Vasant Honavar, professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, stands before a screen presenting his current research focuses during the AI for Science panel, hosted by the Penn State Center for Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Scientific Applications (CENSAI), which Honavar is the director of.
Suhas Bettapalli Nagaraj, fourth-year doctoral student in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, stands for a photo in front of his research poster during the Penn State AI Week poster session on April 16. The poster is titled "Generative AI for Efficient and Empathetic Conversational Models in Mental Health." He was awarded third place in the poster session judging.
Penn State's AI Week, coordinated by the Penn State AI Hub, brings University faculty, students and staff together to showcase ongoing artificial intelligence research, activities, education and outreach across campuses. Above, AI Week poster session and AI Awards winners stand with Vijaykrishnan Narayanan, associate dean for innovation in the College of Engineering, and Patrick Dudas, associate director of the Penn State Center for Immersive Experiences, who coordinated AI Week events.
Penn State's AI Week, held April 14-17 across Penn State campuses, showcased faculty and student research and excellence through panels, research showcases, immersive workshops and a poster session. The weeklong event is coordinated by the Penn State AI Hub, which is housed under the Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences.
The Startup Spark Award, issued by Penn State's Inc.U, recognizes one Penn State campus applicant with a $1,000 prize for exceptional innovation and potential. This award represents the spark of innovation that fuels bold ideas, inspiring student entrepreneurs across Penn State campuses to take their next big leap. This year, Brandon Everett, Penn State Berks student and founder of Bapanada Catering, won the award. Bapanada is redefining affordable, grab-and-go dining by addressing food security and accessibility in communities.
Brandon Everett did not take the traditional path to earning a bachelor’s degree by enrolling immediately after high school. Although his life has taken a winding path, with detours serving in the military, working as a professional dancer, and studying at a local community college, he eventually found his way to Penn State Berks, where he found support for his startup, Bapanda, and much more. He will walk in the college’s commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Santander Arena.
