2024 Event Program Lone Star College-Tomball and The Office of Strategy and Innovation Innovation Symposium Sponsored by the Lone Star College-Tomball Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) Title III Grant Initiative.
CREATE. INNOVATE. INSPIRE.
Event Schedule 8 am - 8:50 am | Check-In 8:50 am - 9 am | Welcome 9 am - 9:50 am | Keynote Speaker 10 am - 10:50 am | Session 1 11 am - 11:50 am | Session 2 12 pm - 1 pm | Lunch & Learn 1 pm - 1:50 pm | Session 3 2 pm - 2:50 pm | Session 4 2:55 pm - 3 pm | Closing Remarks
Keynote Speaker 9 am - 9:50 am
Dr. Mark Milliron Beckendorf Conference Center Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. He serves as President & CEO of National University (NU), one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and has a 50+ year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and other nontraditional students. The faculty and staff at NU have catalyzed the careers of community difference makers in service industries such as education, healthcare, business, cybersecurity, law, and criminal justice. Moreover, NU’s education initiatives—including Harmony SEL, Inspire Leading in Learning, and Workforce Education Solutions—serve tens of thousands of teachers and other community leaders each year and impact millions of students. In addition to his work with NU, Mark helps catalyze positive change in education through his service on the boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations, including the Trellis Foundation; Bennett College; Civitas Learning; the Mastery Transcript Consortium; and ISKME/Open Education Resource Commons. He also holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin.
Session 1 Speakers 10 am - 10:50 am
Kayla Almaguer Exceed Equilibrium: AI Strategies to Enhance Everyday Life & Improve Personal Wellbeing Room E164 Session Description: Discover the transformative power of artificial intelligence in elevating our daily routines and overall well-being. This presentation explores cutting-edge AI tools and techniques that can simplify tasks, free up time at home, and enrich personal development. Attendees will learn how to integrate easy-to-use and free AI tools into their everyday lives. If AI can help achieve balance in the workplace, imagine what it can do when we apply it to our home life. Speaker Bio: Kayla Almaguer (pronounced ‘Al-muh-gair’), currently works as an English Assistant Professor and AI Faculty Fellow at Lone Star College-Tomball. Pursuing her second master’s in Clinical Mental Health at Lamar University, she holds her passion for helping others above all. Rather than preach AI as a cure all, Kayla seeks instead to be a part of building the bridge between artificial intelligence and enhancing quality of life by offering AI Education consultations to help develop human-centered, AI-informed training and curricula. With the increasing use of AI in education, Kayla is working to ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
Marc Fontaine Don’t Shuffle, Just Juggle: Project Management Strategies to Excel Room E177 Session Description: Innovation requires effective project management skills to cope with constant change and never-ending tasks. In this session, participants will learn how to utilize basic Scrum methods to break down tasks and achieve their goals while maintaining their sanity. We often shuffle tasks randomly as they come, based on urgency. However, we aim to embrace juggling by confidently controlling and handling tasks and projects gracefully and efficiently. Speaker Bio: Marc Fontaine is serving as the Manager, Learning and Development at Lone Star College where he is responsible for creating and facilitating professional development workshops for staff and faculty. He has extensive experience in leading employee development teams throughout the Oil and Gas industry and higher education. Marc is a certified career management coach and a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach. He holds a B.S. in engineering from Texas A&M University and is a longtime resident of The Woodlands.
Barry Horn Jr. Don’t Shuffle, Just Juggle: Project Management Strategies to Excel Room E177 Session Description: Innovation requires effective project management skills to cope with constant change and never-ending tasks. In this session, participants will learn how to utilize basic Scrum methods to break down tasks and achieve their goals while maintaining their sanity. We often shuffle tasks randomly as they come, based on urgency. However, we aim to embrace juggling by confidently controlling and handling tasks and projects gracefully and efficiently. Speaker Bio: Barry Horn Jr. currently serves as the Manager of Organizational Development at Lone Star College-System Office in The Woodlands. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Texas Tech University and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Development from Lamar University, he strategically fosters a positive learning culture among staff, faculty, and students. Barry’s expertise includes utilizing CliftonStrengths®, and he has led various initiatives, such as the Mentoring Program at Lone Star College-Houston North and the Academic Success Program for students on academic probation and suspension at Lone Star College-North Harris. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and uses this knowledge to promote well-being and self-care among Lone Star College employees.
Brandon Lowery AR in the Classroom Room E178 Session Description: This session will introduce participants to Augmented Reality and potential uses in the classroom to improve student understanding of 3-Dimensional spatial objects and landscapes. Adobe Aero will be highlighted as an easy tool anyone can use to create 3D scenes which students can display on their desk or floor environments. Speaker Bio: Brandon Lowery is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Lone Star College-Tomball. Professor Lowery is advisor to the Eco Club and works closely with other faculty and student groups to restore native landscapes on campus. He began to experiment with immersive technology in 2019 and now incorporates AR and VR in all his courses. He currently serves on two committees that explore immersive technology and its potential in higher education and experiential learning.
Session 2 Speakers 11 am - 11:50 am
Patrick Barton Seeking Balance with AI In The Workplace Room E164 Session Description: Curious about how AI can make your job easier? Join us for a chat on the many ways in which artificial intelligence can streamline your day! Let’s explore real examples and tips together. Come see how AI can be your administrative sidekick! Speaker Bio: Patrick is a professor of Communication Studies who received two Bachelor’s degrees (in English with a Film Studies emphasis and Communication Studies) from George Mason University and a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies from Kansas State University. He was a nationally ranked competitive public speaker for the George Mason University Forensics Team and a speech coach for the competitive speech teams at Kansas State University and Ohio University. After graduate school he moved to Las Vegas to become a professional poker player, and ended up teaching adjunct classes to make ends meet, and then fell into a full time position at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. From there he came to Lone Star College-CyFair in 2010 as a Professor of Speech Communication, and since then has served in multiple roles, including the Languages Department Chair, Faculty Senate President, and is currently the Faculty Fellow for the Learning, Engagement, and Development Center. He has a passion for attending and performing in live theatre, discussing the latest movies, and long-distance running. He also has a newfound joy for discovering the ins and outs of artificial intelligence and how it can make our lives better.
Isabelle Chen Craft Your vCard with NFC Magic Network and Share Like Never Before! Room E253 Session Description: Learn to create a virtual business card that can instantly transfer your contacts. No coding background is required! Join us to revolutionize your networking with this high-tech method for establishing connections. Depart with an innovative self-promotional tool ready to boost your professional reach. NFC-compatible smartphones are required to participate in this workshop. Most of the latest models of iPhone’s and Android smartphones are NFC compatible. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. Speaker Bio: Isabelle Chen holds AA, BA, and MA degrees in graphic design and art education, with a professional experience of 15+ years in higher education. Her passion for enriching student’s lives led her to open the new Research and Innovation Center at LSCTomball in 2022, where she endeavors to cultivate creative thinking.
Lunch & Learn 12 pm - 1 pm
Eddie Martin NetEdge VR: Immersive Technology is No Joke Beckendorf Conference Center Session Description: Virtual Reality was once outrageously expensive and limited to labs, movies, and theme parks. In 2019, with the introduction of the Oculus Quest, standalone VR became portable and affordable, and has since made its way to 15 million gamers. In 2022, Mixed Reality entered the picture with the Quest 3 and Quest Pro. In 2024, Apple validated the market, launching spatial computing for business via their Apple Vision Pro. Where does it go from here? We will offer a discussion and, more importantly, hands-on demonstrations of the amazing educational capabilities possible via immersive technology. While we are only scratching the surface, see for yourself why immersive tech is poised to change the way we learn as it also becomes one of the hottest growth industries of the next two decades. Speaker Bio: Eddie Martin owns NetEdge VR, a Houston-based team creating leadingedge immersive experiences for industry and education. Observers have noted that NEVR’s technology represents some of the highest quality VR and MR they’ve seen. Eddie is a native Texan and long-time resident of Spring. He is a former CPA turned successful entrepreneur for the past 30 years. Eddie is an honor graduate from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, and Master of Science in Business Computing Science.
Session 3 Speakers 11 Am - 11:50 Am
Clark Friesen A Brief Overview of Spatial Computing in Higher Education Room E177 Session Description: The Apple Vision Pro device may or may not find a home on college campuses as a tool for learning, but its emphasis on “spatial computing” could be a further catalyst for changing how work gets done. Participants in this session will hear an exploration of the term “spatial computing,” its history, potential applications and how higher education institutions can begin introducing students to it now with more affordable equipment. Speaker Bio: Clark Friesen is Professor of Speech Communication and Coordinator for the Center for Civic Engagement at LSC-Tomball. An experiential learning practitioner for more than 30 years, Professor Friesen is currently focused on the integration of immersive technology across the Lone Star College system to better prepare students for the future of work. He has most recently presented at the annual conference of the National Communication Association in November of 2023.
Kenneth Garcia The Evolution of Language and Communication Through the Changing Cultures Room E164 Session Description: Communication and language go hand in hand. Through time the way we communicate has changed with the way our culture has changed. We were once reliant on word of mouth and then newspapers. Now we have instant communication accessible at all times. Our language also changes in the same manner. We will explore some of these changes and how it relates to our changing culture to help engage in a more effective and understanding meaning in communicating. Speaker Bio: Kenneth Garcia is the Culture Impact Manager at Lone Star CollegeTomball. Kenneth transitions from a role as an Academic Advisor where he started at Tomball in December of 2018. Prior to his role as an Academic Advisor at Tomball Kenneth worked at the University of Houston for 10 years. At the University of Houston Kenneth worked as an Academic Advisor but performed many duties in the Cullen College of Engineering. Along with advising he recruited, taught intro to engineering, and worked with underrepresented groups in the PROMES Program. Kenneth has also worked at Lone Star College Cy-Fair and Montgomery. He brings a passion for creating a more fluid and united culture experience in higher ed to the Cultural Engagement office.
Kienia Green-Murindigamo Enhancing Learning Through Gamification Room E177 Session Description: Have you ever wondered, what is Gamification? In this session, we will explore what gamification really is and how it can be used to enhance student learning. You will learn best practices as well as walk away with tools you can employ in your courses. Speaker Bio: Kienia Green-Murindigamo has served as an Instructional Designer for various entities since 2008. Kienia got her start at Spring ISD Virtual School where she served as a part of the original team that established the program and developed its initial content for online learning. She is currently the Sr. Instructional Designer for Corporate College. She finds joy in assisting educators and entities in developing courses and training for new and innovative technologies. She has broad range of experience using instructional tech tools such as Captivate, Camtasia, Vyond, and supporting the transition from f2f to online learning. To support her career desires, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Instructional Systems Design and Technology through Sam Houston State University to focus on adult learning. Kienia is the proud pet mom of 4 kitties and a bonus son. She enjoys reading, crafting, dancing, and serving her community along with her sorority sisters as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Bruce Hillegeist The Future of Tomball Room E178 Session Description: Join Tomball Chamber President, Bruce Hillegeist for an insightful presentation on the dynamic growth within the City of Tomball and the exciting prospects it brings to our thriving ‘college town.’ Explore the vast opportunities emerging from this expansion and delve into the ways it can positively impact LSC-Tomball. This presentation will shed light on the current state of growth in the City of Tomball, offering a comprehensive overview of the developments and trends shaping our community. Discover how this growth translates into unique opportunities for our college town, creating an environment ripe for collaboration and progress. We will delve into the specific advantages and possibilities this growth presents for LSCTomball. As a key player in the education sector, learn how the college can leverage these opportunities to enhance its role and contribute to the community’s overall development.
Speaker Bio: Bruce has spent 31 years in the Chamber business (all in Tomball) – 13 years as a Chamber volunteer and 18 years as the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Executive. Prior to his current position as President of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce (November 14, 1994), Hillegeist spent 16 years in a career as a hometown banker. In 1992 he was named Honorary Chapter Farmer of the Tomball FFA; Citizen of the Year in 1994 by the Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce; 1995 Tomball Rotary Club Community Service Award; in 2002 he received the Community Builder Award from the Tomball Masonic Lodge; was named 2003 American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Business Associate of the Year; 2004 Tomball Holiday Parade Grand Marshal; 2004 Honoree of the Tomball Museum Center’s Heritage Tea; and was named the 2009 Tomball Rotary Club Citizen of the Year. In his position with the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, Bruce, along with his staff and Chamber volunteers, coordinate many of the Tomball area’s most popular annual events including Tomball Night, the New Teacher Reception, the Small Business Conference, the Tomball Holiday Parade and the Miss Tomball Pageant. In addition, Bruce works actively to promote and represent Tomball as the place of choice for new businesses and new residents.
Session 4 Speakers 2 pm - 2:50 pm
Anthony Froelich AI and Job Prep: Developing Tomorrow’s Job-Seekers Room E178 Session Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral skill for the modern student. With its applications expanding at a seemingly daily rate, it is important to help our future job-seekers develop their skills to quickly adapt their preparation. This session will cover ways students and professionals can use AI in the Job Prep process, particularly for interview strategies, resume content, and networking! Speaker Bio: Dedicated to empowering students, Anthony Froelich brings an interdisciplinary perspective to preparing learners for their future work. Currently serving as the Career Advisor within Lone Star College-Tomball’s Career and Transfer Connections, he provides integrated career development programs for students and colleagues. Combining nearly a decade of experience in student affairs, workforce advising, and engagement with professional organizations like NASPA and NACE, Mr. Froelich takes a proactive and forwardthinking approach to equipping students for tomorrow’s workplace. His student-centered philosophy and collaborative disposition allow for conducting career services tailored to diverse audiences. He holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Sam Houston State University, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree from Houston Christian University. As an actively engaged alum of SHSU, he aims to continue the dialogue with fellow professionals and alumni to ensure today’s students have the tools to navigate the evolving employment landscape.
Neil Gregerson Make It Make Sense: Remote vs. Online vs. Blended Learning Room E177 Session Description: Online, Face-to-Face, Remote, Hybrid, Synchronous, Asynchronous. We have all heard these words over the past couple of years but what do they all actually mean and how does that impact me? In this session we will discuss the differences between the various modalities and discuss the various ways these are used in Higher Education. We will also cover ways to create hybrid experiences for students. Speaker Bio: Neil Gregerson currently works at LSC - Corporate College as a Sr. Instructional Designer. Prior to this role at LSC, he worked as an Instructional Designer at UNT, the SI Program Manager at UT Dallas, Learning Facilitator at Mesa Community College, and a Retention Specialist at Arizona State University. He is currently finishing up his dissertation for his PhD in Higher Education at UNT. Prior to working in higher education, he taught high school Journalism and English for 3 years.
Lone Star College-Tomball and The Office of Strategy and Innovation Innovation Symposium LONE STAR COLLEGE-TOMBALL BECKENDORF CONFERENCE CENTER 30555 TOMBALL PKWY, TOMBALL TX 77375 Sponsored by the Lone Star College-Tomball Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) Title III Grant Initiative.