“Revolutionizing the Future: Emerging Technologies Set to Transform Industry and Society”
As we stand at the cusp of a new decade, the world is on the precipice of a technological revolution that will redefine the very fabric of our lives. With the CITx Conference just around the corner, Illinois State University is poised to be at the epicenter of this pivotal moment, bringing together some of the brightest minds and most innovative thinkers in the field to explore the vast expanse of emerging technologies.
Other Student Recognition
As part of the CITx Conference, Illinois State University recognizes and rewards student contributions to the university community through various student-focused initiatives.
The CIT Student MVP Award is presented to outstanding student employees who demonstrate exceptional technical skills, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to making a positive impact on campus.
This year’s award winner is Alex Clark, student employee with the University High School IT team. Clark’s nomination highlighted his exceptional technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and dedication to integrating technology throughout his school’s building.
Runners-up for the award included Priya Bantu, Office of Digital Transformation and Process Improvement; Ben Eddy, College of Arts and Sciences IT team; Ethan Edwards, Web and Interactive Communications (WEB); and Erik Peterson, Endpoint Support.
Overview of Other Student Recognition Programs
- Other student recognition programs include the CIT Student MVP Award, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) Achievement Award, and the IT Department’s annual Student Employee of the Year Award.
- These programs aim to recognize and reward students for their outstanding contributions to the university community, technical skills, and commitment to making a positive impact.
By recognizing and rewarding student achievements, Illinois State University encourages students to develop their technical skills, take on new challenges, and make a positive impact on campus.
Redbirds of a Feather Sessions
Positioning Yourself to Seize Career Opportunities
This open discussion explores how to navigate career growth when there isn’t a clear pathway. Attendees will discuss recognizing opportunities, staying present and available, and cultivating their professional brand to position themselves for advancement.
Facilitated by Derek Story and Dan Taube, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable steps for shaping your career in an ever-evolving workplace.
Session Recording and Session Materials Session Recording and Session Materials are available for download.
Redbirds of a Feather Sessions
AI in the Wild: Current Applications Across ISU IT
Join your fellow IT practitioners for a candid discussion about artificial intelligence tools and techniques already at work across Illinois State’s technology landscape.
Share your team’s success stories and lessons learned, discover how other departments are leveraging AI to solve real problems, and explore practical opportunities for expanding AI adoption in your area.
Facilitated by Nathan Stien, this session provides a practitioner-focused exploration of AI’s current impact on ISU’s technology ecosystem.
Session Recording and Session Materials Session Recording and Session Materials are available for download.
Redbirds of a Feather Sessions
Get Started with Ansible: Automating SSL Certificates and More
Jumpstart your automation journey with Ansible by learning how to streamline SSL certificate management and other IT tasks.
This session will introduce you to Ansible’s core concepts through practical, real examples, helping you automate repetitive tasks with ease.
Facilitated by Majeed Abu-Qulbain and Jim Johnson, this discussion provides valuable insights and actionable steps for expanding your automation skills.
Session Recording and Session Materials Session Recording and Session Materials are available for download.
Upcoming Deadlines and Events
CIT Conference 2025
The day-long annual CIT Conference will be held in August 2025. The conference is open to Illinois State’s community, including staff, faculty, and students.
Attendees can submit presentation proposals and attend the conference to engage with the latest developments in IT and explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Learn more about upcoming deadlines on the CIT Conference website.
Upcoming Deadlines and Events
(Re)Design Your Course for Civic Engagement Program
Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2025 (Re)Design Your Course for Civic Engagement program, with support from the State Farm Course Development Grant.
This program aims to encourage students to design and develop courses that integrate civic engagement and community service.
Join your colleagues for facilitated discussions on the topics of the day and explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Conclusion
A Bright Future Ahead: Emerging Technologies at the 2025 CITx Conference
The 2025 CITx Conference, held at Illinois State University, has provided a valuable platform for innovators, researchers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in emerging technologies. The conference, which focused on the intersection of technology and innovation, featured a diverse range of sessions, including AI, cybersecurity, and biotechnology. The key takeaways from this conference can be summarized as follows:
- The conference highlighted the potential of emerging technologies to drive economic growth, improve lives, and enhance our understanding of the world around us.
- AI and machine learning, in particular, were among the most discussed topics, with experts emphasizing their potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, and education.
- Cybersecurity also emerged as a critical area of focus, with attendees discussing the evolving threat landscape and strategies for mitigating it.
- Biotechnology, meanwhile, saw significant advancements in areas such as gene editing and personalized medicine, with researchers and industry experts sharing their insights on the future of this field.
The significance and implications of these emerging technologies cannot be overstated. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges such as climate change, inequality, and pandemics, these technologies hold the key to unlocking innovative solutions. The 2025 CITx Conference provides a crucial platform for bringing together stakeholders from diverse fields to share knowledge, expertise, and resources. As we look to the future, it is essential that we harness the power of emerging technologies to create a better world for all.