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From the Fringes to the Foreground: Shining the Spotlight on Student Voices Podcast

November 4th, 2024 by Elaine Hall

What better way to start Native American Heritage Month than to highlight the work of Indigenous information professionals?

College of Data, Information & Society’s student project, Students Amplifying Your Voices (SAYV), launched its inaugural podcast episode featuring iSchool alumni and Bridging Knowledge scholar Brandon Castle and iSchool at Illinois alumni Katherine Witzig and their work on the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Task Group for Metadata Related to Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.Be sure to subscribe to SAYV’s podcast “From the Fringes to the Foreground: Shining the Spotlight on Student Voices” to hear more students and early career professionals from historically underrepresented communities discuss their experiences and promote their work in library, data, and information science.

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Posted in Community, Equity and Diversity, Student Engagement

San José State University’s College of Information, Data and Society Launches SAYV: A New Initiative Empowering Underrepresented Student Voices

October 29th, 2024 by Elaine Hall

Students - Amplifying Your Voices logo

The College of Information, Data and Society (IDS) is excited to announce the launch of Students: Amplifying Your Voices (SAYV), a student-led initiative designed to support and empower students from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds in library science, data science, and information science.

SAYV is a continuation of Your Voices: Learning, Listening, and Sharing and builds on the momentum of creating dedicated spaces for students often overlooked in these fields. SAYV aims to provide a platform where students can connect, collaborate, and grow through a series of initiatives that include:

  • Community Learning Spaces: Informal, student-driven interactions through online platforms like Discord, where ideas and experiences are freely exchanged.
  • Discord Server: A safe, inclusive environment fostering community-building among students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Podcast Series: Titled “From the Fringes to the Foreground: Shining the Spotlight on Student Voices”, this series will feature conversations and interviews with students from the iSchool and Applied Data Science (ADS) programs, sharing their unique stories and highlighting their work within the community.

SAYV Megaphone

Michele A.L. Villagran, Associate Professor at the SJSU School of Information, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative: “SAYV is a pivotal step in ensuring that all students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, have a platform to not only share their voices but also engage in meaningful dialogue that supports their professional and personal growth. We’re proud to support SAYV as part of our broader mission to foster inclusivity and diversity within the library, information, and data science fields.”

SAYV’s mission is to create student-centered, supportive spaces where students from intersectional and diverse identities can develop professional skills, build lasting connections, and access valuable resources. By empowering students to lead these efforts, SAYV ensures that the needs and voices of underrepresented communities are amplified and respected.

Students from SJSU’s Department of Applied Data Science and the School of Information are encouraged to join the SAYV community and take advantage of its growth, learning, and connection opportunities. SAYV also welcomes collaborations with faculty, industry professionals, and community partners committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the information sciences.

For more information about SAYV or to get involved, contact us via email at yourvoices.sjsu@gmail.com.

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Posted in Community, Department of ADS, iSchool, Student Engagement

SJSU Rebrands Silicon Valley Center to Focus on AI and Cybersecurity

October 14th, 2024 by Elaine Hall

San José, CA – The College of Information, Data and Society at San José State University proudly announces the rebranding of the Silicon Valley Big Data and Cybersecurity Center to the Silicon Valley Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (CAIC). This change reflects the Center’s broadened focus, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) alongside cybersecurity as it continues its mission to advance education, research, and innovation in these critical fields.

A Hub for AI and Cybersecurity Innovation

Housed within the College of Information, Data and Society, CAIC is a leading entity for program development, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge research in AI and cybersecurity. As the demand for skilled professionals in these fields grows, the Center plays a pivotal role in addressing national security concerns, driving technological advancements, and ensuring the safe flow of information in both public and private sectors.

Co-Director Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca, Associate Professor in the School of Information, expressed her enthusiasm for the Center’s new focus, stating, “The name change highlights CAIC’s strong commitment to preparing our students for the workforce while fostering crucial partnerships between SJSU and leading industry players.”

The renaming of the Center further underscores the College’s deepened commitment to preparing students for the complex challenges posed by today’s data-driven, interconnected world. By focusing on AI and cybersecurity, the CAIC aligns with the College’s mission to address societal impacts on both local and global levels, offering innovative solutions that influence technology, security, and the broader society.

Co-Director Simon Shim, Professor and Department Chair of Applied Data Science, emphasized the Center’s vital role in shaping SJSU’s leadership in Silicon Valley:

“The Center enhances San José State University’s position as a leader in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. By promoting research and fostering collaboration between academia and industry, CAIC positions the university as a key player in tackling the technological challenges of our time.”

Bridging Academia and Industry

The Silicon Valley Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity is a significant resource for students pursuing careers in AI and cybersecurity, offering unparalleled access to internships, real-world projects, and industry networking opportunities. Through its strong partnerships with leading tech companies in Silicon Valley, the CAIC equips students with the practical skills and hands-on experiences necessary to excel in today’s competitive job market. These collaborations enhance students’ employability in fields crucial to global technological advancement and security.

Students benefit from the Center’s focus on experiential learning through research collaborations, internships, and project-based opportunities, giving them a competitive edge in the fast-evolving fields of AI and cybersecurity. By gaining exposure to real-world challenges, students are well-prepared to emerge as leaders in industries vital to global security and innovation.

Key Initiatives of CAIC Include:

  • Developing the next generation of AI and cybersecurity professionals.
  • Securing grants to advance research and strengthen industry partnerships.
  • Expanding degree programs to address growing demand in AI and cybersecurity fields.
  • Providing cutting-edge professional training for current and future leaders.
  • Promoting interest in AI and cybersecurity through K-12 outreach programs.

Positioned for Global Impact

With its expanded focus on AI and cybersecurity, CAIC is set to shape the future of these industries. The Center’s initiatives foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and ensure that SJSU students are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving technological landscape, both locally and globally.

For more information on the Center and its initiatives, visit https://www.sjsu.edu/information-data-society/centers-labs/bdcc/index.php 

Contact:
Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca, tonia.sannicolas-rocca@sjsu.edu
Simon Shim, simon.shim@sjsu.edu 

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Posted in Artificial Intelligence, CAIC, Cybersecurity

Dr. Sandy Hirsh Awarded the Allen Smith Visiting Scholarship from Simmons University

September 20th, 2024 by Elaine Hall

Hirsh Simmons Scholars 2024

Dr. Sandy Hirsh was awarded the Allen Smith Visiting Scholarship for AY 24/25 from Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science. As part of her residency, she hosted two public, live-streamed events: “Future-Ready Libraries: A Glimpse into 2035” on October 7th and “The Future of Libraries: A Panel of Perspectives” on October 10th.Edit the content.

View the flyer [pdf]

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Posted in Leadership

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