iNTEREST Lecture Series Introduces Students to the Latest Technologies

In April 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael Nizich, Ph.D., director of the Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center (ETIC), launched the iNTEREST program (New York Tech’s ETIC Remote Engagement Sessions in Technology), twice-weekly Zoom seminars to help train new and current participants in skills related to the ETIC Research Robot for Student Engagement and Learning Activities (E.R.R.S.E.L.A.), from developing software and web applications to creating databases.

As many research programs were forced to disband at the time, E.R.R.S.E.L.A.’s remote capabilities allowed students to continue their “hands-on” research.

Almost one year later, the iNTEREST program has expanded to include training in cutting-edge technologies. Beginning March 19, New York Tech’s iNTEREST virtual lecture series kicks off. (See schedule below, and stay tuned for upcoming sessions.) The series is designed to introduce students to proprietary technologies, including C# and Python, and expose them to related career opportunities such as cybersecurity. Students will be provided with background information and a demonstration of the technology, how to acquire the technology, and how to quickly gain hands-on experience.

And what about E.R.R.S.E.L.A.? More than 200 students have participated in engineering and programming principles using the platform. And the robot has gone through a transformation. Student Amelia Razak (B.S. ’22), a graphic design major, created the paint scheme and gave E.R.R.S.E.L.A. a fresh new look.

Creating Web Applications with C#
March 19
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Since the introduction of web-based development tools, there has been an increased demand for web developers around the world. One of the most popular and powerful web-based development applications is the .NET framework from Microsoft and more specifically the C# programming language. C# enables developers to program web applications and mobile applications as well as desktop applications. Participants will receive an introduction to developing powerful web-based applications using C#.

Introduction to Cybersecurity as a Career
March 26
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing technology sectors today. With 11 billion currently connected Internet devices and a forecast of 20 billion connected devices by the year 2022, there have never been more access points and vulnerabilities to our sensitive and valuable data than there is today. Because of this, there is an ongoing cybersecurity workforce gap making it increasingly difficult for organizations to find cybersecurity analysts, application security experts, and security leaders at the executive level. Participants will learn what it takes to enter the cybersecurity workforce and how to have a successful career in cybersecurity.

Programming with Java
April 9
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Java has become one of the most popular programming languages over the past several decades. Java Virtual Machine (JVM) can be found in over three billion devices worldwide, allowing for the platform-agnostic design of software applications. The Java language has interfaces to popular electronic devices like Raspberry Pi and Arduino control boards and has dozens of libraries that allow users to create powerful systems that can run on nearly any operating system without being altered or customized for that system. Participants will learn the basics of creating Java applications but will be exposed to more advanced features.

Introduction to Raspberry Pi
April 16
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
The Raspberry Pi control board has become one of the most popular control boards for students, entrepreneurs, and robotic application developers. Participants will be introduced to the Raspberry Pi device and the Rasbpian Linux operating system. They will also learn how to control the various board components through the Python programming language. Attendees will be introduced to various topics, including controlling LED lights, motors, actuators, ultrasound sensors, and collecting electronic sensor data.

Introduction to Blockchain Technology
April 23
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Since the introduction and subsequent rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin over the past decade, there has also been a rise in interest in blockchain technology applications for various industry sectors. This seminar will introduce participants to the background and history of blockchain technology, the discussion surrounding both private and public blockchain solutions, the creation of smart contracts, and the various considerations an organization must when implementing blockchain. Participants will be exposed to the key components and processes of a blockchain system and the various commercial providers that support blockchain endeavors.

Developing Applications with Microsoft Visual Studio
April 30
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Today’s software developers work with IDE’s (integrated development environments), and one of the most popular IDE on the market today is Microsoft’s Visual Studio. Participants will receive an introduction to Visual Studio and learn the basics of creating web applications, desktop applications, phone apps, and console apps, all from the same application.

Creating and Managing Databases Using Microsoft SQL Server
May 7
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Data is the new oil, and the best way to mine this new oil is through database management systems (DBMS). These systems run nearly 95 percent of all data in the world today. The tools and applications included within these systems enable data managers to aggregate and manipulate data to provide organizations with the right information at the right time. Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most popular DBMS solutions in use today. Participants will learn the basics of DBMS systems as well as the tools that make data managers so important to organizations around the world.

Creating Web Applications with C#
May 14
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Since the introduction of web-based development tools, there has been an increase in demand for web developers. One of the most popular web-based development applications is the .NET framework from Microsoft, and more specifically, the C# programming language. C# enables developers to program web applications and mobile applications as well as desktop applications. Participants will receive an introduction to developing powerful web-based applications using C#.

Programming with Python
May 21
10 – 11 a.m.
Register
Python has become one of the most popular languages for both students and industry professionals to implement computer programming to solve organizational challenges. The Python language has interfaces to popular electronic devices like Raspberry Pi and Arduino control boards and has dozens of libraries that allow users to interact with large datasets, machine learning algorithms, and object recognition, just to name a few. This introductory session enables participants to get started programming in Python quickly and provides insight as to how powerful the language has become.