TECHNITE 2024
(THE REBOOT)
Hosted by Shenandoah Valley Technology Council | May 8, 2024
AWARD WINNER & NOMINEES
INNOVATION IN COMMUNITY IMPACT
Recognizing those leveraging technology to address social or environmental challenges in local communities.
Sponsored by
Photo by Daniel Lin DN-R
AWARD WINNER
Bartek Drewnowski @ Detia Degesch Group
The revolutionary patent pending Dega-Tech® merges decades of fumigation experience and the latest technological marvels. The unit is designed to be placed in a fumigated environment to remotely send phosphine fumigant concentrations to an IoT platform for record keeping and nearly real time fumigation performance monitoring. Phosphine is the most widely used fumigant protecting the world’s agricultural commodities from damage and devaluation. Proper fumigant concentrations are critical in the control of all life stages of stored product pests and the Dega-Tech® monitor plays an increasingly important role.
NOMINEES
The Lifelong Learning Institute @ James Madison University
This project utilized the Zoom conferencing platform, a technology already familiar to our constituents since it was used during the pandemic. This familiarity made for a seamless implementation. In addition, we installed multi-directional cameras, a powerful whole-room microphone and speaker, and carpeting for sound-deadening purposes.
Ultimately a traditional classroom was transformed from a typical seminar style setup to one where persons at distances could participate, ask questions in real time in their own voices, and engage equally as if they were in the physical classroom. This project created an opportunity for LLI instructors and participants to actively engage for the first time in LLI synchronous learning whether the learner was on-site or online.
The Plant Company
This greenhouse stands as the first of its kind in the United States for tropical foliage. The founders of The Plant Company, Jason VanWingerden and Frank Paul, initiated the company with the aim of introducing “European Style” growing to the United States. This style is distinguished by its emphasis on high quality, uniformity, and heavy utilization of technology.
Frank Paul extensively immersed himself in European practices upon the decision to pursue this venture, collaborating with growers and vendors to assimilate the growing practices and facility designs that yield uniform and high-quality plants, providing the best value for consumers. Unlike most tropical foliage grown in the United States, which prioritizes cost over consumer satisfaction, this facility and its design are centered around consumer success. At The Plant Company, we hold the belief that more people possess green thumbs than they realize; they simply haven’t encountered plants grown with them in mind. This philosophy begins with our facility and its location.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
Recognizing outstanding educators or programs driving innovation in technology within the educational system, while inspiring students to pursue STEAM fields.
Sponsored by
Photo by Daniel Lin DN-R
AWARD WINNER
Andrei Dacko @ Juice Works 3D | Innovation Academy
Juice Works 3D was conceived by founder Andrei Dacko after winning a Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams STEM product-design grant with a group of his former high school students in 2009. This ignited Andrei’s desire to make design-based learning, through 3D digital making, accessible to kids everywhere and, in so doing, unleash their creative and inventive capacity (aka “Juice”) in ways that they, and the communities they live in, never dreamed of.
NOMINEES
Dr. Klebert Feitosa & Dr. Masoud Kaveh @ James Madison University Department of Physics & Astronomy
Dr. Feitosa and Dr. Kaveh have developed an innovative two-semester remote introductory physics laboratory course designed to provide authentic scientific training on par with traditional in-person laboratory instruction. The class centers on hands-on experiments performed by the students at home with instruments and supplies from a custom made low-cost reusable laboratory kit and open-source online simulations and cell phone applications. Activities have been thoughtfully designed to improve students’ scientific acumen and technical skills. Liberal use of technology enhances the laboratory experience and facilitates interactions between students and instructors.
Blue Ridge Community College: Fractured Reflections: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, and the Shifting Self
Funded by a $25,000 Grant awarded by Northern Virginia’s Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative (CCI) Node, BRCC employees and students integrated the Art, Technology, and Diversity programs at BRCC to create an Artificial intelligence (AI) Technology Art Show called “Fractured Reflections: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, and the Shifting Self.” One interactive art/technology display was named “Steal Your Face – Image Recognition of People Captured and Sold Without Their Knowledge.” It is a compelling and eye-opening art exhibit that puts the controversial subject of image recognition and its ethical implications into the spotlight.
Dr. Samy El-Tawab & Dr. Nathan Sprague @ JMU Department of Computer Science (JACart Project)
JMU Autonomous Vehicles offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams to build a self-driving vehicle. The project is designed to bring the autonomous concept out of simulation and into the real world with hands-on experience at the intersection of design, engineering, systems, software, controls, and project management. Students design and implement a variety of systems and sensors to have multiple, fully functional, self-driving applications in place at the conclusion of the course.
DR. NOFTSINGER LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognizing an individual who’s demonstrated leadership has served as a catalyst for positive technology-related activity in the Area.
Sponsored by
Photo by Daniel Lin DN-R
AWARD WINNER
Lorena Rodriguez, IT System Analyst @ InterChange Group
Lorena’s journey is one of courage and resilience. Fleeing her homeland of Colombia with her young daughter, Natalia, due to violence and injustice, she sought peace and safety elsewhere. Despite facing numerous challenges, Lorena has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to personal and professional growth.
With a robust background in technology, including a BS in Systems Engineering and over twenty years of experience in the tech industry, Lorena has made significant contributions to her field. Her expertise in supporting integrations and reporting for multiple warehouse management systems has earned her respect among her peers, and she is always willing to help fellow team members.
NOMINEES
Robin Bryan, Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer @ James Madison University
Reengineering Madison: This initiative will include implementing significant technology platforms such as an enterprise CRM and new data solutions for managing and visualizing JMU’s data. The CRM will include functionality for Admissions, Advising, and Advancement along with other capabilities to be used across campus. Reengineering Madison will also involve replacement of current PeopleSoft, ERP, Finance, Human Resources, and Student Administration applications as well as current applications used for managing the identities of JMU’s constituents. This project is anticipated to continue for at least five to six more years.
Peirce MacGill, Deputy Director, City of Harrisonburg
Peirce is a servant leader. His entire career has been in public service. He always goes the extra mile to help individuals and businesses. His passion for Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley is apparent in every project he undertakes.
Peirce is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the area, tirelessly working to attract businesses and support underrepresented communities. His commitment to people of color and underserved groups is not only inspiring but effective. He established Harrisonburg’s B-Cubed to empower Black and Brown start-ups.
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