Message from the Dean (Cont.)
Dr. Bryan Lackaye, Assistant Dean of the College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) Graduate Programs will be on campus to welcome the new computer science students. Dr. Lackaye will also be leading a conversation for our prospective students on September 5th where he will present information on the MS in Computer Science and the other two CCIS degrees offered at our Seattle campus: M.S. in Health Informatics and M.S. in Information Assurance.
With Labor Day soon upon us, we have been organizing our fall Speaker series, Local Speakers: Global Impact, and will start on September 25 with a focus on a key economic development and urban sustainability issues that face our region. At present the Seattle region seems to be growing as a national leader for startup, small, medium and large technology companies of all sizes and shapes. More and more of these companies are gravitating toward dense urban areas, and less to suburban office park settings. Regions which hope to grow innovation oriented tech clusters, need to understand what the key is to attracting these companies and helping them succeed in a region. On Sep 25 from 12-1 we will host several experts to discuss this key regional issue and invite your input. Northeastern University Interim Dean, School of Public Policy & Urban Affairs, Dr. Joan Fitzgerald is a respected author of Emerald Cities, and focuses on the nexus between sustainable cities and economic development. Greg Johnson is President of Wright Runstad & Company, which has created the 35 acre Spring District project in the Bellevue-Redmond area, which we will examine as a case study. Hilary Franz is CEO of Futurewise, and will bring her perspective on how to create an attractive compact areas in our cities where all types of companies will want to be. Hope you can join this discussion.
I was recently invited to join the Board of the Northwest Neuroneighborhood nonprofit, which seeks to make this region a national center for neuroscience. The Allen Brain Institute is just one of several anchors in this area involved in various aspects of brain research, brain imaging, associated medical devices, advocacy and research activities. When we consider the colocation in this region of neuroscience, life science, biomedical, global health and overall health care systems, we have a great opportunity to lead the nation in transforming our health care system and bringing new solutions in health care challenges to market, if we work together.
Finally, Northeastern online experts are teaming up with Shoreline Community College and the Gates Foundation on developing and delivering an innovative Online Adaptive Teaching Initiative which involves our development and delivery of personalized, self-paced online courses through individualized adaptive learning. These various activities in our community reflect the fact that Northeastern – Seattle is developing roots throughout our community, a key part of our primary mission. Let me know of other community activities which might benefit from the help of our Seattle team and University researchers at Northeastern.