Marian University’s 18th Academic Symposium
March 25 & 26, 2025
Program Schedule
Tuesday Evening Panel
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Universal Impact of Technology and Communication: How does it Influence our Lives and Lives of our Leaders?
Keynote Speaker: Michael Doherty
Daniel Dwyer, Ph.D., Regional Director of Mission- SSM Health
Aaron Sadoff, President, Marian University
Jeffrey Reed, Ph.D., Former Dean, School of Business, Marian University
Stayer Auditorium
Facilitator: James Gray, J.D.
Welcome: Donna Innes, CSA, Ph.D.
Wednesday Session 1
8:00 am-8:50 am
The Intersections of Leadership. AI, and Success
Dr. Jennifer K. Farvour, Dean of Student Success, Marian University
As Harvard Business School professor Karim Lakhani stated, “AI won’t replace humans-but human with AI will replace humans without AI. “This insight highlights a potential question to ponder by leaders: Is embracing AI a necessity? Not only do leaders set the table for acceptable usage of AI, but also set the vision for the future. In this interactive session, we will discuss: what does it mean to be an “AI-First” Leader, the role of leaders with culture and AI usage, the influence of mid-level leaders, and how outcomes factor into the future of organizational success.
Stayer Dining Room
MindCraft – The Art of Positive Thinking RIGHT NOW!
Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University
Get ready to utilize Real Intelligence and the technology of Positive Thinking to deal with the anxiety of the onslaught of AI!
Stayer Auditorium
Wednesday Session 2
9:00 am-9:50 am
Poster Session – Technology, Communication, and Leadership as related to Trauma and Resilience in Our Culture
Emma Anderson, Jennifer Armstrong, Kyle Beck, Alexia Betlinski, Jikke Biemans, Sandra Bobysud, Katelyn Bucciarelli, Irania Castillo, Tiffany Chisholm, Savannah Deida, Sage Garrison, Kayla Hernandez, Kylie Krueger, Emmett Marckese, Carson McClintock, Nicole Miller, Raegan Montello, Dana Pollom, Logan Rademan, Taylor Schaefer, Olivia Schueller, Megan Schultz, Sydnee Swiggum, Aiden Tegart, Jenna Ter Beest, Hannah Vick, Nevaeh Wagendorf, Tijana Williams, Derek Wills, Manuel Wuest, Marian University Students
Students in the Trauma and Resilience course have examined topics related to the symposium theme. In poster presentations they will present leaning on topics such as how technology can both be a source of trauma and a critical part of the treatment of trauma. Additionally, some students are looking at how trauma impacts leadership styles and highlighting leaders in resilience in our community.
Stayer Dining Room
Brain Chips and Brain Replacement Could Ensure Football’s Survival: Is it worth it?
James Gray, J.D., Professor, Sports and Recreation Management and his Business Law Students
In order to thrive, as compared to merely survive, football will replace biological brains with synthetic ones where people can live forever. Is it worth it?
Stayer Auditorium
The Impact of New Instruments on laboratory Experience and Communication of Data
Danielle Schaal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Biology, Marian University
Within the laboratory often times students struggle to understand what is going on within the instrument. They add reagents and their samples into a “magic box”, and data come out. New technology has allowed researchers and instructors to shed light on these techniques overcoming a previous barrier. The new miniPCR instruments used within the genetics lab amplify target nucleic acid sequence into millions of copies via polymerase chain reaction and they regulate temperatures in a cyclical program.
With Bluetooth connectivity and an easy-to-use intuitive app, students can monitor their PCR in real time on their phones or laptops. This allows us to bridge the gap between generating samples and generating data. Students can truly learn and appreciate what is going on in the “magic box”.
Stayer 205
King George VI and The King’s Speech: A confluence of technology, communication, and leadership (and other examples)
Diana G. Johnson, M.S. Associate Professor, Forensic Science, Marian University
This presentation will use the movie, The King’s Speech, as an example to highlight how leadership in a time of crisis can be aided by technological advances, thus granting the ability to communicate with the masses. Other examples will also be discussed.
Science 104
Wednesday Session 3
10:00 am-10:50 am
From Social Distancing to Social Connecting: Is Telehealth a Help or Hindrance?
Christine Laurent, PhD, RNC-OB, CNE, Marian University; Melissa Zar, MSN, RN, Marian University; Autumn Belongia, Elena Gibbens, Myckenna Schroeder, Catherine Suha, Marian Students
Healthcare delivery and access were significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth emerged as a viable option for health care providers to meet their patients’ needs, but limitations were noted. Several different populations will be explored for how telehealth can help or hinder addressing health care needs. Unfortunately, the lockdown, social distancing, and quarantines also contributed to widespread feelings of isolation and loneliness which cause significant threats to our health and wellness. The Surgeon General recently declared: “An Epidemic of Loneliness,” which makes us wonder can telehealth help address our needs for social connections?
Stayer Dining Room
Wired for Learning: How AI, Neuroscience, and GRiT are Transforming Education
Kurt Wismer, Entrepreneurship, IT & Relational Intelligence Educator, Educational Technology Coach at North Fond du Lac School District; Director of Curriculum & Deployment at Rewired Dynamics
The future of education lies at the intersection of neuroscience, relational intelligence, and AI. This session explores how the brain learns best, why relational intelligence (GRiT) is the missing link in student development, and how AI can amplify—not replace- human connection in the learning process. Attendees will gain insight into the neuroscience of learning, practical application of AI in education, and how fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and mindset can rewire students for success. Expect an engaging, thought-provoking session that challenges conventional thinking and equips educators with cutting-edge strategies to elevate learning outcomes.
Stayer Auditorium
Taking the Fiction Out of Sci-Fi: Why we should be concerned about AI
Zoe Zimmermann, Marian Student
We should be wary of too much advancement in Artificial Intelligence, as it could very quickly become detrimental to humanity by replacing our ability to think for ourselves and threatening our lives, livelihoods, and environment. AI is also developing too fast to be effectively regulated, and while we aren’t quite to a dystopian future yet, big corporations and biased creators of AI are influencing how disinformation spreads, exacerbating pre-existing prejudices and making the environment worse.
Stayer 205
Focus Within: Soothing Your Inner Being in a Digital World
Kelsey Beine, MS, Certified Yogo Teacher Trainer, Adjunct, First Year Student Program
In our increasingly digital world, we are continuously exposed to external stimuli – from unexpected YouTube ads to frequent notifications on our wearable technology. These draw our attention outward and keep us on alert, leading to chronic stress and a cascade of related physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Amidst this, it is important – now, more than ever – to consciously bring our attention inward
and focus on what is happening in our inner space. This practical session explores various techniques to get in touch with your inner being, helping you find a greater sense of ease and centeredness in the present moment.
Science 101/104
Wednesday Session 4
11:00 am-11:50 am
Morally and Spiritually Troubling Faces of AI: Therapist, guru, and lover
Daniel P. Dwyer, PhD. Regional Director of Mission- SSM Health
AI has developed from providing helpful office assistance in drafting documents and editing proposals and letters, to assuming the role of therapist, spiritual director or guru, and intimate partner. Users of this technology engage in deeply human and personal encounters with moral and spiritual implications and consequences. This presentation will highlight aspects of these roles and their implications and raise questions about the nature of relationships that are created. What might they portend about the future
of personal encounters with these newly designed interpersonal realities?
Stayer Auditorium
Microbiology: A Little Thing Making a Big Difference
Jamie Reilly and Manuel Wuest; Marian Students
Microbiology increases our understanding of the world around us, specifically when it comes to disease dynamics. We take a look at microbiology from two completely different lenses: modern medicine and modern agriculture. As we explore the current issues of each and how technology continues to shape our world, we increase our understanding and acknowledgement of social and environmental issues in active search of relevant solutions. Presented by future industry professionals, learn how
communication, leadership, and technology are shaped by a little thing called microbiology.
Stayer 205
Lead with Love: Compassionate leadership in a digital age
Kelsey Beine, MS, Certified Yogo Teacher Trainer, Adjunct, First Year Student Program
With more screen time and heightened expectations for productivity aided by technology, how can we stay connected with one another? Let’s lean into our innate humanness – the qualities that make us unique amongst all the forms of life and technology on Earth. Grounded in authentic leadership theory, this reflective session invites you to consider these unique qualities we possess and apply them in your
own leadership and interpersonal relationships.
Science 101/104
AI – the god of Society’s New Religion
Steve Kiszely, J.D. Adjunct, Marian University
“And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made,”1 and that god will destroy the people’s individuality and humanity. 1 The Sound of Silence – Simon and Garfunkel
Science 102
Wednesday Session 5
12:00 pm-12:50 pm
Tool or Ticking Time Bomb? Pros and Cons of AI in Human Trafficking
Nancy Irizarry-Beachy, Co-chair, WI Anti-Human Trafficking Consortium
Note: This session is in response to last year’s presentation on Human Labor and Sex Trafficking. Attendees overwhelmingly requested a session on these two topics.
In the fight against modern slavery, Artificial Intelligence (AI) now has increasing importance with its potential to improve accuracy and efficiency in the detection, monitoring and prevention efforts of mitigating human trafficking.
Stayer Auditorium
Wednesday Session 6
1:00 pm-1:50 pm
How Workforce Communication is Evolving with Technology
Gina Popp, Senior Director of IT, Society Insurance
Explore the evolution of workforce communication, highlighting the benefits and challenges of remote working, and how businesses are adapting to these changes. The presentation covers various topics, including the history of technology, best practices for managing remote workers, and the pro and cons of technology verses in-person communication.
Stayer Dining Room
Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI
Joe Desiderio, Dean, Business, IT, and AI Innovation; Moraine Park Technical College
AI is not just a technological challenge; it’s an ethical one. This session will help demystify I and delve into its ethical dilemmas, empowering you to understand the issues, ask the right questions, and contribute to shaping a responsible AI landscape.
Stayer Auditorium
The New Face of Justice: Emerging legal issues with police use of facial recognition technology
Lindsey Kraig, J.D., Assistant Professor/ Co-Director of Honors, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology has become widespread in recent years. This presentation will explain how facial recognition technology has evolved and how law enforcement agencies are currently using facial recognition technology to assist with criminal investigations. I will also discuss the public’s perception of law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology and some
of the relevant legal issues that have emerged.
Stayer 205
AI: Teaching Machines to Think so You Don’t Have To
David Leichter, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Philosophy
Luke Townsend, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Theology
Jodi Wagner-Angell, Ph.D., Professor, English
The use of AI, Chat GPT, and other large language models has been hailed by many business leaders, technocrats, and others as a potentially revolutionary breakthrough. However, it is often unclear just how the use of these platforms will actually make our lives better. A common refrain is that such technology is morally and politically neutral; what matters is how we use it. This perspective misses the ways that technology is, as Langdon Winner puts it, a form of life, one that transforms our physical and social worlds. Winner posits that our capacity and willingness to reflect on the significance of technology and to critically evaluate new technologies lags far behind our capacity for creating and disseminating technologies. As a result, we ‘willingly sleepwalk through the process of reconstituting the conditions of human existence.’
“This panel will explore some of the ethical, political, and social implications of these models.”
Science 104
Wednesday Session 7
2:00 pm-2:50 pm
Organ Donation Leadership: The power of human connection and technology
advancement
Paul Osterholm, Tracie Cook, and Mark Scotch
On his way to Texas for vacation, Plover, Wisconsin’s, Mike Scotch, stopped at a microbrewery in a small town in Louisiana to take a break. There was a man, Hugh Smith, sitting near them that Scotch struck up a conversation with. About an hour later, Smith said he had to go home to do his dialysis because he was in stage four renal failure and was waiting for a kidney. “I can give you one of mine,” Scotch said immediately. What happened as a chance meeting, changed both men forever. Smith ended up getting Scotch’s kidney, and during the process, Scotch learned about how many people need living kidney donors. Come witness this powerful story of endurance, generosity, and hope. Be inspired by how you can help bring life-saving awareness to the need for living kidney donors.
Stayer Dining Room
Leadership and Communication in the Animal Kingdom: Three examples
John Hammond, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Biology, Marian University
Diana G. Johnson, MS., Associate Professor, Forensic Science Solstice Moncini, Marian Student
We will discuss three non-human examples of how groups of individuals manage conflict, make decisions, and depend on the wisdom of experienced leaders.
Stayer 205
