Please join us for "Gen AI in a Business Environment Powered by Data as the Lifeblood of the Organization," presented by Jeffrey Manhardt, director of AI and citizen development at Compass Group, on Monday, October 28, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. in Bacon Hall 115. This talk is part of the Data Science and Analytics Seminar Fall 2024 Series.

Talking Points

• Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize project management by automating many of the tasks that are currently done manually. 
• We will discuss examples of how generative AI has been used in real-world projects, and the challenges and opportunities associated with using this technology. 
• Gartner predicts generative AI will eliminate 80 percent of all project management office tasks. How will you be affected? 

Speaker Bio
Jeffrey Manhardt is from Buffalo, New York, and was recently promoted from director of project management to senior director of AI and citizen development for Compass Group, a global food service company based in North Carolina. With a curiosity for what is possible and over 18 years of success achieving project, program, and portfolio management objectives while using situational leadership to manage international teams, Mr. Manhardt is an acquisition specialist who has led three PMOs and dozens of projects and programs. His award-winning, results-oriented, people-driven leadership approach has culminated with projects, programs, and portfolios delivering real business value. Mr. Manhardt received his master of arts in organizational leadership from Medaille University and is a 2013 LIMC graduate, a frequent conference speaker, and a former adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo and Canisius, Daemen, and Medaille universities. He served as president of the PMI Buffalo Chapter from 2017 to 2021 after serving as vice president of programs, vice president of professional development, vice president of technology and business services, and vice president of finance. During his free time, He enjoys triathlons, reading, and watching football. Mr. Manhardt has also served on the boards of the Buffalo Chapter of the IIBA, the BA/PM World Toronto Board of Advisors, and Graycliff Conservancy and is currently serving on the board of Habitat Buffalo. 

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar "Exploring the Habitat Needs of Three Large Woodpeckers in the Atlantic Forest of Argentina: Implications for Forest Management" presented by Juan Manuel Fernández, postdoctoral researcher with the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, today, October 28, at 3:00 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 151. Attendees are welcome to enjoy coffee and cookies during the seminar.

Abstract
This talk will discuss some insights of Dr. Fernández's Ph.D. project and will explore the fascinating world of woodpeckers in one of South America's most threatened ecosystems, the Atlantic Forest. Dr. Fernández's research focuses on the habitat use and behavior of three species of woodpeckers: the robust woodpecker (Campephilus robustus), the lineated woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus), and the endangered helmeted woodpecker (Celeus galeatus), in Misiones, Argentina. This elusive little-known species, found only in the Atlantic Forest, faces serious threats from habitat loss and selective logging. Through radio-telemetry tracking, Dr. Fernández and his team have uncovered how these woodpeckers use different types of forests both old-growth and selectively logged and identified key habitat features that are critical to their survival. Their study revealed surprising differences in how each species forages, nests, and roosts. Celeus galeatus showed a strong preference for nesting in certain tree species and often reuses old cavities, while the other species behaved differently. They also found that logged forests force some species to use larger areas to find suitable habitat, which makes them vulnerable to further disturbances. The findings from this research have direct implications for conservation strategies. By identifying the specific forest structures these birds need, Dr. Fernández and his team can offer practical recommendations for managing forests in a way that supports both biodiversity and sustainable use.

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar "Exploring the Habitat Needs of Three Large Woodpeckers in the Atlantic Forest of Argentina: Implications for Forest Management" presented by Juan Manuel Fernández, postdoctoral researcher with the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, on Monday, October 28, at 3:00 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 151. Attendees are welcome to enjoy coffee and cookies during the seminar.

Abstract
This talk will discuss some insights of Dr. Fernández's Ph.D. project and will explore the fascinating world of woodpeckers in one of South America's most threatened ecosystems, the Atlantic Forest. Dr. Fernández's research focuses on the habitat use and behavior of three species of woodpeckers: the robust woodpecker (Campephilus robustus), the lineated woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus), and the endangered helmeted woodpecker (Celeus galeatus), in Misiones, Argentina. This elusive little-known species, found only in the Atlantic Forest, faces serious threats from habitat loss and selective logging. Through radio-telemetry tracking, Dr. Fernández and his team have uncovered how these woodpeckers use different types of forests both old-growth and selectively logged and identified key habitat features that are critical to their survival. Their study revealed surprising differences in how each species forages, nests, and roosts. Celeus galeatus showed a strong preference for nesting in certain tree species and often reuses old cavities, while the other species behaved differently. They also found that logged forests force some species to use larger areas to find suitable habitat, which makes them vulnerable to further disturbances. The findings from this research have direct implications for conservation strategies. By identifying the specific forest structures these birds need, Dr. Fernández and his team can offer practical recommendations for managing forests in a way that supports both biodiversity and sustainable use.

Winterim, the period between the fall and spring semesters when a variety of activities are held on campus to support the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of faculty, staff, and students, will be held January 13-17, 2025. 

Winterim is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn from one another. If you have a skill, passion, or talent you would like to share with the campus community, please complete and submit the Winterim Session Submission form by Friday, December 6.

Please contact the Professional Development Center, (716) 878-5364, with questions.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is requesting faculty input on their need for support in the creation of accessible content for courses. In collaboration with Instructional Design and Distance Learning, SAS will use this information to offer virtual, small group, one-on-one, and drop-in sessions.

This initiative is to ensure that SAS is present and available for all faculty members, meets them where they are, and supports them in creating content to promote compliance with Title II ADA regulation for accessibility.

Please complete the Survey of Content Accessibility Support for Faculty. We look forward to working with you. SAS will continue this support through the spring 2025 semester.

Please join the Chemistry Department for the next seminar of the fall 2024 seminar series, "Using Structure to Predict Function in Protein Biochemistry: A Combined Computational and Wet Lab Approach," presented by Julia Koeppe, associate professor of chemistry at SUNY Oswego, on Thursday, October 24, at 12:15 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 173. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

Abstract
We are using a combined computational and wet lab approach to study protein structures of unknown function. We now have access to thousands of high resolution structures and structure models of proteins for which the function is unknown. In our lab, we use both sequence and structure alignment tools to analyze selected structures with the goal of identifying possible enzymes. We also use molecular docking to predict what model substrates (or possible inhibitors) fit near a proposed active site. We then produce the target enzymes in the lab using standard wet-lab biochemistry techniques for expression and purification. Finally, we perform kinetic assays with model substrates selected from the docking studies to test the predicted function. To date, we have tested several proteins for predicted hydrolase function, and we have confirmed esterase, lipase, or mannanase activity in our most well-studied target proteins.

Speaker Bio
Julia R. Koeppe, Ph.D., earned undergraduate degrees in chemistry and Spanish from Hope College in Michigan, and her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California San Diego. From there, she moved to Oxford University in England, where she did postdoctoral research in both the Biochemistry and Chemistry departments. Dr. Koeppe became a faculty member in the Chemistry Department at SUNY Oswego in 2016, and she now serves as department chair. Throughout her career, Dr. Koeppe has studied the function and interactions of various biomolecules with a specific focus on protein interactions and protein function. At SUNY Oswego, she works with both undergraduate and M.S. students in her research lab. In 2015, Dr. Koeppe began working with collaborators to develop the BASIL CURE (Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab - Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience), and she now serves on the steering committee for the project.

Buffalo State University will host a news conference at 1:00 p.m. today, October 22, in Butler Library that highlights Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE), a SUNY-supported program proven to significantly improve degree completion rates, particularly for underrepresented students.

The campus community is welcome to attend. Representatives from the University at Buffalo and SUNY Erie will also be present.

In addition to comprehensive personalized advisement and career development, ACE offers wraparound services that help cover the cost of textbooks, groceries, transportation, and child care. ACE expanded to the SUNY system in spring 2024, supported by a historic demonstration of state-level support championed by Governor Kathy Hochul in the $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund and supplemented by private grants. In fall 2024, SUNY ACE and ASAP (Advancing Success in Associate Pathways) programs have enrolled 4,200 students, including 191 at Buffalo State.

Speakers scheduled at the news conference include the following:

• Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D., Buffalo State University interim president
• Jude Jayatilleke, Buffalo State University ACE director
• Julian Grooms, Buffalo State University ACE student
• Sean Ryan, New York State Senator for the 61st District
• Ann Bisantz, University at Buffalo dean of undergraduate education
• Abigail Ammerman, University at Buffalo TrACE student
• Adiam Tsegai, SUNY Erie president
• Christina Annesi, SUNY Erie ASAP director
• Arivana Russell, SUNY Erie ASAP student

Buffalo State University as a part of SUNY Alliance received funding from the National Science Foundation to provide student enrichment programs to underrepresented students through undergraduate research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

This program, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), aims to increase the numbers of students matriculating into and successfully completing degree programs so that the STEM workforce can be diversified. Emphasis is placed on transforming undergraduate STEM education through innovative, evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, and relevant educational experiences.

An orientation meeting will take place Friday, October 25, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Technology Building 160 for students who are underrepresented in STEM. Criteria and opportunities will be shared. Qualified students will be eligible for funding to support their research. Please encourage students to visit the LSAMP website and register for the meeting. Thank you!

Encourage your students to attend today's Buffalo State Graduate Programs Fair from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. Students can meet with representatives from 25 graduate programs and support departments available at Buffalo State. This CAPE event is free and open to all Buffalo State students and alumni.

The Buffalo State Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics Department and Social Work Department will host an interactive event, "The Dysfunction of Food: A Discussion with Kim Foster, Author of The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City," on Thursday, November 14, from noon to 2:00 p.m. in Newman Lecture Hall, Bulger Communication Center 215. This event is funded by Buffalo State's Grant Allocation Committee and is free and open to the public.

Kim Foster is the James Beard Award-winning author of The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City. In her book, Ms. Foster analyzes the problem of hunger, delving into the intersectionality of systemic causes through a series of case studies interwoven with research. Ms. Foster will deliver an interactive lecture to Buffalo State and the wider community, challenging us to think differently about food and how to address the root causes of hunger.

Attendees can benefit from the presentation without reading Ms. Foster's book. Given that this lecture can be a good experiential learning opportunity to supplement your courses, we will provide reflection questions based on the event that you may use for class assignments or discussion posts. 

Please register online to attend.