Technology & Innovation Week

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Technology & Innovation Week

March 28 – 30, 2023

This event series aims to strengthen the McGill School of Continuing Studies tech community in the data science, cybersecurity, and software development fields. It will bring together current and former learners, instructors, guest speakers, academics, and other members of the community to discuss current topics in technology and innovation. Prospective learners and members of the general public are also welcome to attend.

There will be various activities including panel discussions with experts in the field, mentoring sessions, webinars, a career and networking event, as well as testimonials from learners who completed the School of Continuing Studies programs in information and technology.

Technology and Innovation Week is a great opportunity for participants to form connections and exchange ideas on current industry trends.

Data Day

Information Visualization: Connect the dots to action through data storytelling

Information Visualization: Connect the dots to action through data storytelling

This webinar, featuring Nabil Beitinjaneh, MBA, CBDA, Academic Program Coordinator of Data Programs at McGill SCS, will discuss the power of data storytelling and how to use information visualization to effectively communicate data, ultimately moving audiences to action.

In addition, participants will learn best practices through case studies and interactive activities to create compelling visuals that can lead to meaningful results.

This event will be held in both English and French.

Date: March 28, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Online

About Nabil Beitinjaneh, MBA, CBDA, Academic Program Coordinator, Data Programs, McGill School of Continuing Studies

Nabil has more than 25 years of experience in business and technology strategy development, project management, systems and process engineering spanning both the corporate and the entrepreneurial worlds.

Nabil’s current focus is on helping individuals and organizations transition to using advanced analytics and data science techniques including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. He provides academic leadership and oversight for different data programs at the McGill School of Continuing Studies and teaches several data related courses.

Nabil loves engaging through service with non-profits such as TechAide and Le centre culturel syrien.

Having lived in North America, Asia and Africa, Nabil is skilled in intercultural dialogue. Nabil has an Executive master in business administration from the John Molson School of Business in addition to his degree in Electrical Engineering (computers) from McGill.


Data Science Mentor Mixer

This exclusive mentorship event will give participants the opportunity to connect with the following alumni who are leading professionals in their field:

  • Alex Cohen, M. Eng., CTO at ABS Intelligence
  • Faisal Al Azem, B.Sc., Engineer and Senior Manager at Bell Canada
  • Hossein Maleklou, M.Sc., Senior Consultant at Slalom
  • Nathanael Weill, Ph.D., Director at Data Science at B-Yond
  • Oliver Foster, MS, Senior Data Scientist at Intact Financial
  • Raghad Al-nouri, M.Sc., Associate Consultant, Slalom
  • Zachary Markofsky, MS, Senior Data Governance Specialist at Talent Neuron
     

Attendees will be able to ask career-related questions to help them navigate their own learning and career trajectory. These tech professionals will share tips and insights designed to help participants excel as future data scientists/analysts.

This event will be held in English, but participants can ask questions in French.

Date: March 28, 2023
Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
In person
Location: 680 Rue Sherbrooke O, room 1041 Montréal, QC H3A 0B8

About Alex Cohen, M. Eng., CTO at ABS Intelligence

As the CTO at ABC Intelligence, Alex leads a team that builds products that leverage high-quality data to improve healthcare outcomes for pets and their owners. Before working at ABC Intelligence, Alex spent three years as a Data Science consultant, where he implemented AI-based solutions in the healthcare, telecommunications, and retail industries. He has a Masters in Fluid Mechanics and is a recipient of the NSERC and FRQNT research scholarships for his research in Forest First Propagation Mechanisms. Alex completed the McGill SCS Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning in 2019.


About Faisal Al Azem, B.Sc., Engineer and Senior Manager at Bell Canada

Faisal Al Azem is an Engineer and a Senior Manager at Bell. He leads a team of Data Science Developers and Product Managers to deliver AI products aimed at optimizing Bell’s call centre operations.

He has 15 years of experience in the telco industry where he held roles in Engineering, Marketing and Customer Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from McGill, a Master of Applied Sciences from L’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, and completed the McGill SCS Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning in 2020.


About Hossein Maleklou, M.Sc., Senior Consultant at Slalom

During the past 12 years, Hossein has had chance to work in different domains such as Food and Retail, Environmental, Cosmetics and Beauty, Aerospace,and Consulting services to clients. Hossein earned a Bachelor of Software Engineering in Iran, and he started his career as a BI Developer analyzing and integrating data from ERP systems into different stages of on-prem data warehouses and data marts.

In 2012, he was admitted into the M.Sc (Information Technology) program at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). His thesis was about VM recourse consolidation algorithms in Cloud Computing. After graduation, he worked as a Database & Reports Developer in an Environmental’s software company, that provides applications and reports to different clients in environmental, health, safety, and compliance management domains.

Hossein joined L’Oréal in 2017 as BI architect where he focused on solutions to integrate data from different data sources into data warehouse and build multidimensional models for Business to build multiple dashboards. At SITA, he spent a couple of years doing design, implementing and supporting self-service BI solutions based on Azure platform and Power BI to provide better insights to different airlines clients.

Hossein started his consulting journey at Slalom in 2021, where he focuses on architecture, design and integration in cloud solutions for clients based on different platforms such as Azure, Databricks, AWS, Snowflake and works on projects in Bank, Oil, and gas domains.

Outside of work, Hossein enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, outdoor activities, reading, and eating. He loves to cook so much that even after a long hard day, he finds cooking a nice meal utterly relaxing. He considers it one of life’s great joys.


About Nathanael Weill, Ph.D., Director at Data Science at B-Yond

Nathanael Weill is an experienced Director of Data Science at B-Yond, where he leads a team in developing cutting-edge AI and analytics solutions for the telecom industry. He previously worked as a Senior IoT Data Scientist at Mnubo and as Director of Data Science and Research at LANDR, where he achieved state-of-the-art algorithms in various fields. Nathanael holds a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences and is a lecturer in the Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning and Professional Development Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence programs at McGill SCS.


About Oliver Foster, MS, Senior Data Scientist at Intact Financial

Oliver Foster is a Senior Data Scientist at Intact Financial with a background in mechanical engineering and analytics. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University, a master's degree in analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has completed the McGill SCS Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning program. With his skills and knowledge, Oliver has developed data-driven solutions for a range of business challenges at Intact Financial and is excited to share his insights on data science on the professional panel.


About Raghad Al-Nouri, M.Sc., Associate Consultant, Slalom

Raghad is a pure mathematician and data scientist/engineer. Her expertise includes project design and management, data analysis and interpretation, and the optimization and implementation of data solutions in the cloud (1x GCP | 5x Azure certified).

Raghad has an M.Sc. in Differential Geometry (UQAM), a Professional Development Certificate in Data Science & Machine Learning (McGill SCS) and a Professional Development in Applied Artificial Intelligence (McGill SCS, in progress). She enjoys generating new ideas and devising feasible solutions. Her colleagues would describe her as a driven, energetic individual who maintains a positive, proactive attitude under most circumstances. She is a mother of two (11-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl) who loves swimming, cycling, running, and Arabic poetry.


About Zachary Markofsky, MS, Senior Data Governance Specialist at Talent Neuron

Zachary Markofsky is a Senior Data Governance Specialist at Talent Neuron (formerly Gartner). He holds an MS in Industrial Organization Psychology and is a graduate of the McGill SCS Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning program. He's previously worked in various roles and industries such as data analytics in manufacturing, behavioural science consulting, startup leadership, and HR business analytics. Zachary is passionate about the "soft" sides of Data Science, how we build systems which are meaningful, ethical, and designed with a human centric approach.


Cyber Day

Information Security Entry-Level Job Profiles and Career Paths

As more and more data are shared over the internet, businesses will need to buy and implement advanced cybersecurity solutions. This will result in an increased number of jobs in the cybersecurity sector.

In this online discussion, hosted by Elisa Schaeffer, PhD, Academic Director of Technology and Innovation and interim Academic Program Coordinator of Applied Cybersecurity at McGill SCS, the following panelists will talk about the skills needed to start a career as an efficient information security professional:

  • Adel Tayeb-Cherif, Lead of product security in One Network Solution, Ericsson
  • Aman Yvette Aie-Akochi, IA Advisor, Ministère de la Cybersécurité et du Numérique du Québec (MCN)
  • Benjamin Fung, Professor, McGill’s School of Information Studies, Canada Research Chair in Data Mining for Cybersecurity
  • Fiona Tam, Information Specialist in the Governance, Risk and Compliance team, CN
  • Martin M. Samson, Responsible for information security and cybersecurity service offerings, Lambda
  • Martin Vezina, Manager - Information Security Risk and Awareness, CN, Instructor, McGill School of Continuing Studies

The conversation will cover interview expectations, multidisciplinary aspects of the field, and the importance of diversity. The discussion will conclude with projections on how the careers of Information Security professionals may shape as they move into more senior roles.

This event will be held in English, but participants can ask questions in French.

Date: March 29, 2023
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Online


McGill SCS Technology and Innovation Careers Networking Event

During this career and networking event, participants will have the chance to network with employers in a variety of technology industries. Whether they are looking for careers in Cybersecurity, Dev, Data Science, or IT, this event will give participants the chance to explore career opportunities and grow their network.

Date: March 29, 2023
Time: 3 - 6 p.m.
In person

Location:
Holiday Inn & Suites Montreal Centre-Ville Ouest
1390 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 0E3

Dev Day

Tech Talks

This series of talks will feature data science professionals and software developers. They will explore topics ranging from data storytelling to creating websites. Presenters will be available to answer questions at the conclusion of the discussions.

The talks will include:

Data Storytelling

Data experts often struggle to relay critical information to business leaders. Ekué Séssi Afanou, will discuss ways to improve data storytelling and transmit information in a manner that is easier to understand. Ekué has a background in finance and completed two Professional Development Certificates at the McGill School of Continuing Studies: in Data Science and Machine Learning and in Data Analytics for Business.

“Soft” data science

Zachary Markofsky, a Senior Data Governance at TalentNeuron, will examine where people and data science meet, specifically aspects of “soft” data, i.e., information susceptible to interpretation and opinion.

Veterinarian Diagnosis Prediction Model using LLMs

Reza Filsoof is the Lead Data Scientist at VetGenus where he works to improve healthcare outcomes for pets and humans with high-quality data and AI-driven insights. In this presentation, he will talk about a very specific data science project in which a machine learning classification model is used to predict the diagnosis of a veterinarian's patient.

Creating a Personal Website using Next.js

This workshop will demonstrate how to set up a personal website using Next.js. Thomas Robert (Bobby) Connolly will guide the discussion. He is a seasoned software developer with over 20 years of experience in programming, starting with VB.NET.

Summarizing and overall Q&A

Nathaneal Weill will provide a summary of the presentations and open the floor to questions from the audience.

This event will be held in English, but participants can ask questions in French.

Date: March 30, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Online

About Ekué Séssi Afanou, Data Analytics Manager, KPMG Canada

Ekué is a Data Analytics Manager at KPMG Canada. He has a background in finance and took the data Analytics and completed the Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning at the McGill School of Continuing Studies.


About Nathanael Weill, Ph.D., Director at Data Science at B-Yond

Nathanael Weill is an experienced Director of Data Science at B-Yond, where he leads a team in developing cutting-edge AI and analytics solutions for the telecom industry. He previously worked as a Senior IoT Data Scientist at Mnubo and as Director of Data Science and Research at LANDR, where he achieved state-of-the-art algorithms in various fields. Nathanael holds a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences and is a lecturer in the Professional Development Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning and Professional Development Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence programs at McGill SCS.


About Reza Filsoof, Lead Data Scientist, VetGenus

Reza Filsoof is the Lead Data Scientist at VetGenus, and creates tools to help improve healthcare outcomes for pets and humans by connecting vets, managers and researchers with high-quality data and AI-driven insights.


About Thomas Robert (Bobby) Connolly, Full Stack Web Developer & Sole Proprietor, ACL Health Care Systems Inc.

Bobby is a seasoned software developer with over 20 years of experience in programming, starting with VB.NET. He currently runs a small software company that specializes in providing medical billing services. In addition to his passion for programming, Bobby is an avid coffee lover and proud owner of an orange cat named Ginger.


About Zachary Markofsky, Senior Data Governance, TalentNeuron

Zachary is a Senior Data Governance at TalentNeuron, a Big Data Talent Analytics company and formerly part of Gartner. His focus is helping build better data practices through transformative governance and organizational development. He has also worked in several roles such as Data Analysis, Behavioral Science Consulting, and Startup Development. He holds an MS in Industrial Organization Psychology and is an alumnus of the McGill School of Continuing Education's Data Science and Machine Learning program.



Low-Resource and High-Stakes Technology: Opportunities and Barriers

In this fireside chat, Elisa Schaeffer, D.Sc. (Tech.), Academic Director of Technology and Innovation and interim Academic Program Coordinator of Applied Cybersecurity at McGill SCS and Valerie Ndiweni, Career Advising and Transitions Service Manager at McGill SCS will host a conversation between two young professionals - Bonaventure F.P. Dossou and Kapinga Kalombo. Bonaventure is pursuing his doctorate at the Center for Research on Intelligent Machines at McGill University. Kapinga, a Project Coordinator at Cybereco, holds a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University and is currently in her final year of a master's degree in international Affairs. The two will discuss their research, experiences, and expectations regarding what technology can contribute to humanity in settings that do not quite match the urban North American everyday life.

Date: March 30, 2023
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

In person
Location: 680 Rue Sherbrooke O, room 1041 Montréal, QC H3A 0B8

About Bonaventure F. P. Dossou

Bonaventure F. P. Dossou is pursuing his doctorate at the Center for Research on Intelligent Machines, McGill University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Russia) and a Master of Science in Computer Science and Data Engineering (Germany). Previously, he worked as a researcher at the Mila Quebec AI Institute, Google Research, Roche Canada, and Modelis, to name but a few. Bonaventure is interested in natural language processing for African languages and machine learning for healthcare. He is actively working on the creation of linguistic datasets and technologies such as multilingual machine translation systems (like FFR, MMTAfrica), multilingual speech recognition systems (like Okwugbe), and large language

About Elisa Schaeffer, D.Sc. (Tech.), Academic Director of Technology and Innovation, McGill School of Continuing Studies

Elisa is a Finnish mathematical computer scientist with a keen interest in computational intelligence. Her research jumps around the potential applications of graph theory and machine learning, touching areas such as social sciences, medicine, economics, and forestry. She is passionate about digital learning, real-time and asynchronous, and an early adopter of emerging software and hardware solutions to facilitate teaching and research, especially open-source solutions.

About Kapinga Kalombo, B.A., Project Coordinator at Cybereco

Kapinga Kalombo holds a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University and is currently in her final year of a master's degree in international Affairs, Cyber Security at King's College London. She has five years of experience in research and project/program management, having worked as a research assistant in the field of artificial intelligence, as a partnership coordinator for a startup and as a program coordinator for an NPO. Her research interests are mainly focused on the use of AI in warfare, and the integration of human-machine teaming in such settings.

About Valerie Ndiweni, Career Advising and Transitions Services Manager, McGill School of Continuing Studies

Valerie is a multi-passionate career and business strategist driven to leverage her diverse education and management experience to serve as a catalyst for positive impact. She uses her skillset in career development, marketing, and operations management to lead impactful initiatives that support and empower a diverse community of learners and professionals. She sincerely enjoys hearing about and assessing client and students' needs while advising them to develop career strategies with which to navigate the ever-changing world of work.

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