The Data Science and Analytics (DSA) Spring 2025 Seminar—"Unlocking Generative AI: Foundations, Applications, and the Road Ahead"—will be held on Monday, February 3, from 4:25 to 5:45 p.m. in Bacon Hall 115 (in person) and online via Zoom (Zoom link: 718 634 0613).

The seminar is presented by DSA faculty and students, and the Buffalo State audience is encouraged to share their experiences and insights.

The seminar will break down the fundamentals of Generative AI, explore its real-world applications, and highlight the latest advancements. Whether you are new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this talk will provide valuable insights into the technology that is revolutionizing the way we work and innovate.

Event Highlights:

• Audience Participation. Share your knowledge and insights. Submit a slide to be included in the presentation: carbonjo@buffalostate.edu.
• Historical Overview (5 minutes). A brief look at the evolution of data science and AI over the last 100 years.
• Technical Breakdown (5 minutes). Understanding the pre-training of Transformer Neural Networks. Core concepts: tokens, embeddings, and how the software behind ChatGPT functions.
• AI Products Overview. A rundown of available Generative AI tools: ChatGPT, DeepSeek-R1, Gemini, Storm, Perplexity, Answerthis, Claude, and more.
• Running Gen AI Remotely and Locally. How to access and use Generative AI tools on your own computer.
• Live Demonstrations. Automating tasks: creating surveys, grading homework, building websites, and more.
• AI and Society: Political and Economic Perspectives. Will AI change the job market? Insights on the Stargate project, DeepSeek-R1, and the future of AI in education, the economy, and society.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the past, present, and future of Generative AI!

The EAB Navigate team is happy to share additional opportunities for the campus community to learn more about this powerful new product that will enhance community-wide communication efforts with our students.  We are expecting to record and post these sessions on our website in the future for those who are unable to attend in person. 

The additional training sessions are as follows:

• Thursday, January 30, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.–Overview: Teams Link
• Friday, January 31, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.–Module 1: Teams LInk
• Tuesday, February 4, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.–Module 1: Teams Link
• Thursday, February 6, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.–Module 2: Teams Link
• Friday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.–Module 1: Teams Link
• Tuesday, February 11, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.–Module 2: Teams Link
• Thursday, February 13, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.–Module 1: Teams Link
• Friday, February 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.–Module 2: Teams Link

Did you know that two-thirds of higher education students who may be eligible for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) reported not receiving benefits (USGAO, 2024)?

The Student Care and Support Office shares the following resources with you to stay informed:

• USDA SNAP for Students FAQs: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students
• USDA SNAP College Student Eligibility Infographic: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students/infographic
• USDA Demystifying SNAP Student Eligibility Training Presentation: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap-et/nationalforum/2024/demystifying-student-eligibility (this deck provides important details about how enrollment status, type of school, and type of curriculum affect the SNAP eligibility of students pursuing higher education; details are important!)
• Memo: https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2025-01-16/snap-benefits-eligible-students

Although we are not certified to determine eligibility, we can help students navigate this process. Please encourage interested students to visit the Student Care and Support Office in Campbell Student Union 402A, call (716) 878-6687, or email meadejl@buffalostate.edu.

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Building Strong: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Career and Project Highlights,” presented by Laura G. Azzarella, Ph.D., on Monday, February 3, at 3:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 214. Azzarella is associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District. Attendees are welcome to arrive at 2:30 p.m. to enjoy coffee and cookies leading up to the seminar.

Abstract: The Buffalo District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delivers world-class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes Region and nation to ensure environmental sustainability and water resource management. USACE is the nation’s civil engineering and environmental restoration firm, with no requirement to enlist.

This meeting will review some of the important community projects that USACE facilitates in Buffalo and provide students with a roadmap to career opportunities to perform meaningful and mission-critical work.

Now is a great time to take action for your financial future. Schedule a time to meet with Austin Speaker from CoreBridge Financial to make sure you’re on track for the retirement you want. 

There is no cost for these consultations. Schedule a meeting using the link below to discuss:

• The benefits of enrolling in your workplace retirement plan 

• How to boost your overall financial wellness 

• The resources available to help shape the future you want 

• Your broader financial goals so we can put a plan in place to help you get there 

Appointments are required. Schedule a consultation.

Date: Thursday, February 6         

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Location: Cleveland Hall 416

The Bengal Entrepreneurship Program, run by the Buffalo State Small Business Development Center and sponsored by Bank of America, will start on Tuesday, February 4, during Bengal Pause (12:15 to 1:30 p.m.) in Buckham Hall A107. 

If students already own or are interested in owning their own business, please encourage them to attend our weekly sessions on Tuesdays during Bengal Pause. We will discuss business planning and other topics related to owning a business. 

Plus, we will be competing in the NY Business Plan Competition, which is a statewide, intercollegiate entrepreneurship competition powered by Upstate Capital. There is prize money of $100,000 available! Last year, our students represented the top 8% at the in-person state rounds! 

For more information, contact Olivia Harbol at harbolol@buffalostate.edu or call (716) 878-4030. 

The Art and Design Department is excited to announce that the Spring 2025 Faculty Exhibition is now open through February 26 in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery.

A reception to celebrate our faculty artists will take place in the Upton Hall foyer on Thursday, February 6th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. All are welcome!

Please contact Marie Bogner, Czurles-Nelson Gallery Coordinator, (716) 878-4390, with questions.

Spring Gallery Hours:

Monday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The 27th Annual Student Research and Creativity Conference (SRCC) is scheduled for Friday, May 2, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Science and Mathematics Complex atrium. The event is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines. Proposals for research poster sessions, oral presentations, and performances of creative work are welcome.

SRCC applications are completed online. Access to the online application portal will remain open to students through 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. Faculty mentors will have until 10:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, to review, edit, and approve applications submitted by their students. Only applications approved by mentors will be considered complete.

Please note that this year there will not be a Graduate Research Fair. Instead, the SRCC will be co-sponsored by Undergraduate Research and the Graduate Student Association (GSA).  For more details, please visit the SRCC website or the GSA website.

New York State Civil Service will host an information session Thursday, February 13 at 12:30 pm in Caudell Hall room 123 to educate students on various career opportunities within the NYS government.  They will cover navigating the civil service process and hiring through the NY Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program.

Academic Affairs has established a fund to support a pilot program to pay for article processing charges (APC) associated with publishing research or scholarly work in open access journals. The fund is open to all current SUNY Buffalo State faculty and staff.  The program allows for single awards up to $3000 per scholar per year.  It is anticipated that this program will help increase the visibility of scholarship published from Buffalo State, encourage the use of open access journals, increase awareness of deceptive and predatory journals, and facilitate the submission of new grant applications through the Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office (RF).

Detailed information on the program and the application can be accessed through the Butler Library website.