Hofstra University Annual Legislative Breakfast 2025
Agenda
Opening Remarks
Lincoln Anniballi
Student Government Association President
Welcome Remarks
President Susan Poser
Frank G. Zarb School of Business
Dean Janet Lenaghan
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Dean Sina Rabbany
Closing Remarks
President Susan Poser
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Core Values
• Belonging
We build affirming, resilient relationships based on mutual respect and kindness that exemplify our commitment to diversity, equity, and justice.
• Community
We value meaningful, mutually beneficial collaboration with local, regional, national, and global communities.
• Creativity
We bring a creative growth mindset to everything we do.
• Discovery
We pursue excellence through the generation, acquisition, and application of knowledge.
• Integrity
We embrace a culture of mutual respect and ethical behavior and a commitment to civil discourse and the free and open exchange of ideas.
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Mission Statement
Situated at the nexus of urban, suburban, and coastal communities, Hofstra University prepares students to thrive in the complexity of life and work in our global society by:
• Cultivating an inclusive, diverse, learning-centered scholarly community, where free inquiry can flourish.
• Producing original research, scholarship, knowledge, and creative work.
• Prioritizing teaching excellence in an extensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs with unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study.
• Empowering students to use their education to realize their dreams and ambitions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
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GOAL #1
PROMOTE A DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY THROUGH INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS
We will leverage the breadth of disciplines and the size of Hofstra to become the national leader in providing compelling, relevant, well-integrated interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
GOAL #2
EXPAND COMMUNITY-ENGAGED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND ELEVATE THIS ENGAGEMENT TO A SIGNATURE PROGRAM AT HOFSTRA.
Community engagement is collaboration with external communities and stakeholders for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, experience, opportunity, and resources. It reflects Hofstra’s role in creating social change and enhancing democratic practices for an equitable and just world.
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GOAL #3
ADVANCE STUDENT SUCCESS WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH THAT ADDRESSES THE ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF STUDENTS.
Hofstra University will enhance its support of every student’s success in seamlessly navigating their Hofstra experience and reaching a timely graduation. This plan articulates a holistic approach to student success that includes and goes beyond academic achievement to encompass a broad spectrum of factors vital to each student’s individual development.
GOAL #4
ATTAIN EXCELLENCE IN ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY AND INNOVATION.
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Organizational agility is the efficient and continuous evaluation and improvement of the University through a process of inquiry and iteration that applies, and shares knowledge gained from our successes and failures to create and sustain an adaptable and effective institution. Hofstra affirms its commitment to… the development and maintenance of streamlined processes, and the use of the latest advancements in technology to optimize resources and build cutting-edge, modern infrastructure.
Access the Plan
Dean Janet Lenaghan
NURTURING THE ECONOMIC PIPELINE
Youth
• Money & Me
• Commerce Plaza
• Technology, Engineering, Coding & Science Skills Academy
High School
• Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Zarb Summer Business Experience
Community Engagement
• Community Consulting Projects
• Voluntary Income Tax Assistance
• Student Volunteer Work
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
• Ascend Long Island
• Entrepreneur Assistance Program
• Viscardi Center Disability
Entrepreneurship Institute
COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY PARTNERSHIP
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In the future, the recruitment of Postdocs will require CSHL to provide a competitive package of experience and training.
• ~40-50% of postdocs will pursue industry careers.
• Nature Article postulated that Skill gaps and Entrepreneurial capabilities are needed to compete at the highest level in industry.
Experienced CEOs matter for Healthcare & Biotech
Source: Tamaseb, A. (2021). Super founders : what data reveals about billion-dollar startups. PublicAffairs
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Only Dual AACSB accredited business school on L.I.
Leading facilities equipped with latest tech to drive business decisions
The ZARB Difference
Highly ranked programs, including top 10 online MBA
Nearly 60% of MBAs working are healthcare providers
Worldwide network of nearly 150,000 alumni
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Over 1200 undergraduates and 650 graduates enrolled
Approximately 120 faculty, including 60 research active tenure/tenure track
CSHL – Hofstra Collaboration
Combine the strengths of Hofstra industry training via MBA and CSHL science and innovation via licensing and spinouts
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Provide opportunities for Hofstra MBA students to gain experience and provide skills to life science companies emanating from CSHL science – MBA capstone projects, Internships, and co-ops
Provide teaching and training to CSHL postdocs and students in industry disciplines and mechanics of entrepreneurship and company formation
SHAPING THE FUTURE
BIOSCIENCE BUSINESS INNOVATION PROGRAM
COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORIES PARTNERSHIP
Design Immersive Week 1
• Two weeks on campus at Zarb with online asynchronous learning modules for deeper learning.
• Week-long sessions delivered by Hofstra faculty and affiliated practitioners with relevant experience to lead case discussions.
• Knowledge acquisition through multi-modal delivery including handson learning in the trading room, cyber war room, core skills, and behavioral lab.
Immersive Week 2
Skill Development & Engagement Finals
• Continued opportunities to learn and engage with faculty and industry experts through seminars, online modules, and discussions.
• Scientists network with medical school students, residents, and fellows to engage in customer discovery.
• Team learning with groups of scientists, MBA students, and JD students collaborating on developing a business plan, progressing from ideation to pitch.
• Final presentations delivered to VCs and other industry veterans.
CSHL – Hofstra Collaboration
Other Academic Programs
• MBA in Innovation with a concentration in Bioscience
• Undergraduate business/life sciences dual degree
Talent Pipeline Development
• Internship/Co-ops/Capstone Project
• Entrepreneurs in Residence mentors
• Shared collaboration and opportunities across both organizations Ecosystem Support
• Establish a leadership hub for the region
• Identify funding including Pride Capital – a student-managed venture capital fund to support early-stage companies
• Create an advisory board
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Outcomes
Gain advantagecompetitive to attract talent and recruitmentstrengthen at both institutions
Propel career development of scientists and students with enhanced skills
Establish pollinationcrossof talent leveraging expertise within each organization
Create and nurture leadership talent pipeline to retain innovation on Long Island
Strengthen LI science ecosystem
WORLD CLASS SCIENCE
BIOTECH
TOP UNIVERSITY
LABORATOR
Y SPACE CAPACITY
ECOSYSTEM
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LEADING HEALTHCAR E SYSTEM
Educating the Future Workforce in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Sina Y. Rabbany Ph.D. Dean – DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science
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Why Artificial Intelligence (AI) Matters
• Driving innovations, automating tasks, improving efficiency, and global competitiveness
• Supports complex problem-solving, predictive analytics, and trend identification
• Drives Innovation: Accelerates advancements in science, technology, and medicine
• Benefits Society: Improves quality of life and addresses global challenges
Economic Impact of AI
• AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion in global economy by 2030 [PwC Report]
• AI is forecast to drive $320 billion in economic growth for New York by 2038 [Governor Hochul]
How AI is Changing the Workforce
Job Displacement and Transformation:
• Automation of Repetitive Tasks: Frees up employees to focus on higher-value work
• Emergence of AI-related positions like data scientists, AI trainers, and robotic specialists
• Creation of a hybrid workforce for better outcomes
Enhanced Productivity:
• Assistance in streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency
Reshaping Education and Training:
• Emphasize on the importance of critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity, as these skills are difficult for AI to replicate
• Creation of digitally literate graduates
How We Prepare Our Students
• Curriculum Integration:
• Incorporating AI, ML, and data science
• Hands-On Learning:
• Expanding research opportunities, internships, and co-op
• Encouraging collaborative projects with companies.
• Interdisciplinary Learning:
• Integrating AI concepts into diverse fields.
• Creating well-rounded graduates who can apply AI across various sectors.
• Faculty Development:
• Investing in faculty training and AI expertise.
• Skill Development
• Focusing on coding, problem solving for AI and tech roles
• Current Undergraduate Courses in AI
• CSC 149 - Introduction to Text Mining
• CSC 156 - Introduction to Machine Learning
• CSC 157 - Introduction to Data Mining
• CSC 158 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• CSC 159 - Robotics, periodically
• CSC 163 - Computing, Ethics, and Society
• CSC 173 - Introduction to Computer Vision
Experiential Learning Opportunities
• Co-op Program
• Six-eight month paid employment
• Over 235 corporate partners
• 220+ students have completed
• ASPiRe Program
• Undergraduate Summer Research
• Provides paid research projects for undergraduate students
• 60% of students have accepted offers
• Work under direct DeMatteis faculty supervision
• 200+ students have participated
•DEPTH Program
• DeMatteis Experiences for Professional Training and Hiring Program (DEPTH)
• Break Through Tech AI
• AI Training for Women Students in STEM
• Dedicated to achieving gender equality in technology
• Undergraduate engineering students must engage in professional activities prior to earning their degrees
• Offer lab sessions at Hofstra
• 73 students have participated over the last two years
• Approximately 75 students anticipated to participate in Summer 2025 program
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure for AI
• Launched $4M+ High Performance Computing Data Center
• Significantly advances Hofstra's computational and research capability
• Enhances student preparation for tomorrow’s high-tech environment
• Received $1M NSF Grant for NVIDIA High Performance Computing
• Complements $500k in existing NVIDIA graphical processing units (GPUs)
• Expanded Scope of Research in AI & ML
• To support AI and ML computation across multiple disciplines and at local universities
• To address most complex and transformative scientific challenges in AI, ML and complex computation
• To better positions Hofstra for government and institution grants
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• Currently 20+ faculty are seeking access to this resource
Building a Strong Education
Pipeline
•K-12 Engagement:
•Pathways to Engineering Program
•Year-long computer programming course offering college credit to 11-12th graders
•Offered for 8 years
•8 local high schools have participated
•756 students have participated
•392 students received Hofstra college credits
•Workforce Reskilling and Upskilling:
•Offering online certification programs and adult learning opportunities
•Support for community colleges to adapt the curricula for AI-related training programs
•Create opportunities for workers to learn AI technologies and adapt to new tools
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US News Ranking 2025
Hofstra University
DeMatteis School of Engineering and Science Ranked Top 11% Among 286 non-PhD
Engineering Schools
Call to Action:
• Investment in Education:
• ChatGPT Edu Pilot (about 80 faculty across disciplines participating)
• Launched a series of workshops for graduate students and faculty highlighting how they could leverage generative AI in teaching and learning
• Support increased funding for AI education programs at all levels
• Encourage policies that promote AI workforce development initiatives
• Creating a Strong AI Ecosystem:
• The Career Center launched a specialized module focused on AI-enhanced training to help students sharpen their resume-building and interview skills
• Additional programming for all students is being developed for later this Spring semester, focusing on how AI can enhance their learning and research skills
• Challenges:
• Collaboration between government, academia, and industry to create a thriving AI workforce
• Promote programs that ensure underrepresented communities are included
• Legislative backing for AI Research grants and partnerships between universities and companies
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Thank you!