning the top team title. The national championship follows three consecutive Sunshine State Conference (SSC) wins. Ben Hewitt was named NCAA DII Coach of the Year, and Emily Trieschmann was recognized as DII Women’s Swimmer of the Year and Sunshine State Conference Female Athlete of the Year. MEN’S BASKETBALL For the first time in DI or DII history, a team scored 111 points during a championship game. On top of setting this mind-blowing record, NSU Men’s Basketball played a perfect 36-0 undefeated season. Jim Crutchfield was named NCAA DII Coach of the Year, and NSU forward RJ Sunahara was recognized as DII Player of the Year and Sunshine State Conference Male Athlete of the Year. MEN’S GOLF For the third time in the program’s history, NSU Men’s Golf brought home the national championship trophy. NSU Sharks previously captured the NCAA DII National Championship in 2012 and 2015. Miami Dolphin’s Coach Mike McDaniel famously gave a well-deserved press conference shout-out to Head Coach Joey Marino, a finalist for DII Coach of the Year. 2023 NCAA® DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
I Support Our Sharks.
II Editors in Chief When Miami Dolphin’s Head Coach Mike McDaniel paused a press conference to laud Joey Marino, NSU’s head coach for Men’s Golf, we cheered as loud as anyone could. Marino and his players aced our third NCAA DII national championship in three months. McDaniel insisted on recognizing NSU’s trifecta (Women’s Swimming, Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Golf), in addition to saluting feats by other South Florida teams—both professional and collegiate. The nod begs two more points. First, 39 NSU student-athletes posted a perfect 4.00 GPA this year, and the average student-athlete GPA reached 3.46. Second, we proudly serve as drivers for South Florida arts, academics, and athletics, as well as our mainstays, research, and innovation. This issue focuses on innovation. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation is the university’s nonprofit endeavor dedicated to advancing the enterprises of budding entrepreneurs. You’ll meet a fraction of the successful executives and community partners who volunteer to facilitate four programs that propel the founder’s journey. We also introduce you to seven start-up CEOs who are leveraging lessons learned from master-class sessions and services designed to help them succeed. The advantage of being part of a doctoral research university is noted by many and echoed by William (Bill) Kopas, head of school for NSU University School, in a second article titled “Culture of Innovation.” How would you approach preparing pre-K to grade 12 students in today’s hyper-dynamic environment? Kopas reveals how educators teach our youngest Sharks to F.I.S.H. through Fabrication, Innovation, Science, and Horticulture. He also shares details about unique professional development opportunities and exciting innovation hub construction plans. In all our MAKO Magazine tales, a “One NSU” tenet underscores how community members near and far can not only survive, but thrive with the help of Nova Southeastern University and its extended Shark family. INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS HARRY K. MOON, M.D. Executive Vice President and COO, Nova Southeastern University, and COO, NSU Health RONALD J. CHENAIL, PH.D. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Nova Southeastern University “No one wants to talk to me about Nova?” — MIKE MCDANIEL, MIAMI DOLPHINS HEAD COACH GEORGE L. HANBURY II, PH.D. President and CEO, Nova Southeastern University George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. Harry K. Moon, M.D. Ronald J. Chenail, Ph.D.
III Powering the Innovation Ecosystem in Florida CENTER OF INNOVATION ALAN B. LEVAN | NSU BROWARD Get the NSU Edge | nova.edu Research Is in Our DNA Florida’s largest private research university is working on groundbreaking ideas for conservation and climate change. Anything but Business as Usual Innovative, industry-ready degrees. At NSU, we make it our business to create Difference Makers. NSU’s Levan Center of Innovation A 54,000-sq.-ft. “theme park” for entrepreneurs focused on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Largest Educator of Physicians and Nurses in Florida NSU Health provides comprehensive care patients can count on. WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF INNOVATION nova.edu/innovation
Table of Contents CONTENTS FALL 2023 DEEP DIVES 02 One Year Later 28 Culture of Innovation SHARK POINT OF VIEW 14 The Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating a New Era SHARK ENCOUNTERS 38 M eet a Tastemaker 40 M eet the Mobile Audiologist 42 M eet a Seaweed Researcher SHARK BITES 22 Grant Strikes 26 Currents—In the Round 45 Currents—In the News JUMP FOR JOY! John Wensveen, Ph.D., NSU’s chief innovation officer and executive director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, celebrates the center’s one-year anniversary. Turn the page to read more.
1 FIN FAVS II Editors in Chief 46 Shark Bait 50 Gift Guide 62 Last Look SHARKS ON THE SCENE 53 Celebration of Excellence Gala 54 International Dental Program 55 Coral Reef Grant Check Presentation 55 Big Thank You Luncheon 56 Military Affairs Events 58 Orbit Innovation Awards We’re Fast-Moving. Makos are among the fastest, most nimble fish in the ocean. Similarly, NSU leaders, faculty members, and students are quick to see and seize opportunities, accelerating their path to success. They are agile thinkers who relentlessly pursue their goals, regardless of the twists and turns in the world. We Have a Desire to Succeed. Like makos, we are not afraid to chase after what we want. It’s not unusual for the mako to leap 20 feet out of the ocean to catch its prey, and it’s not unusual to hear about people in the NSU family reaching extraordinary heights in their careers, community, or life. We Swim Forward. Because it’s warm-blooded, the mako is free to roam the oceans in a way most other sharks can’t. Mako sharks are known to travel 30 to 60 miles a day, and they always move forward. Likewise, NSU students, alumni, and faculty and staff members are continually exploring new territories. They are raising the bar, breaking new ground, pushing the limits, and changing the game. We’re Across the Globe. The mako can be found worldwide. NSU’s students, faculty and staff members, and alumni represent more than 75 nations. The university has a wide geographic scope, serving students worldwide from one of its many campuses or online. And NSU alumni are spread far and wide, serving, supporting, and creating in communities and countries around the world. We Overcome Obstacles and Adapt. Finally, mako sharks are one of the oldest groups of sharks, having evolved over 400 million years, not only surviving, but thriving. This is exactly the attitude that is found in NSU students. They don’t just swim through life; they are constantly growing their skill sets and learning to dominate in their fields. The NSU community doesn’t just exemplify mako sharks; it comprises top educators, administrators, and researchers who support them—in the wild, and in our dynamic learning habitats. You will hear from them directly in our deep-dive features, our special point-of-view exploration of artificial intelligence, and our shark encounter articles. Fins Up! —George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. Why MAKO? Consider NSU’s Mako Mantra.
2 Champions and aspiring members of South Florida’s innovation ecosystem recently toasted the one-year anniversary of a landmark destination for entrepreneurs. Established through a joint nonprofit venture between Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Broward County, the nonprofit hub occupies the entire top floor of one of Florida’s largest public libraries and has been dubbed The World’s First Theme Park for Entrepreneurs™. Named for a university trustee and the only businessperson in New York Stock Exchange history to ring the opening and closing bells on the same day, the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center of Innovation) serves as a docking station for local entre- preneurs, as well as enterprises based internationally. There are no silos, as an “all-hands-on-deck” attitude prevails among a lean staff of six supported by a legion of community advisers, members, and sponsors; volunteer program facilitators and service providers; and regional, national, and international networks. Government grants, philanthropic foundations, and individuals also help fund resources needed for innovators across myriad industries to build the “tomorrowland” of their dreams. Cohorts who gain entry into one of the Levan Center of Innovation’s four core programs are in for the rides of their lives. Their badge is a fast pass to 54,000 square feet of entrepreneurial immersion space and special access to top business minds. An inclusive selection process welcomes a wide range of entrepreneurs. THERESA GRANDAL CUSSE, M.S. Assistant Executive Director, Administration and Operations, Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation BERNADETTE BRUCE, M.B.A. Executive Director, NSU Printing and Publications JOHN WENSVEEN, PH.D. Chief Innovation Officer, NSU, and Executive Director, the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation BY THE NUMBERS ONE YEAR LATER 1 year 3 country desk partnerships between a university and a government 54,000 square feet of entrepreneurial immersion space 1 global award 7 ideate cycles 7 incubate cycles 6 accelerate cycles 100+ graduates $6 million in start-up investment 425 new jobs 150 special events 10,000 visitors 10/2023 post-accelerate cohort begins ALAN B. LEVAN | NSU BROWARD CENTER OF INNOVATION
3 This fall, an inaugural class of spacepreneurs will be among the first to use the new LEVL5: SPACE DOCK at NSU™ facility. The state-of-the-art infrastructure is designed to inspire, as well as to connect space-industry players from across the private and public sectors, including academia and investors. Dual function as an edu- cation center and a business incubator/ accelerator propels entrepreneurial and research activities. These endeavors are not for the faint of heart. Building a business amidst master-class assignments, family time, and a dizzying array of events and opportunities takes strategy and stamina. Instructors are seasoned serial entrepreneurs and business leaders who manage empires of their own in between volunteer commitments. And midnight sessions occur. Curating collisions is how the Levan Center of Innovation operates to achieve six key outcomes: breakthrough ideation, new technologies, talent-skills pipeline, company formation, job creation, and scaling of early-stage and young start-up organizations. The exhilarating pace matches the lofty payoff potential. A small sample of proofof-concept examples appears on the following pages. In its first year, the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers named the Levan Center the “Best Emerging Entrepreneur- ship Center.”
4 LIL ROBERTS, CEO Xendoo Lil Roberts is an adrenaline junkie and a lifelong learner. Her fourth-grade teacher inspired her to rise above adversity. Now, she is a ledgewalker who builds innovative tech and heart-led teams that execute. Her vision and drive for innovative strategy and aggressive execution have led to funding many companies over the years. BENJAMIN MARKS, CEO Leveraged Equity Holdings Group, LLC Benjamin Marks has transacted and/or advised on more than $5 billion in commercial real estate transactions across the United States, Canada, and Europe. As a struggling college student, he started his real estate portfolio with a single property, renting out rooms to his fellow college students. Today, his portfolio value, or AUM, exceeds $75 million. KRISTEN CORPION, CEO CORPlaw An award-winning attorney, educator, speaker, and founder, Kristen Corpion and her firm specialize in helping clients navigate the intersection of business and law. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, she left an elite law firm to help start-ups. She starts filming this summer as one of 16 entrepreneurs competing on the Billion Dollar Showdown. SCOTT LOGVIN, President and CEO Liquid UPC, Virtual Travel Hub, and Barkera Corp. Scott Logvin innovated Citrix’s global B2B e-commerce depart- ment before launching Liquid UPC, offering local businesses solutions with technology automation. Barkera™ is a new pet care movement driven by his partner and co-founder Barbra. Logvin invented the “Mini Matic” to clean base- boards at age 11 and, later, the Zombie Motorcycle Club. ROB PETROSINO, Head of Emerging Tech and Innovation PeakActivity Known for his quick wit and expertise in emerging tech- nologies, Rob Petrosino is a seasoned digital transformation expert who has worked with top organizations around the world, spanning retail, manu- facturing, B2B, and education. As a teacher, he studied art history and has lectured and led tours in the Louvre, the Reich Museum, and the Vatican. THE START-UP INSTRUCTORS THE WORLD’S FIRST THEME PARK FOR ENTREPRENEURS™ ALAN B. LEVAN | NSU BROWARD CENTER OF INNOVATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
5 Before South Florida blew up, everybody had been working hard on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Melissa Medina was a driving force, along with many leaders across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. This is before Miami Mayor Francis Suarez famously tweeted “How can I help?” for tech companies looking to relocate. I had the opportunity to serve on a panel with Michael Udine, vice mayor of Broward County at the time, along with John Wensveen, NSU chief innovation officer and executive director of the Levan Center of Innovation. We immediately had an affinity for each other. Our mission became clear. We needed all parties to participate—government, private sector, and entrepreneurs—to support a facility for start-ups to build and thrive. John invited me to tour the Levan Center of Innovation. When I toured, it was still concrete. Today, it is the largest entrepreneurial playground in the world, serving all stages from ideate to post-accelerate. It is a great opportunity for the community to give back and be part of something that will serve our community and our citizens for decades to come! I sat on a board of directors with Lil Roberts, and she mentioned she was going to serve on the Levan Center of Innovation’s board. I came to tour and was blown away, both by what they have built and by the vision and brilliance of how it is being executed. Now, we sit on both boards together. Really, it’s about the students. Seeing the light bulb go off, or a connection made with other students, teachers, or through collaboration, in general. Witnessing those sparks is a big reason we are all here. I also feel that I have learned as much from the cohorts as I have taught them. I love entrepreneurship and expanding my mind while helping those around me do the same. The cross-pollination of ideas is another positive. A related by-product is collaboration across different business disci- plines like finance, robotics, and biotech, but also across entire sectors. Here, ONE YEAR LATER academia merges with government and entrepreneurs in active businesses. Entrepreneurship is as much art as it is science, so theory must be taught alongside common practice if new leaders are to push things forward and solve humanity’s growing problems. There can be elements in the start- up community that are predatory. NSU isn’t like that. It is a great place for start-ups to grow. When you’ve decided to play “all in” and invest time and resources, you are serious about what you’re building. Cohorts are on time. They ask questions. They come to everything. Theory is interesting intellectually, but every part of this is experiential. I started my own thing with very few resources. I know what some of those struggles at every stage of business feel like very deeply and authentically. When I was coming up, a lot of accelerator programs excluded law firms or accounting firms. Why? Don’t law firm owners need to know about business? At NSU, there is diversity in the type of business it will admit. And that’s just one more way the Levan Center of Innovation is great. One of the weeks that I teach in addition to the legal one, and it’s probably my favorite, is building and growing a high-performing team. But teaching a program on sales is on my to-do list. I don’t know what made me look up. I was touring the NSU campus with my daughter, who was a high school senior, and I saw something on the top floor of the library. We took the elevator up. The doors were locked, but a sign read, “Innovation Center.” At that moment, someone came out and gave me the pitch. I said, “I want in. I’ve been waiting 20 years for this in South Florida. Where do you need help?” They said, based on your experience with pre-IPO, start-ups, and corporate America, we’d say facilitator, and based on your digital expertise, service provider. So, since day one, I’ve been teaching Ideate and Incubate Program sessions and serving as a service provider to give back. It changed my life. I’ve incubated a passion project. Now, my daughter starts college at NSU in the fall. I’m there three days a week and every weekend. I get exercise by riding a go-cart that John hides near his office. I also speak for NSU’s colleges of business and law. When I heard the mission, I said, “How can I support this?” We started bringing in technology partners to make the journey a little less bumpy than if entrepreneurs were on their own. Because there are four programs, I get to see everyone from “Hey, I think I have an idea, but I haven’t written anything down” to “I have a successful business, and I just got a bunch of cash. Now what?” It’s invigorating to see an organization on the precipice of something amazing. I love how tech-forward people are. I love how people are attacking real-world needs and not just things that are not addressable in the market. I share as much information as I can so they can be successful. And I get excited seeing them grow and progress through one, two programs. Once you’re connected to the Levan Center of Innovation ecosystem, you always come back in some way, shape, or form. It gives you this collaboration you can’t get anywhere else—noncompetitive, open, and transparent communication from people who have been there, done it. And you can even tie into the NSU network. LIL ROBERTS Sample Specialties pitch decks and investor presentations KRISTEN CORPION Sample Specialties business law and building teams BENJAMIN MARKS Sample Specialties ROI and creative deal structuring SCOTT LOGVIN Sample Specialties business automation and custom websites ROB PETROSINO Sample Specialties selection, marketing, and technology
6 THE START-UP ENTREPREUNEURS KEVIN ROBINSON, CEO Progression’s U GENESIS: I opened my first tutoring lab at Florida A&M University. Coming from physics, I thought I’d be a risk analyst and worked in financial services for a few years. In 2019, I returned to my real calling and started an academy my students and I named Progression’s U. My purpose is to progress every day. NICHE: I work best with kids who have active fathers. I’m a hard worker. But my kids’ work ethic is impeccable. For our first robotics competition, they solved more than 70 coding/ robotic challenges. They won second place in the regional championships and earned iPads. In my business, you get the kids who are about to lose it all. But their struggles are not because they are not intelligent. So, it’s magic. We solve problems, and one day, they walk differ- ently, talk differently. They plug in and take 100 percent responsibility for their lives. AURELIA EDWARDS, Founder Standard Measure Technologies SCRATCH 1: I attended a premedical magnet high school and obtained bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry and a master’s degree in cosmetic science. I also obtained a massage therapy license, which presented a career opportunity that complemented my educational background. After initially working as a polymer chemist, I eventually decided to pursue massage therapy full time. CHECK 1: As a massage therapist, my nails were always short, so I used press-on nails. While preparing for my cousin’s wedding welcome party, I attempted to use leftover presson nails from previous sets and was unable to complete my manicure due to sizing. I opened a pop-up store in New York City’s iconic West Village to explore this sizing problem. The store inspired the creation of a virtual measurement solution for instant, reusable DIY manicures. CARISSA BRAZEAL, Founder Without Walls EDU CREATIVITY: I grew up in a creative household. My brothers and I didn’t realize this, nor did we realize we were poor. We thought everyone received free food at school and had parents who made them clothes and cool Halloween costumes. My parents used this “disadvantage” to build creativity within us. We built board games from cardboard, made movies, and fixed bikes and broken toys that would normally get tossed. We learned that obstacles or constraints are actually the fuel to creativity. TEACHING: I walked on desks and used other surprising tactics to keep students’ attention, doing whatever I could to get them excited about learning. During my third year of teaching, I won a National Geographic award and went on a two-week expedition to Peru that changed the way I looked at education forever. Learning needs to be tactile, immersive. ANDRIA BEAL, PH.D. CEO EpiPaws MINDSET: In high school, I helped my boyfriend start a small construction company. My dad said I was smart and should be a doctor. During college, I took business and science classes and decided to be a scientist and develop molecular tools for monitoring the health of populations. As a scientist, I was frustrated at how many cool discoveries were not being used in the real world and decided that commercializing research is the best way to make sure they did. PETS: Over the years, I felt blindsided by illness in my pets. Changing the way we care for our pets starts with knowing their actual age and understanding how different environmental variables affect their health. Using epigenetics, we can be more proactive with our pets’ health care so they live longer, happier lives. ONE YEAR LATER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
7 SHELBY THOMAS, CEO and Director of Research Ocean Rescue Alliance HORSE SENSE: Growing up around horses, I learned accountability, discipline, and patience. My strong foundation was achieved with guidance by my riding instructor, who also happened to be an entrepreneur. People are unique with their own journeys and hardships that shape them into who they are. And every single person who achieves the seemingly unachievable is just as human as us all. So, it is important to not follow someone else’s path too critically, as it is not your own. OUTLOOK: My superpower is my adaptability, optimism, and grit. Having lost my father to suicide, among several tragedies and pivots, I have come to find that deep loss brings gratitude for the smallest things, like blue skies, your health, and the people in your life. TANGY FREDERICK, President Regal Unicorn Software Academy COATS: It was winter in Queens, New York, and I was seven years old. My parents threw parties, and everyone had coats. I thought if I charged a dollar to hang them up, it would be a win-win. No one would have to go through piles thrown on a bed when they left. My parents also always had the newest technology, so it was not something to be afraid of. CODE: I worked in California for television networks like MTV and NBC. Along the way, I taught myself how to program as a way to bring ideas to life. When I moved to Florida to help my parents, I showed my portfolio but was constantly asked if I had a degree. So, I got my degree as a software developer and still got push- back. That’s when my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in again. JASON HILL, CEO Owwll PANDEMIC: During COVID, I moved our in-person podcast to Zoom and noticed people were excited to connect. We produced a show called Fireside Chats with two cohosts and four business owners at once. Over 11 episodes with 44 business owners, no one was late or canceled. CRAVING: The world was craving to connect, but outside of work, there was no platform telling people, “Call me! I’m available now to chat.” That’s when I realized how cool it would be to be able to speak and learn directly from people you want to build professional relationships with—without displaying a phone number or going through a scheduling process. Experts indicate availability for calls and earn money. Users gain personalized insight. BETH ELLETSON, CEO ABE SPORTS: Instead of letting my height limit me, I used it to excel as the most skilled player on the court, while also developing the qualities of a strong leader. This determination fueled my focus on building top-talent teams and fostering fun, competitive company cultures. As a result, I was appointed chief people officer for the Miami Marlins. SCORE: Building recruitment strategies, training programs, and recognition initiatives for the Marlins fulfilled me, but an imbalance arose between role value and family time. I departed to build a solution I wanted as an HR executive and job seeker— a talent-matching platform anchored in authenticity and data. As we advance our technology, we also offer talent transformation services.
8 HUMAN RESOURCES Our ABE philosophy (of the people, by the people, for the people) empowers professionals to take charge of their careers, while assisting companies in finding the “best-fit” talent. Individuals can now leverage their professional data, enabling more informed career decisions at every junction of their career journey. Through profile verification, we eliminate “professional catfishing” and ensure better employee-to-employer matches based on distinct requirements. To ensure ABE becomes a trusted resource with unparalleled accuracy in data-driven career decisions, I recognized the importance of having a data expert on my leadership team. Serena, former global head of people analytics at PayPal, was the perfect fit. In our beta-testing phase, we educate users on the potential of their own data, showcasing the effectiveness of our matching algorithm. We provide immediate value through features such as our accomplishment tracker and Career Vault. These allow individuals to securely store their professional data and share a validated highlight form, boosting competitiveness in the job market. Our next milestone involves analyzing deeper insights, leveraging ABE AI for personalized job matches and effective career exploration. BETH ELLETSON EDUCATION llove what micro schools are doing, but a lot of times, they don’t have the technology to support entrepreneurially inclined children. One has started referring some of its techie kids to me, so we’re establishing a feeder pattern and ensuring their potential is realized. My work is supported by monthly subscriptions and grants. I also partner with nonprofits. I find out what my kids like and source opportunities for them from top companies and universities. For instance, four of my students got accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s summer youth AI program. There are opportunities in the tech industry, but I noticed that minorities are not really aware of them. I want to mentor minorities to solve global tech problems. I know this is what I am supposed to do because it is working. My kids are progressing. KEVIN ROBINSON “The Levan Center of Innovation has been invaluable in providing me with unrestricted access to subject matter experts. Being a part of the thriving start-up community in Broward County—my hometown— holds great significance for me and serves as a strong motivator for achieving success.” “Everyone at the Levan Center of Innovation wants us to win. If you show up, the opportunities there are endless.” Scan and progress. Scan and meet ABE. ONE YEAR LATER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
9 SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE Iwas fortunate to have John Wensveen on my podcast The Shrimp Tank as the Levan Center of Innovation was being built. When the mentor programs were released to the public, I jumped at the opportunity. I got in as part of the first official Incubate Program. My brand was in beta testing with close to 1,000 people at the time while preparing an App Store launch. We hosted our Owwll Business Shower event on June 7, 2022, at the Levan Center of Innovation, and that will always be a big part of Owwlls’ history. Owwll connects experts with followers with one-on-one audio calls instantly, without sharing phone numbers or being recorded. One new feature is a premium account that gives experts the ability to take calls, earn money, and have a searchable profile. The cost is $10/month, but it acts as a $10 credit to make calls on the platform. The second new feature is Office Hours. Experts preschedule a time block when they will be available to take calls through the platform. This returns a calendar invite to their email to block the time on their Outlook or Gmail calendar, making it easier for experts to go live on the platform. HEALTH AND BEAUTY The pop-up store experience, combined with understanding the customer’s relationship with nail care, salon services, at-home DIY beauty treatments, and personalized shopping, were key indicators in how I should proceed in developing a virtual measurement solution. Nailstry is a patent-pending, AI-powered fingernail measurement technology. We offer a dedicated, app- based press-on nail marketplace—think ETSY for nails, as well as a B2B SAAS measurement solution for beauty brands and e-commerce platforms. Customers are able to personalize their press-on nail sets by nail size, shape, length, and finishes. We are also working to create collaborative collections with visual artists for co-branding opportunities with other beauty brands. I was already a reserved office member at the Levan Center of Innovation when I applied to the Accelerate Program. The timing was perfect, as I had just started talks with a nail-care brand that was looking for technology to help personalize its customers’ online shopping experience. Developing bleeding-edge technology on a lean budget is challenging, but it allowed me to build a truly resilient technical team led by CTO Roddy Richards. Our team is flexible, and we work very well together. They understand Standard Measure Technologies’ core values, vision, and mission, and they execute on Nailstry while keeping those concepts in mind as we continue building to achieve our next milestone. AURELIA EDWARDS JASON HILL “I learned how to build trust through the Levan Center of Innovation, leading us to close a three-year contract with a beauty brand one week after completion of the program.” “Entrepreneurship is a lonely world, and when you have like-minded individuals around you at the Levan Center of Innovation, it really means the world.” Scan and scratch a new surface. Scan and earn.
10 ANDRIA BEAL “I loved being a student at the Levan Center of Innovation, and I loved everything I learned.” TANGY FREDERICK SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING When I applied, I was already the founder of Cre8tive Devs Software, and I was in the beginning stages of figuring out my nonprofit organization, Regal Unicorn Software Academy. Prior to the program, I had a difficult time separating the two. Afterward, I could clearly differentiate between both entities. Cre8tive pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the metaverse, and with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (XR), and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize various industries and enhance human interaction with technology. Regal Unicorn Software Academy develops immersive technology, as well as workforce development. We strive to empower people to become proficient in this field, fostering personal growth and employability. We also identify industry needs and collaborate with employers to develop tailored training initiatives. My overall mission with both is to develop fully customized software and provide specialized technical training programs and resources that enable Fortune 500 companies to unlock the full potential of their workforces. Equipping employees with the necessary expertise to adapt to evolving technologies boosts productivity and drives innovation within their organizations. Witnessing the transformation of individuals is immensely satisfying. I also find joy in helping small businesses develop applications using our unique process. It all reinforces my passion for what I do. “The wraparound services at the Levan Center of Innovation are top-notch. The space is expansive, but the community is close-knit. And I love the makerspace.” Scan and train. Scan and care. ONE YEAR LATER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Since pets cannot talk, we are worse at catching disease in animals than with humans. We have a pet age test on the market that estimates age in dogs and cats (and soon horses and birds) from a mouth swab. When customers discover their pet’s age and life stage, we provide insights into how to care for that pet. Currently, the insights are added to the age reports, but we are developing an online dashboard that is interactive for the customer. Our next product, the health scan biomarker test, will provide pet parents with a biological age score. This tells them how old their pet is for their age. The biological score can be manipulated and changed over time. For example, if we have a five-yearold pet that presents as a seven-year-old because it is unhealthy, we can work to lower the biological score to even make the pet look younger than it is and increase its longevity. The biological age test is meant to monitor health, which means remeasuring often to see how it changes over time. The idea branches out and creates value for several segments of the pet industry, such as early diagnostics and understanding what foods and ingredients help pets live longer. Our business could be a problem-solving powerhouse based on the research we do, along with our health-assessment technology. PET HEALTH CARE
11 We support educators by providing novel science, technology, engineering, and math experiences (STEM) and bridging the gap between the STEM industry and the classroom. COVID revealed cracks in the education system. We all have an interest in preparing problem solvers and addressing the teacher deficit that could affect future generations. I can’t solve every problem related to this. But I can support schools and educators, so they can do their best, given their situation, and realize their own potential. Students need to learn that the STEM world is not an individual enterprise. Everybody works with somebody, and you do not have to know it all. One strategy is to gamify traditional learning environments and create STEM content that has real-life application and team-building components. Using our STEM products, teachers can guide students to identify and amplify their strengths, which can ready them for the fastest-growing career paths. I’m teaching teachers how to do this. I have spoken at the National Science Teachers Association conference twice and offer professional development for schools and teachers. Our custom-built escape rooms offer a wow appeal. And we offer STEM career kits. We are just getting started, and without walls, there are no limits. Our relationship with the Levan Center of Innovation provides a meaningful opportunity for TD Bank to support future generations of technology professionals, while also helping to attract and develop local talent. TD and the industry at large are on the hunt for entrepreneurial employees with start-up mindsets who are inclined to value diversity, collaboration, and agile thinking. Seeing an entrepreneur’s vision come to life is incredible. We are here to help amplify and guide their ideas to help solve real-world problems. It’s an honor to support the uniqueness of their contributions. We understand the value of business because it is the heart of every economy: jobs, revenue, innovation. We believe in the purpose of this endeavor by NSU and Broward County. We aim to help businesses stay abreast of industry trends that will create longevity. “The Levan Center of Innovation benefits our communities immensely. Entrepreneurship fuels creativity and innovation, and it is here to help folks bring their ideas to life and at scale. I’m thrilled to serve on the board.” “We teamed up with Tangy Frederick, founder of Cre8tive Devs Software, to provide one-hour courses of 5 to 10 days in length to help our colleagues upskill. TD proudly supports underrepresented, local entrepreneurs, and this partnership with Tangy boosts her company and helps our communities flourish.” COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP LICENIA ROJAS TD Bank SVP/Chief Architect and Engineer CARISSA BRAZEAL “The cool thing about the Levan Center of Innovation is that it is for ALL entrepreneurs.” MARINE CONSERVATION I shifted my initial career from biomedical research using marine organisms for cancer cures to marine restoration after seeing coral reefs rapidly degrade in Florida. I saw gaps in creating sustainable business models to support marine restoration at scale. After serving as head laboratory technician for a British multinational consultancy, I joined the 1000 Mermaids project as the CEO and science director. Art was a beautiful way to connect. I started Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) to design biologically impactful structures, where today, we outplant corals at scale through innovative technologies such as the Coral Lok. The ORAI is growing our research projects, designs, and products to help serve the marine environment. The biggest motivator is the outlook for a more synergistic future and the limitless things we can do to improve our environments and people’s livelihoods. SHELBY THOMAS “The Levan Center of Innovation is helping me build out more formal business models to support the work more efficiently. I am also thankful to have met so many amazing, driven entrepreneurs who have become supportive aids.” Scan and learn. Scan and dive in. EDUCATION
12 READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE? SO ARE WE. There is a place where start-up and scale-up entrepreneurs can meet supportive mentors and colleagues, network with potential investors, and find the resources they need to build the “tomorrowland” of their dreams. The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation is designed to meet you where you are on the founder’s journey. Once you enter a cohort program, your badge becomes a fast pass to 54,000 square feet of entrepreneurial immersion space and exclusive access to top business minds. Welcome to The World’s First Theme Park for EntrepreneursTM. Apply today. nova.edu/innovation
13 ADDITIONAL FEATURES Country Desk Business Residences LEVL5: SPACE DOCK at NSU™ Military-Grade Cyber Range Technology Makerspace AI Digital Cities Lab Volumetric Capture Studio Florida LambdaRail Network Access Open and Private Work Spaces Media Production Studio Pitch Room Special Event Spaces Gaming and Lounging Areas Commercial Kitchen and Café Explore today.
14 The Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating a New Era At major research universities and multinational corpo- rations, the launch of ChatGPT can be likened to that of Sputnik, setting off a race of arms, investment, and research. The most successful will be companies that under- stand both the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and the imperative to get it right. This will require strong team leaders; broad-based partici- pation; and thoughtful policies, procedures, and training. Since its popularization with the public launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, generative artificial intelligence has been the fastest-growing technology in human history, amassing more than 100 million users in its first two months. A March 2023 KPMG survey highlighted that 65 percent of executives expect generative AI to have a “high or extremely high impact on their organization in the next five years, far above every other emerging technology.” Business will never look the same. To succeed, enterprises need clear AI adoption policies that apply throughout the organization. The policies should highlight the importance of protecting sensitive customer information, proprietary software code, market data, trade secrets, and other confidential information. In most companies, some employees are already experimenting with generative AI. Where these experiments were done with proprietary code or sensitive data, the public disclosure of the information could have highly adverse economic and regulatory consequences. New policies need to be supplemented with controls for both training data and output. System operators and customers alike must take (Headline courtesy of ChatGPT) Editorial Note In this new section, we ask a cross section of researchers and experts from Nova Southeastern University to weigh in on a topic of interest. Shark Point of View
15 steps to ensure training data does not have biases in the data or infringe on intellectual property rights. Output guardrails must restrict publication of trade secrets and the confidential information of customers or employees. Guardrails must also protect against hallucinations and AI misinformation. Policies alone are insufficient. Employees producing critical content must be trained to prompt the systems efficiently and to assess the outputs critically for their accuracy. The universal adoption of generative AI makes digital literacy an essential part of all education, and companies adopting AI strategies must be at the forefront of professional training. As with the Sputnik space race, the first-adopter advantage will not last long. Only companies that use strong leadership across interdisciplinary teams will emerge as the leaders in the AI- influenced marketplace. o JON M. GARON, J.D. Professor, NSU Shepard Broad College of Law, and Inaugural Director of the Goodwin Program for Society, Technology, and the Law Garon is the author of the forth- coming book How AI, Crypto, Synthetic Media, and Videogames Will Upend the 21st Century: The Battle for the Metaverse (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2024). His papers on artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and related subjects may be found on SSRN.com. The main goals of artificial intelligence in academia involve three key areas: learning about the technologies and techniques of AI, preparing for the use of AI in everyday life, and better understanding the potential impact of AI on human lives. AI can narrow the gap between the classroom and online learning, redesigning JON M. GARON, J.D. LENORA SEVILLIAN, M.B.A., CIPP, CPPP, CPCM, LSSGB, SFC, NCN-A, CPE-P DAWN WAWERSIK, PH.D., R.N., CHSE, CNE-CL CAROLYN FITZPATRICK, M.A. MARLISA SANTOS, PH.D. ‘‘ The launch of ChatGPT can be likened to that of Sputnik, setting off a race of arms, investment, and research.” Jon M. Garon, J.D. SHARK POINT OF VIEW PANEL
16 teaching strategies for more effective learning and meeting the needs and capabilities of all students (UNESCO, 2021). By leveraging the learning environment platform, professors can use AI to help facilitate active and passive learning and integrate curricula content specific to academic and clinical disciplines. The combination of technology with the human factor enhances exams and assessments and validates the student’s competency levels synchronously and asynchronously. Additional benefits include reinforcement of difficult concepts, increased engagement, and, most importantly, augmented delivery of the curriculum for maximum adaptability across multiple disciplines. AI in academia also has implications for the philanthropic side of the house. Meaningful data can help with donor matching and engagement. Additionally, AI can provide recommendations for philanthropic investments, donor-prediction models, and stewardship workflows, as well as online fundraising campaigns. It is important to strike a balance between inno- vation and investment in artificial intelligence products. We do not want to invest too deeply in vast amounts of equipment that may be rendered obsolete within a few years, especially when we are investing in state-of-the-art facilities for students to train and develop their skills. However, we also want to make sure we are investing in the latest technologies, so we can provide our students with the best possible education. Collaboration with procurement and information technology professionals is key to attaining the best solutions. In all scenarios, return on investment, trade- in value, and the competitive structure of deals are vital. In addition, we must consider the impact of any purchases on the technology infrastructure, the environment, and the sustainability factor. In conclusion, a balance is required to infuse innovation with an investment in AI to prepare our young adults for the workforce of the future. Improving the structure of our institution, curriculum, technology, and access will allow students to dominate in all fields of study, especially those with shortages of advanced technological skills. The most valuable resources our society can curate are education, knowledge, and learning. These are our renewable resources of the future. Rethinking the role of AI, transforming technology, and deploying this inside our institutions will transform the future of our academic programs. o Shark Point of View While technology is a great tool, education must drive the technology. Not the other way around.” Dawn Wawersik, Ph.D., R.N., CHSE, CNE-CL ‘‘
17 LENORA SEVILLIAN, M.B.A., CIPP, CPPP, CPCM, LSSGB, SFC, NCN-A, CPE-P Director of Procurement, NSU Division of Business Services Sevillian also sits on the National Association of Educational Procurement as an at-large director. She is currently a doctoral student studying law and policy at Northeastern University. At the NSU Health Interprofessional Simulation Institute (IPSI), we leverage state- of-the-art technology to augment educational experiences, enrich clinical training, and accelerate medical inno- vations. The sky is the limit, especially with artificial intelligence (AI) at our fingertips. While securing the best technology is essential; however, it is a tool. That is why equal focus must be placed on creating the best users and trainers of technology and AI tools. The human aspect of simulation and the use of artificial intelligence is necessary in maintaining an ethical and psychologically safe space in higher education. The use of growing technologies demands col- laboration between information technology specialists, faculty members, and others to achieve this. Critical pedagogy is the unique advantage underlying the university’s interdisciplinary approach and ability to provide tomorrow’s technology today. Simulation is a modality that has been used by educators for more than 50 years. And it has gained momentum in recent years, with technology rapidly advancing. There are guidelines, certifications, degrees, and long-standing research on professional development in simulation and education. However, the research is limited in the distance- simulation world and in providing educators with the tools to choose which technology meets their needs for in-person or distance activities. The job of the IPSI is to consult with educators and find them the best innovative approaches, find a space for them to bring their students, provide a realistic experience, and connect the educational outcomes to actual practice. Where we are in best practices with technologies like distance simulation, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality seems to be the same place we were about 15 years ago, using manikins for health care simulation. In other words, we don’t yet know the best practice for using this advanced technology in education. Challenge accepted. How do we leverage this technology while providing a safe and ethical learning environment? How do we research the effects of education in the real world once students leave our facility? How do we provide an edge by understanding what skills and abilities practitioners must possess and what our educators need to know? These questions are not new to those working within a doctoral research university. We will answer, assess, and evolve accordingly. While technology is a great tool, education must drive the technology. Not the other way around. o DAWN WAWERSIK, PH.D., R.N., CHSE, CNE-CL Executive Director, NSU Health Interprofessional Simulation Institute Wawersik is a U.S. Navy veteran with 18 years of combined medical and simulation education experience. NSU students attend to a simulation patient. In addition to tracking care through voice and touch, NSU’s adaptable simulation studios and equipment will soon track visual engagement and responses to prompts, as well as presenting problems.
18 Rapid proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools forced many instructors to adjust their syllabus policies as a stop-gap measure, banning the use of generative AI. But detecting how much of a student’s work is generated by AI remains a challenge. Turnitin now includes an AI detector in its reports, but reviews are mixed. These policies are unlikely to be a deterrent to students if they know it is impossible for them to be caught. These policies also ignore the ubiquitousness of AI tools. The APA recommendation that students not only cite AI tools, as well as provide their AI prompt and its output, can only be achieved using external tools like ChatGPT. The integrated AI tools in Bing and Google search engines do not save both the prompt and output, and Microsoft’s Copilot, which will soon be available in many Office 365 applications, is designed to not require a prompt at all. It will offer AI suggestions on student work automatically, similar to the design recommendations in PowerPoint. Instead of focusing on policy changes, instructors must reconsider their course assignments and classroom activities. Educational research has shown that students retain the most from assignments that incorporate personal experience and peer interactions, neither of which can be convincingly replicated by artificial intelligence. This requires spending less class time on lectures and quizzing and more on smallgroup discussions and peer review. Rubrics for out-ofclass assignments that build on in-class discussions should address criteria such as student voice, personalization, critical thinking, and the use of sources. Faculty members should also consider revising their courses to focus on the process of learning. Tradi- tionally, students are assigned a project, and the instructor reviews only the final product. Instead, instructors can offer formative feedback on drafts or smaller portions of a large project submitted through- out the course. Instructors can also encourage students to use online writing tools that maintain a document history, so that students can review the evolution of their work with the instructor or with peers. Analytic thinking requires thorough consideration of a problem and all its possible factors and solutions. To develop this skill, students must think more slowly than they are used to. Additionally, the development of generative AI is a temptation that many will find hard to resist. By structuring assignments and in-class discussions to normalize uncertainty, exploration, and constructive critiques, faculty members will help students develop skills essential to analytic thinking. o CAROLYN FITZPATRICK, M.A. Instructional Designer IV, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship Fitzpatrick has more than 15 years of experience in designing quality online instruction. She holds a master’s degree in history and is completing a second master’s degree in instructional design. In We Can Remember It for You Wholesale, science fiction author Philip K. Dick imagines a world in which a corporation can artificially create past human experience, promising memories even better than “the real thing” since “actual memory, with all its vagueness, omissions, and ellipses…that’s second best.” Almost 60 years later, as we face the reality of the most sophisticated AI programs yet developed— ones that can seemingly replicate human writing and art—we are pushed to consider the difficult question of what really makes us human and why our own creations matter. It is uncomfortable to consider how human communication, for instance, may be reproduced without the actual human experience of writing and thinking— especially when, for many, it may seem that an AI program can write or draw Shark Point of View
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