Page 3: Q4I/AFOSR Double Feature
Page 4: A Taste of Summer Fun
Page 6: Exciting New Staff Additions
Dr. Aimee Gunther, Acting Program Director, Quantum Sensors Challenge Program –
(NRC),
A Note from ELT
Heather Hage President & CEO
Seth Mulligan Chief Operations Officer
The summer is nearing a close and we could not be prouder of all the hard work that has gone into our programs, allowing them to flourish again this year.
From boots on the ground to all remote staff, this busy and exciting season has been overwhelmingly full of grace, agility, and gratitude. Graduations, capstones, career fairs, poster sessions, and more including welcoming the new Director for RI, Col. Greg Stevens with an Assumption of Command Ceremony continue to exemplify all the amazing accomplishments enabled by each and everyone of you at the Griffiss Institute.
Todd Humiston Chief Talent Officer
David Semadeni Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Mroz Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning
Tim Thomas Chief Academic Officer
Melissa Tallman Chief Brand Officer
Tracy DiMeo Executive Office Manager
Collaboration is at the core of this organization and our ability to accept one another and band together to fulfill our mission is heartwarming. Through organizational updates, pivots, and even natural disasters, the GI is resilient.
As we begin to wind down and look toward the cooler months, be sure to take a moment to breathe and reflect on all that’s come before, and everything we will accomplish in the future.
We are growing, evolving, and leveling up.
Team, thank you.
Griffiss Institute POCs
Tracy DiMeo
Todd Humiston
Mike Feng
Seth Mulligan
Dr. John Salerno
Tim Thomas
Brian Abbe
Kelly Poynter
Editor & Publisher: Pam Mustee
Pam Mustee
Jennifer Marshall
Ben Graniero
Wendy Carpenter
Makenzi Enos
Tom Kramer
Ashley Springer
Content & Design: Ashley LaForce and Darian Deeley
Photo & Video Production: Mike Betro
Graphic Design: Darian Deeley and Corrine Bush
If you are interested in submitting a story, announcement, update, or other item to The Griffin, please submit your request to GI News found on the GI Corporate Dashboard. If you have any questions or would like addtional information, please contact marketing@griffissinstitute.org.
The Griffin is a publication of the Griffiss Institute MarCom Department. All information herein is reported to the best of our ability and knowledge. Should you have changes or corrections please direct them to Pam Mustee, Marketing and Communications Manager.
©2024 The Griffiss Institute
Mike Wessing Chief Engineer
Q4I Workshop Welcomes International Quantum Leaders
The Griffiss Institute recently hosted the 6th Annual Quantum for International Workshop (Q4I), a key global initiative aimed at building an open ecosystem for collaboration among government, academia, and industry in quantum innovation. Held from June 25-27, Q4I was presented by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) and held in Skydome at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY.
Participants included thought leaders, top researchers, industry executives, higher education leaders, and students, all showcasing pathways to engage in quantum information science. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr., expressed pride in the event, highlighting the county’s commitment to advancing quantum science and positioning Rome, NY, as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
The event emphasized technology transfer, providing potential partners with insights on how to collaborate and enter agreements with AFRL/RI. It focused on navigating processes to bring concepts to life for military and commercial applications. The Griffiss Institute aims to grow the pool of STEM talent to drive future innovations. Your commitment to our mission will continue to drive this forward.
Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director of AFRL/RI, praised the event as a prime opportunity for experts to collaborate and innovate, enhancing national quantum capabilities and fostering a global open ecosystem. Heather Hage, President & CEO of the Griffiss Institute, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the event’s role in bridging talent and technology.
Keynote presentations included Dr. Kevin Geiss of AFOSR discussing collaborations with AFOSR, and Maria Galli, a Quantum Optics Researcher, on entanglement of trapped-ion qubits. The program also featured technical breakout sessions in the newly expanded Quantum Alley, focusing on quantum networking and computing, with talks from experts like Seth Cottrell, Deborah Novick, Jim Robertson, Dr. Michael Hayduk, Noel Goddard, Oleg A. Mukhanov, and Ben Castanon.
AFOSR Hosts Industry Day
Professors, entrepreneurs, and attendees of Industry Day were able to embark on an exclusive opportunity to engage with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Program Officers and discover the diverse programs offered, tailored to empower New York’s academic community.
We were thrilled to welcome over 100 participants from 13 prestigious institutions to our event! Some highlights were the engaging breakout sessions, where attendees had the opportunity to dive deep into each program, fostering meaningful discussions and connections.
Throughout the day, attendees were given the additional option to go on a tour of the Innovare Advancement Center to provide them with an inside look at the groundbreaking work and progress being made at the center from its UAS testing site to its Quantum and Internet of Thing (IoT) labs.
Pictured: Dr. Leslie Blaha, Dr. Kimberly Jacoby Morris, Ellen M. Robinson, Katie A. H. Wisecarver
A Taste of Summer Fun
The summer is more than halfway through, and programs are beginning to wind down. Let’s look at some of the fun moments we’ve experienced thus far!
RI STEM Camps
Air and Space STEM
When registrations opened, we received over 400 applications for the 13 camps offered this summer. The overwhelming demand for STEM is inspiring and encouraged us to add extra LEGO and Principles of Flight 1 camps to accommodate even more students!
Kicking it off with Sphero Camp, students learned how to program variables and if/then statements to complete the Design and Engineering competitions.
During the week of July 15-18, we hosted Arduino Camp and had 16 high schoolers representing 9 school districts for Arduino Camp, an impactful number showing the incredible reach our programs have locally.
The AFOSR STEM Teacher Leadership Academy (STLA) slated for July 29 - August 2 was spearheaded by a handful of GI employees who traveled to Washington D.C. to host 20+ K-12 STEM Educators from the National Capital Region.
The immersive experience led participants to various Smithsonian Museums, including the National Air and Space Musuem, as well as interactive sessions with mentors and guest speakers, and a variety of hands-on STEM projects.
VICEROY
ACE
One the way, students stopped in Albany to visit the USS Slater. While on board, they got the full tour of the living quarters, mess hall, outdoor deck, and more.
At West Point, they had an amazing experience in the Physics and Nuclear Engineering Laser Room, the Cyber Research Center, and the Robotics Research Center, where they got to control the robot dog named Spot!
The ACE students took the iconic annual trip to Gettysburg to study lessons in leadership and how they apply to cyber. On day 1, they observed and oriented themselves to the battlefield, including visiting the Gettysburg Museum and Cyclorama.
The final day included traversing up Big Round Top, and discussing the most powerful leadership lessons learned.
A VICEROY intern’s favorite summer trip is... West Point, NY!
Sphero Camp
AFOSR STEM Teacher Leadership Academy
VICEROY students meeting Spot at West Point
ACE Gettysburg Trip
HUSTLE Defense Accelerator
This summer marks the 3rd cohort of HUSTLE participants to pass through Innovare since the program’s inception. Eight teams, including five on the 12-week EMERGE track and three on the 8-week ELEVATE track, have spent the summer learning and engaging with professionals, growing their networks, and working hard on their pitches.
Teams had the opportunity to visit the B52 Bomber memorial on the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in June.
National Capital Region (NCR) LEGACY (Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth)
HUSTLE participants admiring the B-52 Bomber.
The 2024 Craftsman Camp was off to a great start this year. There were just under 50 campers aged 11-15 years old that enjoyed their time and experiences at the NCR. Campers were able to experience a variety of activities from launching eggs, parachutes, and building hot air balloons to building Boomilevers, building and programming Sumobots and creating Air Vortex Cannons. Campers also dove into coding spheros, sumobots, Raspberry Pi and using the 3D printer.
The campers’ fun was not limited; they also were joined by some very interesting presenters. NASA’s Denise Hill came to chat with the campers on the importance of being true to themselves in the pursuit of their future and Diron Reynolds, Offensive Line coach of Arizona State, talked to campers about how coding is used by NFL to review plays. Reynolds developed a program that is utilized by the NFL to evaluate plays and scenarios. Reynolds also talked with campers about the importance of academics in opening doors to their futures.
VICEROY at West Point
Sphero Camp
ACE Run
Griffiss Institute Announces Key Leadership Appointments
Griffiss Institute is pleased to welcome two distinguished professionals to its leadership team: Tim Thomas as Chief Academic Officer and Matthew A. Mroz as Executive Vice President for Strategic Programs.
Tim Thomas brings a wealth of experience from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), where he served in various leadership roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. At MVCC, Thomas was instrumental in overseeing comprehensive academic portfolios, expanding strategic programs, managing grants, and fostering community partnerships. He developed initiatives such as STEM and semiconductor training programs in collaboration with corporate and government leaders, enhancing regional educational offerings and economic impact.
Heather Hage, President & CEO of Griffiss Institute, expressed her confidence in Thomas’s ability to lead the Institute’s academic initiatives, emphasizing his experience in programs aimed at strengthening national security and the American economy. Thomas is excited to contribute to the growth of the VICEROY Scholars program and support Griffiss Institute’s broader mission.
“I’m proud of the work that Tim has done in the various roles he’s held at MVCC over the past 12 years here. His growth mindset and collaborative spirit have greatly accelerated innovative programs with numerous partners,” stated Dr. Randall VanWagoner, President at Mohawk Valley Community College. “Griffiss Institute is fortunate to have him, and I look forward to seeing him continue to drive positive change here in the Mohawk Valley region.”
Matthew A. Mroz will focus on expanding the Institute’s national influence, spearheading initiatives to develop next-generation STEM talent and technology accelerators, and creating opportunities for economic, technical, and educational advancement across the U.S. Mroz brings over 15 years of experience in technology commercialization, academic research, and public-private partnerships. His expertise was honed at The Research Foundation of SUNY, where he recently served as Vice President for Industry and External Affairs.
Heather Hage praised Mroz’s extensive experience and leadership, highlighting his vision as crucial to advancing the Institute’s mission and impact in STEM talent development and innovation. Mroz is eager to lead efforts to establish Griffiss Institute as a national leader in STEM talent and technology acceleration, fostering innovation and collaboration on a national scale.
Dr. Melur Ramasubramanian, RF President and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost for SUNY, commended Mroz’s contributions to SUNY’s technology commercialization and industry engagement efforts, noting that his strategic vision and partnership-building skills will greatly benefit the Griffiss Institute.
The Griffiss Institute looks forward to the growth and success that Thomas’s and Mroz’s leadership will bring, enhancing its role in STEM innovation and economic development nationwide.
Matthew Mroz Executive Vice President for Strategic Programs
Tim Thomas Chief Academic Officer
All the Happenings
Work Anniversaries
1 YEAR
Khattab Girshab - 7/10
Jon Parry - 7/16
Pam Mustee - 7/24
Svea Anderson - 8/16
2 YEARS
Bill Carman - 7/19
3 YEARS
Melissa Tallman - 7/26
Jordan Rader - 8/17
Madison Venables - 8/23
5 YEARS
Stacey Lazelle - 7/15
Birthdays
Wendy Carpenter - 7/15
Dawn Rava-Crofoot - 7/28
Heather Hage - 8/4
Jordan Rader - 8/5
Tracy DiMeo - 8/15
Dean Korsak - 8/16
Makenzi Enos - 8/17
Tim Thomas - 8/27
New Hireswelcome
Tim Thomas, Chief Academic Officer
Matt Mroz, Executive Vice President of Strategic Promotions
congratulations
Ashley LaForce, Marketing & Communications Supervisor
Staff Spotlight
Rader Talent DivisionAir & Space STEM Manager of Digital Learning
How long have you been working at the Griffiss Institute? It will be 3 years in August.
Tell us a little about what you do here:
I work for the Air & Space STEM Outreach team. I am responsible for organizing and facilitating our virtual programs. I manage a growing database of SME volunteers from across the DAF. I also update and maintain the DAFSTEM website.
What is your favorite part of working at the GI?
I love the variety of work I get to do here, and I appreciate the national reach our programs have across the US.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and biking. This summer my friends and I are taking a biking trip through the Grand Teton/Yellowstone areas of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
Do you have any pets? If not, what kind of pet would you like to have?
No pets currently, but I am a dog person!
What is your favorite song?
The Barenaked Ladies have been my favorite band since I was a kid, so I’ll have to say something by them.
Recommend one of your favorite local (to you!) businesses: I’ll go with Yellow Springs Brewery. The original is in Yellow Springs, Oh, just east of Wright-Patt, but they recently opened a taproom near me in Columbus, OH.
Jordan
TheGriffin Crossword Puzzle
For your enjoyment each issue of The Griffin will have an interactive game donning some of the best trivia around. Complete it on your own or with friends... But most important have fun with it! Click the puzzle below or head to: https://puzzel.org/en/crossword/embed?p=-O1w_l5rZz-qttC2A1DV to play virtually.
across
1 An event for students and professionals alike to make connections and see job openings
2 A place many young students go in the summer months for recreational, athletic and educational programming
5 A classic cold beverage served at roadside stands by young entrepreneurs
6 Typically harvested in August, this berry is the state fruit for Idaho and Montana
8 Typically having the highest academic achievements of the class
9 Many sales have begun for this popular “season”
down
1 The ACE and VICEROY interns research culminates in this event
3 The action of finding new people to join an organization or support a cause
4 This fruit is made of 92% water, making it the perfect summer treat!
7 Another name for branded materials given out at events like expos and career fairs
Community Engagement at Boilermaker Race
On Sunday, July 14, 2024, employees and their families joined the energetic atmosphere of the 2024 Boilermaker Road Race.
Volunteers helped at water stations and handed out snack bags near the finish line. The GI corporate cup team achieved an impressive second place in the COED-Small team division, with Lauren Fossel, Reagan Hasell, and Branden Palacio placing in the Griffiss Institute Top 3.
