The 5th National HBCU Blockchain and FinTech Conference AGENDA*
Thursday, October 3, 2024
All presenters and attendees arrive on Thursday.
2:00p - 5:00p Conference check-in - pick up name tags and other materials.
Friday, October 4, 2024 (Day 1)
8:00a – 8:55a Networking Breakfast
9:00a – 9:15a Session 1
Welcome - Conference Overview
Ali Emdad | Sanjay Bapna | Morgan State University
National Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech
International Ballroom
9:15a – 9:50a Session 2
Opening Session
International Ballroom
10:00a – 10:25a Session 3
Karin Kasztelnik, Stephen Campbell | Tennessee State University
Smart Blockchain Contracts and Firm Value:
An Interrupted Time Series Model
International Ballroom
10:30a – 10:55a Coffee Break
11:00a – 11:25a Session 5
Bo Yang | Bowie State University
Enhancing Sentiment Analysis through Blockchain-Enabled Machine Learning: A Novel Approach
International Ballroom
11:30a – 11:55a Session 7
Jiyoon An | Fayetteville State University
Session 4
Guan Jun Wang |
Savannah State University
Advancing FinTech Education through Collaboration and Shared Resources
Embassy A / B / C
Session 6
Juliet Elu | Morehouse College
Digital Currency in ECOWAS Countries
Embassy A / B / C
How Fintech Innovation Fosters Awareness, Alignment, and Access to Consumer Finance: A Topic Modeling Approach
International Ballroom
12:00p – 12:25p Session 8
Collins Okafor | North Carolina A &T State University
Diverse Minds, Disruptive Solutions:
DEI’s Influence on Fintech Innovation
International Ballroom
12:30p – 2:00p Networking Lunch
Session 9
Tamatha White, Angelia Brooks | Miles College
Financial Inclusion and Equity in Higher Education: The Role of Blockchain and FinTech
Embassy A / B / C
2:10p – 2:50p Session 10
PANEL DISCUSSION: Focus on Careers in Blockchain and FinTech | A. Williams - Ripple; J. King - Coinbase; K. Collins - Chime; A. Spatola - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
International Ballroom
3:00p – 3:30p Coffee Break
3:35p – 4:40p Session 12
PANEL DISCUSSION: Financial Inclusion or Exploitation: The Many Faces of FinTech
Jon Drimmer - Paul Hastings LLP; Kindra Mohr - Financial Services and Human Rights, BSR; Kristen Berg, OFAC; Rita Aiken - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Katayoon BeshkardanaModerator - Morgan State University
International Ballroom
4:55p – 5:10p Session 14 Day 1 Closing
International Ballroom
Session 11
Marahib Aldhuwayhi |
Morgan State University
The Impact of Blockchain Disclosure on Analyst Forecasts
Embassy A / B / C
Session 13
Meet the Students
Embassy A / B / C
Saturday, October 5, 2024 (Day 2)
8:00a – 8:55a Networking Breakfast
9:00a – 9:10a Session 15
Overview of Day 2
Ali Emdad | Morgan State University - The National FinTech Center
International Ballroom
9:10a – 9:25a Session 16
Opening Session
International Ballroom
9:30a – 9:55a Session 17
Samaa Elnagar | Howard University
Integrating Blockchain and Ontologies in Artificial Intelligence Regulation
International Ballroom
10:00a – 10:25a Coffee Break
10:30a – 10:55a Session 19
Session 18
Candias Maiden
Jackson State University
Using Blockchain to Prevent Fraud in Government Transactions: A Mississippi Study Embassy A / B / C
Karin Kasztelnik, Stephen Campbell | Tennessee State University
Integrating Blockchain Studies Into Higher Education Curricula: Challenges And Opportunities
Embassy A / B / C
11:00a – 11:25a Session 20
Shinemin Lin | Savannah State University
Pedagogy of Blockchain Mining: A Comprehensive Guide
International Ballroom
11:30a – 11:55a Session 22
Yan Jin | Hampton University
The Impact of Blockchain and FinTech on Black Wealth
International Ballroom
Session 21
Joyce Eisel | Harris-Stowe State University
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration and Interdisciplinary
Transformation Model
Embassy A / B / C
Session 23
Maxim Bushuev | Morgan State University
Blockchain-based supply chain simulation environment for teaching and research
Embassy A / B / C
12:00p – 1:50p Networking Lunch and Awards Ceremony
International Ballroom
2:00p – 2:25p Session 24
Arim Park
North Carolina A & T State University
How Blockchain Technology Utilization Influences Corporate Social Responsibility through Supply Chain Transparency and the Role of Supplier Risk
International Ballroom
2:30p – 2:55p Session 26
Session 25
Akash Dania | Delaware State University
Impact of Fintech Innovation on Economic and Social Development in Emerging and Developing Economies
Embassy A / B / C
Mohammad Arafatur Rahman | Tuskegee University
Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Management for Ensuring Fresh Vegetable Quality and Traceability
International Ballroom
3:00p – 3:30p Coffee Break
3:40p – 4:55p Session 27
Collaborative Faculty Curriculum Development
(Stephen Campbell | Tennessee State University and Bo Yang | Bowie State University)
International Ballroom
5:10p – 5:30p Session 29
Conference Closing International Ballroom
Sunday, October 6, 2024, Travel Day
*Program subject to change
Visit fintech.morgan.edu
Session 28
Technical Workshop
Vojislav Stojkovic | Morgan State University
A Python Implementation of Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit (SHA-256)
Embassy A / B / C
The National FinTech Center
The National FinTech Center at Morgan State University is a groundbreaking hub where innovation meets opportunity, transforming the landscape of financial technology.
The National Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech, known as The FinTech Center, annually brings together university leaders, faculty, and students to discuss current challenges and opportunities, shaping the future of FinTech research and education. Faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) present competitive research papers and share outcomes of innovative blockchain projects. Sponsors and industry experts offer workshops and demonstrate new tools and techniques.
Established in 2018 within the Graves Business School, the Center has been instrumental in advancing FinTech education. In February 2019 and again in 2024, Morgan State University received multi-year grants from Ripple, a leading Silicon Valley technology firm. Morgan’sFinTech Center is part of a global network of universities supporting Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI).
Morgan’s National FinTech Center fosters
increased engagement and participation of HBCUs in curriculum development and blockchain and financial technology research among faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students.
The Center thanks Ripple and other sponsors for their tremendous support. This backing has enabled us to offer impactful programs and contribute to diversifying the workforce.
For more information, please visit: fintech.morgan.edu
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Network
Sponsors
We would like to sincerely thank Ripple, our foundational sponsor and our corporate sponsors for their indispensable financial assistance, which has played a vital role in advancing the Center’s programs.
Ripple is a pioneering technology company focused on digital payment solutions and blockchain, transforming global money transfers. Founded in 2012, its flagship product, RippleNet, connects banks and financial institutions for secure cross-border transactions using the digital asset XRP. Through the university blockchain initiative (UBRI) Ripple collaborates with Morgan Stats University’s National Fintech Center to promote blockchain education and research throughout HBCUs. UBRI supports academic programs and student projects, empowering HBCU students to develop skills for the evolving financial landscape. By investing in HBCUs, Ripple fosters innovation and diversity in fintech, creating pathways for underrepresented communities in the digital economy.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta plays a crucial role in shaping monetary policy and fintech in the Southeast U.S. Established in 1914, it focuses on understanding emerging financial technologies and their economic implications.
The Atlanta Fed conducts research on innovations like digital payments and blockchain, collaborating with industry stakeholders to assess their benefits and risks. By fostering dialogue among financial institutions, fintech companies, and policymakers, the bank aims to promote a safe, efficient, and inclusive financial system that leverages technology for economic growth and stability.
Hyperledger is an open-source project hosted by the Linux Foundation, dedicated to advancing cross-industry blockchain technologies. It provides a framework for developing secure and scalable blockchain applications in sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare. In fintech, Hyperledger enhances transparency, security, and efficiency for financial institutions. Additionally, it collaborates with HBCUs to promote blockchain education and research through resources, workshops, and partnerships, aiming to cultivate a diverse talent pool and drive innovation in underserved communities.
Chime prominent is a fintech company revolutionizing banking with user-friendly financial services. Founded in 2013, it offers fee-free checking and savings accounts, automated savings tools, and early direct deposit via a mobile app. Committed to financial inclusion, Chime collaborates with HBCUs to empower students and communities through financial education, enhancing access to banking services and fostering economic opportunity for underrepresented groups.
Coinbase is a leading cryptocurrency exchange and wallet platform that simplifies buying, selling, and managing digital assets for millions of users worldwide. Founded in 2012, it offers a secure, user-friendly environment for individuals and institutions to engage with cryptocurrencies while promoting blockchain adoption. Committed to financial literacy and inclusion, Coinbase partners with HBCUs to support fintech and cryptocurrency education through workshops, sponsorships, and resource-sharing, empowering students with essential skills for the evolving digital economy and fostering a diverse future in fintech.
