News and Updates

Dr. Alice Wieland, associate professor at Southern Connecticut State University, has spent years researching and advocating for gender equality, particularly in leadership roles. As the trainer for the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning’s Women’s Leadership Workshop and Resilience Training, Dr. Wieland brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table. Her research, passion, and advocacy all intertwine to shed light on women's struggles in the workforce, particularly in breaking free from traditional gender roles and gaining access to leadership positions.

The Inspiration Behind Dr. Wieland’s Research

Dr. Wieland's fascination with gender in the workplace began early in her career while working in a professional services firm.  She recalls, "When I worked in a corporate environment, I noticed that almost all the leadership positions were held by men, while women seemed confined to the staff  positions.”  This observation was a factor in her leaving the firm to pursue an MBA degree – but she noticed the same pattern in corporate America after completing that degree.  At the same time, many of Dr. Wieland’s female friends dropped out of corporate America to take on more traditional roles – such as elementary school teacher, arts management, and homemaker. These experiences motivated her to pursue a PhD, and she began researching how gender affects career decisions.

“I questioned why many of my friends seemed to be pursuing traditional gender role ideals as opposed to investing in their human capital.”  Dr. Wieland reflects. She also noticed that when women pursued their careers, they infrequently held positions of authority and faced many challenges that their male counterparts didn’t – such as juggling family responsibilities and responding to challenges to their authority.

Breaking Free from Traditional Gender Roles

Dr. Wieland's research delves deep into how gender affects women’s career decisions, such as pursuing entrepreneurship and/or leadership roles. Her research explores how gender stereotypes affect not only how others view us but also how we learn to conform to certain stereotypes to win social approval.  Unfortunately, for women, the stereotypes that are aligned with being feminine are not aligned with being a leader.  Her work seeks to understand the barriers (both internal and external) that hinder women’s pursuit of leadership roles and rewards them for conforming to traditional gender roles that are often economically costly for their families. Often, these pressures to conform are rooted in societal expectations, historical norms, and gender biases that continue to shape the way women are viewed in professional settings.

The Women’s Leadership Workshop and Resilience Training

As the trainer for The Women’s Leadership Workshop and Resilience Training, Dr. Wieland’s primary goal for her class is to prepare women who aspire to be leaders in their respective careers for the challenges they will inevitably face. She links leadership preparation to planning for retirement: "We know we have to plan for retirement, so we save early. The same goes for women who want to be leaders. If they are informed of the challenges early,  they can plan to ensure they are equipped to meet them, persevere through the hard times and build resilience to bounce back. 

Her teaching philosophy focuses on reflection and self-application. "My teaching style involves a lot of reflection so that students can apply the concepts to their personal situations," Dr. Wieland explains. She encourages her students to read literature outlining leadership principles and challenges and then apply these concepts to their lives and careers. Her classes are dynamic and involve many discussions, creating a space where students can share experiences, reflect on their paths, and learn from each other.

Dr. Alice Wieland’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and resilience is rooted in her academic research and her lived experiences. Through her workshops, research, and advocacy, she is helping dismantle the barriers preventing women from stepping into leadership roles. Dr. Wieland continues to inspire and empower women to challenge traditional gender roles, build their resilience, and pursue leadership opportunities with confidence and determination

The next session of The Women’s Leadership Workshop and Resilience Training takes place with four Thursday's Virtual Lunch Sessions – January 9, 16, 23, and 30 – from Noon to 1:30. To learn more and register: https://owll.southernct.edu/.

Jerome Smith is an accomplished IT security engineer with more than seven years of experience specializing in AWS cloud security, compliance, and infrastructure. He is highly skilled in Amazon Web Services (AWS), DevSecOps, and tools like Terraform and Ansible. Jerome holds numerous certifications, including AWS Certified Security – Specialty and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, all reflecting his expertise in cloud security.

Jerome, an SCSU alumni, received his bachelor’s degree in computer science. With a Master’s in Cybersecurity, Jerome combines his deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to help others build secure, scalable cloud solutions on AWS. As an AWS Cloud Security Trainer, he is passionate about equipping learners with the skills they need to navigate and secure AWS environments effectively.

Inspiration Behind Jerome’s Journey

Jerome has a deep-rooted passion for technology. He shares, “My inspiration derived directly from my love of technology. If you think about where infrastructure comes from, there are so many moving parts, and the skills needed to manage all these components can be daunting. AWS made it intuitive, turning complicated tasks into simpler processes.”

With its flexibility and ease of access, AWS has enabled Jerome to navigate the complexities of technology. As an immigrant from Jamaica, Jerome found that AWS provided him with a career path that didn’t require decades of experience. “AWS allowed me, as an immigrant, to be in a career where I don’t need ten years of experience to succeed,” he explains. “Because of that, I want to help others find jobs that give them the freedom and flexibility that many don’t have.”

From Student to Success

Jerome’s journey wasn’t easy. While attending Southern Connecticut State University, he worked two jobs as a full-time student to stay afloat. Despite the challenges, his determination to succeed in technology pushed him forward. Now, as an AWS Cloud Solutions trainer, he is dedicated to helping others break into the tech field and find careers that offer the same opportunities for growth and freedom that he’s been fortunate to experience.

A Focus on Labs and Real-world Skills

Jerome's approach to coaching is grounded in his belief that practical, hands-on experience is key to mastering AWS. "I love doing labs," he says. "The amazing thing about my courses is that we dive deep into different AWS services. Even if you only fully understand one or two services, you’re still highly marketable. Employers are often looking for specific expertise, and being proficient in just one AWS resource can set you apart."

His training is designed to be immersive, where students don’t just learn concepts—they experience them. Jerome’s goal is to make students feel as if they are directly interacting with AWS resources. "Every concept we cover, every resource we explore, I bring it to life for my students. It's like you're almost touching the technology," he explains. This method ensures that even if students don’t ace every exam, they leave with practical skills that can be immediately added to their resumes.

Preparing Students for the Job Market

One of Jerome’s strengths as an AWS Cloud Solutions Trainer is his understanding of the job market. "I know the interview questions; I know what companies are looking for," he shares. Jerome’s focus is not just on passing exams but on preparing his students for real-world job opportunities. He helps students build their resumes throughout the course, ensuring they have tangible skills and experiences to showcase to potential employers.

“I want to break the stereotype of what education is supposed to be,” Jerome explains. “My classes aren’t the usual ‘good afternoon, students, today we’re going to cover X.’ No, we’re going to touch these AWS resources, create our own production environments, and even replicate what companies like Netflix or big banks are doing with AWS.”

“I want my students to leave my course feeling confident that they can walk into an interview and speak about a specific AWS resource with authority,”

Engaging and Interactive Learning

Jerome’s trainings are anything but boring. He uses diagrams, videos, and real-world scenarios to help students understand complex AWS services. "We’re going to create our own instances, build production environments, and solve real problems. By focusing on projects that mimic real-world applications, Jerome ensures that his students not only understand the theory but also know how to apply it in practice. His goal is to create a learning experience that is interactive, engaging, and, above all, useful for students’ career advancement.

Jerome’s story is a testament to the transformative power of cloud technology and the opportunities it can provide, not just for individuals but for entire communities. His commitment to helping others achieve success in AWS reflects his belief in the power of technology to change lives.

The next AWS Certified Solutions Architect session takes place from March 11 to May 2. To learn more and register: https://owll.southernct.edu/.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world, and Southern's Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into its complexities. Dr. Micheal Behar is the creator and a trainer of the six-week AI Fundamentals for Workforce training through Southern’s Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning. Here, we get a glimpse into the mind and story of Dr. Behar, who blends deep academic experience with a passion for the future of technology—and a healthy dose of caution.

He also has created and will be teaching a one-day noncredited workshop, AI: I Understand, Love, Hate, and Fear AI. And So Should You. This new training takes students beyond the basics. Dr. Behar says,  "I love teaching this workshop at Southern because it covers so many aspects of AI that aren’t commonly discussed elsewhere," says the Behar. The workshop explores not just the principles of AI but also the complex, often controversial ways it impacts our lives.

When asked about his feelings toward AI, the trainer is candid: “It’s very tough to choose one. Honestly, it depends on the day. Some days, I absolutely love it, and on others, I hate it. But one thing’s for sure—AI is here to stay." Dr. Behar’s approach reflects a deep understanding of AI's potential and pitfalls. "The only thing we can do now is prevent the misuse of AI and mitigate its risks,” the trainer emphasizes. This balanced view provides a solid foundation for students, encouraging them to appreciate the promise of AI while staying vigilant about its ethical implications.

One of Dr. Behar’s main interests lies in AI’s potential to accelerate scientific discoveries. Already, AI has contributed significantly to breakthroughs in various fields, and Dr. Behar hopes it will continue to be a driving force for science and innovation.

Through the AI Fundamentals program, Southern is preparing students not just for the technical aspects of AI but also for its moral and societal challenges. With a trainer whose deep insight into AI reflects a genuine curiosity and caution, students are gaining more than skills—they’re learning to navigate a field that will shape the future.

AI: I Understand, Love, Hate, and Fear AI. And So Should You will be run two times this fall: on campus on Nov. 22 and online on Dec 11. AI Fundamentals for Workforce runs throughout the year. To register for either program, https://owll.southernct.edu/.

NEW HAVEN, CT, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning (OWLL) is partnering with cannabis education and training leader Green Flower to offer non-credit online certificate programs, starting Dec. 2.

As Connecticut’s cannabis industry continues to expand rapidly following the legalization of recreational cannabis use in 2021, SCSU is meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals by offering three specialized program options: cannabis cultivation; cannabis retail; and cannabis extraction and product development.

“We’re thrilled to introduce these comprehensive online programs,” said Amy Feest, Senior Director of SCSU’s Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning. “Our focus is on responding to the needs of high-demand industries, particularly through non-credit training. The cannabis sector is growing rapidly, and there’s a great deal of interest around it. Green Flower is an ideal partner, offering a forward-thinking yet practical approach to providing quality education for individuals looking to transition into new careers or strengthen their current expertise quickly."

Connecticut's cannabis industry has been experiencing significant growth, with dispensaries and cultivation sites opening across the state. As the demand for trained professionals continues to rise, the state projects that the cannabis industry will create thousands of jobs, particularly in areas like retail management, cultivation, and product development.

“Green Flower is honored to be partnering with Southern Connecticut State University to offer our three cannabis industry workforce training programs. We applaud their vision to help their students enter and excel in the legal cannabis industry by helping students become highly qualified to work in cannabis retail, manufacturing and agriculture environments and help ensure not only the continued growth of the industry in Connecticut, but growth in great part due to a well-trained workforce,” said Daniel Kalef, Chief Growth Officer at Green Flower. “ We look forward to a successful partnership with SCSU and can think of no better College or group of people in the state with whom to partner to offer these programs, and we are excited to begin offering them to the public starting in December.”

Our programs are developed and led by top experts in the cannabis industry, featuring engaging video lectures, readings, and e-learning modules that allow you to immerse yourself in the course content. Upon completion, students will earn a certificate from SCSU. Each 9-week program costs $750 and is now open for enrollment. For a limited time, save $150 using the discount code SCSUFIRST.

For more information on OWLL’s programs and how to enroll, visit: https://www.southernct.edu/owll/cannabis

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About Southern Connecticut State University:
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a leading institution dedicated to academic excellence, community engagement, and social justice. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, SCSU has a rich history dating back to 1893 and is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers students to become responsible global citizens.

At SCSU, we prioritize social justice as a core value, actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our institution. Our world-class faculty and diverse student body collaborate on research and initiatives that address critical societal issues, contributing to positive change in our local community and beyond. SCSU remains dedicated to its mission of preparing students to be critical thinkers and agents of social change, ensuring a more just and equitable world for all.

For more information about Southern Connecticut State University, please visit www.southernct.edu.


About Green Flower
Founded in 2014, Green Flower is the industry leader in cannabis education, empowering thousands of consumers, regulators, and professionals with the knowledge they need to succeed in the emerging cannabis industry today. Green Flower's content and technology platform powers the cannabis programs of top universities and colleges across the country, provides customized learning and compliance solutions for cannabis businesses of all sizes, and equips individuals with the skills and credentials necessary to make an impact in the modern cannabis industry.

For more information about Green Flower, please visit www.green-flower.com.

Victoria Verderame
Southern Connecticut State University
+1 203-988-2437
VerderameV1@SouthernCT.edu

At Southern Connecticut State University Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning, trainer Abdul brings more than just technical expertise to his workforce training. He teaches Amazon Web Services (AWS) , Python 1 and 2, and will soon launch a new course in Google Cybersecurity starting on Monday, October 28th. But Abdul isn’t just an educator—he’s a mentor, an avid soccer player, and passionate about leadership, collaboration, and personal growth, values he seamlessly integrates into his teaching.

Abdul believes that effective teaching goes beyond delivering content—it’s about creating meaningful relationships with students and being a leader in their learning journey. "I love to play soccer where mentorship, leadership, collaboration, and building a bond is key, and that’s what I like to transition into my teaching because if you don’t have that bond with the students and aren’t an effective leader to your students you won't be an effective teacher. I try to keep these goals in mind in everything I do.”

These principles shape every aspect of his approach in the training, where he encourages open communication and collaboration. Abdul maintains an open-door policy so students always feel supported and empowered to ask questions and share feedback.

When asked about his experience as an educator, Abdul enthusiastically shares how rewarding it has been. "It’s been great—I love my job. Communication is key, and the flow of communication between coordinators, faculty, and students has been excellent. I feel well-supported working here, and that makes teaching even more enjoyable."

Abdul is committed to staying current with industry trends to ensure his students receive relevant, real-world knowledge. "The field of technology evolves fast, and my goal is to make sure we cover these changes in my trainings to keep students up-to-date. That’s something I’ll continue to focus on in my future courses."

Looking ahead, Abdul will be offering Python 1 and 2 courses from November 12 to December 23, and he encourages students to enroll quickly. With Python becoming an essential tool in IT, automation, and cybersecurity, he stresses the importance of learning the language. "Python is being adopted by many companies, and whether it’s automation, IT, or cybersecurity, Python is a major part of daily operations. If you don’t know Python, you’re behind—it’s the new trend."

CEO of Dicom Director David Pearlstone has more than 20 years of experience in clinical surgical oncology with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Skilled in healthcare consulting, surgery, oncology, public speaking, healthcare information technology, and biotechnology, he will be at Southern’s upcoming XR Conference for health services, manufacturing, and biopath industry trainers to share the era of three-dimensional imaging and its benefits for incoming students in the healthcare field.

David will be one of the workshop presenters and Dicom Director will be a vendor at Southern's October 25th "Industry Experience: Redefining Training with XR" conference, providing participants with a practical opportunity to explore using XR (Extended Reality) headsets and training applications. David’s workshop will be “Working in 3 Dimensions.” Design drawings, floor plans, medical images, and more come alive when viewed in 3D, opening up efficient, insightful, and immersive pathways for training and planning work.

Conference attendees will engage with XR training providers, examine real-world examples of XR solutions, and acquire insights into deployment strategies and potential return on investment (ROI). To register for the Industry Experience, visit: https://www.southernct.edu/owll/xr

What is Dicom Director, and what made you interested in the field?

Dicom Director makes 3D software that allows us to see CT and MRI scans in extended reality. At the time when the idea was pitched to me, no one was willing to invest in the idea until I heard about it and I realized the missing piece to the plan was someone who had experience in healthcare, and it was just a natural fit; I was very happy to join the team.

How does Dicom Director create these extended reality scans?

It all starts with a CT scan, which takes small slices of the entire body. However, a 3D image of a CT scan only shows the outside of the patient; it doesn’t reveal the inside. To solve this, we use a technique called segmentation. This allows us to select specific body parts we want to see. The result is a detailed image of that area, similar to the process used in 3D printing. So, instead of simply getting a 3D-printed skull, our technology creates a 3D image of that skull.

Why is this technology so significant to society today?

How we look at CT scans and how doctors have been trained to read CT scans are no longer necessary. We have invented a new and improved way of looking at these images. These images could be used to educate patients, judges/lawyers, medical students, and surgeons planning surgeries. This tool can be used as a navigation tool for surgeries and guidance, and that’s where our technologies will impact.

Why should university students pay attention?

University students, especially those pursuing careers in healthcare, should pay attention to the advancements in extended reality (XR) technologies developed by Dicom Director. As the healthcare industry evolves, traditional methods of interpreting CT and MRI scans are being transformed. Dicom Director's innovative software allows for the visualization of 3D images from these scans, enhancing the understanding of complex medical data. This is crucial not only for medical professionals but also for law students and legal professionals who may need to comprehend medical evidence in their work. Furthermore, these XR images serve educational purposes, providing a clearer representation of anatomical structures for medical students and enhancing their learning experience. Additionally, the technology is invaluable for surgeons, offering a navigational tool that aids in surgical planning and execution. By embracing these advancements, students can better prepare themselves for the future of healthcare, where technology plays a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and educational effectiveness.

VRSim is bringing its virtual reality training to Southern! Learn about what VRSim is and how it can give you a competitive edge in your prospective field.

What is VRSim?

VRSim is a leading provider of the virtual reality training space, specializing in programs for skilled trades. Their technology is already being used in high schools, technical colleges, and workforce development programs around the world. By combining traditional kinesthetic learning with the benefits of virtual reality, they provide a unique, immersive learning experience that accelerates skill acquisition and comprehension.

Why VRSim?

VRSim's mission is clear: to prepare the future workforce by enhancing job skills through virtual reality training solutions. VRSim prioritizes ease of use and practicality to ensure instructor adoption and user engagement.

Their approach to training is inspired by traditional apprentice models but with an innovative twist. The virtual setting allows students to learn faster, collaborate more effectively, and gain confidence without the high safety risks or costs of conventional training.

How Does VRSim Work?

The process of developing a VR training model begins with creating a virtual environment that mirrors real-world tasks. Whether you’re learning how to manage complex machinery or practicing emergency healthcare responses, VRSim’s training programs mimic traditional hands-on learning but in a safer, more controlled virtual space. This hybrid model offers reduced user-safety risks, increased cost efficiency, and more effective learning outcomes.

With VRSim, students can learn from anywhere, practice repeatedly without worrying about making mistakes, and gain confidence faster than with traditional methods. Imagine mastering a welding technique or perfecting patient care protocols—all in a virtual space that feels incredibly real.

Why Should University Students Pay Attention?

The demand for VR training surged after the pandemic as industries recognized the need for immersive, remote learning solutions. As a university student, investing time in understanding these technologies could give you a competitive edge in your field. Whether you're in healthcare, skilled trades, or corporate sectors, VR training could soon become the industry standard.

VRSim is not only shaping the future of skilled trades but also transforming how society approaches education, safety, and workforce development. University students, now is the time to embrace this technology and position yourselves at the forefront of this VR revolution.

To experience firsthand what VRSim is about and how it can benefit your future career, don’t miss the “must-attend” workshop for health services, manufacturing, and biopath industry trainers, as well as area higher-ed students and faculty on October 25th at 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom - https://www.southernct.edu/owll/xr

Senior leader and education innovator in the use of emerging technologies, Randall Rode, is bringing new and exciting technology to Southern. He will be hosting this must-attend workshop for health services, manufacturing, and biopath industry trainers, as well as area higher-ed students and faculty.

The "Industry Experience: Redefining Training with XR" workshop offers participants a hands-on opportunity to explore the use of XR (Extended Reality) headsets and training applications. Attendees will meet with XR training providers, view real-world examples of XR solutions, and gain insights into deployment strategies and ROI potential.

“Our target audience is working professionals in the area. People who are interested in professional development and professionals who are interested in hot new emerging technologies that they can use in their businesses.”

The workshop covers various XR hardware options and types of XR training, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of how this technology can meet corporate training needs. Case studies will be presented to illustrate successful implementations of XR in a corporate setting, providing a well-rounded perspective on its effectiveness in training.

“Our focus at the event will be training! Extended reality technologies are already being used in businesses like Walmart for onboarding sales associates. They are being used in hospitals, from training custodial staff on proper techniques for sterilization to pharmacists doing their annual certifications to nurses and soon-to-be nurses.”

Mr. Rode, the event organizer and Master of ceremonies, is a prominent voice in the uses of extended reality technologies in higher education and medical settings, leading conversations and explorations with peer institutions and industry XR developers, focusing on XR implementation and support strategies for training.  He is a writer and frequent speaker at higher-education conferences on the topic of XR and an organizer of XR workshops for higher-education institutions like the one on campus on October 25th.

“Most people think this is something in the future, “I can't do that today. I need to wait for the future when that technology becomes possible.” But what we want the people to leave this workshop understanding is that XR technology could be used tomorrow in their business, and in fact, other companies are already using these technologies to train their employees faster, better, more accessible, and more affordable, not just from a cost perspective but a time perspective as well.

We are excited to partner with EdAdvance for a professional learning opportunity for all teachers: AI in K-12 Education.

By understanding the power of AI, K-12 teachers can learn how to incorporate AI-powered educational solutions into their lesson plans, personalize learning experiences for students, and analyze data to make informed decisions about instructional strategies.

Thanks to Matt Mervis, Elizabeth Radday, and the Skills21 team for this partnership and opportunity.