Friday, April 17, 2026
John J. Cox Center Social Room
244 University Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
UB RISE 2026 Schedule
We are excited that you’ll come and learn about the interdisciplinary work of our UB faculty, students, staff, alumni; as well as by our colleagues at Goodwin University, and Concurrent University Enrollment (CUE) high school students.
Some new developments for this year’s event include:
THE UB RISE AGENDA FOR APRIL 17 IS LISTED BELOW:
Registration
(John J. Cox Student Center)
Check-in
Purple Knights Coffee samples, hot teas available along with granola bars and fruit.
Visit the Mutual Security Credit Union & United Illuminating tables for informaiton about their services.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
(Social Room/Zoom link will be posted on April 17 here).
Kierstyn Hunter, PhD
Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kevin Kelliher, PhD & Elizabeth Fles, PhD
Chairs, UB RISE Committee
Poster Gallery Visit
(Social & Great Room )
College of Engineering, Business, and Education (Social Room)
College of Science and Society & College of Health Sciences (Great Room)
Lightning Rounds
(Carlson Hall)
High School Poster Finalists – Rm. 153
https://bridgeport.zoom.us/s/99366014809
Undergraduate Poster Finalists – Rm. 152
https://bridgeport.zoom.us/j/93625630429
Master’s Poster Finalists – Rm. 252
https://bridgeport.zoom.us/j/92374847192
Doctoral Poster Finalists – Rm. 253
https://bridgeport.zoom.us/j/91433968192
Elmore Imperial Snacks serving samples of popcorn on 1st Floor.
Suga & Spice Me serving samples of tea – Hibiscus or Bush tea – on the 2nd Floor .
Water and bagged popcorn will be available on both floors.
CUE High School Special Programming
(Carlson Hall, Rm. 153)
10:30 – 11:30 Interdisciplinary Emerging Technology Lab Tour
11:30 – 11:35 Break
11:45 – 12:00 “
“Green STEP Program” by Ashley Ramos and Doug Geoffrey of Earth Forward Group
12:00 – 12:15
“Credit Union 101” by Jeffrey R. Tracey (’15), COO/SVP of
Mutual Security Credit Union
12:30 – 1:00 Awards Ceremony
Keynote Speaker
(Social Room)
“Culinary Medicine: A Path to Health for Self, Family and Community”
Maria Asis, MD
Yale University School of Medicine, Clinical Instructor
Generations Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Practice
(See Dr. Asis’ biography at this link – https://www.bridgeport.edu/rise/keynote)
Radiance Garden, New Haven – Vetiveah Immanuel serving kale salad samples.
Kale Krazy serving samples of smoothies.
Hummus, pretzels , cheeses, and mini-croissants and bottled water available.
Awards Ceremony & Closing Remarks
(Social Room)
Kierstyn Hunter, PhD
Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kevin Kelliher, PhD & Elizabeth Fles, PhD
Chairs, UB RISE Committee
Undergraduate Awards | Master’s Awards | Doctoral Awards
1st Place Awards Sponsored by Gordon E. Stier (’77)
2nd Place Awards Sponsored by William Moran (’74)
3rd Place Awards Sponsored by Lorraine Taylor (’76)
4th Place Awards Sponsored by Dolly Balaji (’22)
“Optimizing Business Profitability Through the Use of AI Awards”
Sponsored by Dr. Shannon Hashemi, CMA and Dr. Al Danessfar, CMA, owners of Tradewinds Shopping Center in Middletown
“Quantum Computing Awards”
Sponsored by Dr. Khaled Elleithy, Dean of the College of Engineering, Business, Education
“UB RISE 2026 Climate Challenge Awards“
Sponsored by Mike Roer (’08), President of the Entrepreneurship Foundation.
Faculty Awards
Sponsored by Mutual Security Credit Union
Reception
(Social Room)
Music by UB Fusion Ensemble Directed by Russell Fisher, DMA
Suga & Spice Me serving samples of tarts . Cheese, crackers and fruit served.