BOSTON, MA – On February 26, 2025, Northeastern University proudly hosted its first Impact Symposium, an event jointly organized by Graduate Student Government (GSG), the Office of the Provost, and the Office of the Chancellor. The symposium provided a dedicated platform for Master’s and Professional Doctorate students to showcase the impact their practical and experiential work, ranging from volunteering, community engagement, and special projects to co-ops and research initiatives.
Held in the Curry Student Center, the event brought together approximately 200 graduate students from all colleges in person, along with about 80 livestream participants, including representation from seven global campuses. The symposium featured a unique blend of employer-led discussions, student-led presentations, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster industry engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Keynote Address: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The symposium kicked off with an engaging keynote address by John Warner, President and CEO of Technology Greenhouse. Warner shared a deeply personal and compelling narrative of his journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role in technological innovation. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, asking questions that challenge the status quo, and embracing interdisciplinary collaboration. A central takeaway from his address was the critical role of communication and storytelling in research and industry—underscoring that impactful science must be effectively conveyed to a broad audience to drive real change.
Industry-Led Panel: Insights from Leading Professionals
Following the keynote, a distinguished industry panel engaged attendees in a thought-provoking discussion. Moderated by Laura Meyer, Director, Co-op Coordinator from the MGEN’s College of Engineering, the panel featured insights from experts across various industries:
- Allen Arseneau – Founder and Head of AI, Transformly AI
- Ralph Johnson – Vice President of Informatics and Technology, The Leapfrog Group
- Thomas Alan Kwan – Vice President of Sustainability Research, Schneider Electric
- Max Shepherd – Assistant Professor, Northeastern University
- Alena Robertson – BSA Manager, Grasshopper Bank
- Richard I. Robinson – Associate Director, GDC Synthetic Technologies Group, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
The panelists shared invaluable insights into career pathways, industry challenges, and the evolving landscape of employment. Key themes that emerged included:
- Understanding company culture: Students should research and ask questions about prospective employers to align with their organizational values and goals.
- The importance of networking and communication: Building strong professional relationships is crucial for career growth and problem-solving within organizations.
- Broad knowledge base and critical thinking: While specialization is important, panelists emphasized the value of having a broad understanding of multiple disciplines to solve complex challenges effectively.
- AI and industry adaptation: Across all sectors, embracing AI and leveraging it for productivity and innovation is increasingly becoming a critical skill.
Employer Breakout Sessions: One-on-One Industry Insights
Students had the opportunity to engage in individualized breakout sessions with panelists and other invited employers. These smaller, industry-specific discussions provided students with direct access to professionals in their respective fields, allowing them to ask targeted questions and gain career guidance tailored to their interests.
Student Poster Presentations: Showcasing Experiential Learning
One of the most anticipated aspects of the symposium was the student poster session, where over 65 Master’s and Professional Doctorate students presented their experiential work. The posters were meticulously curated and printed by Graduate Student Government, ensuring a professional and cohesive visual presentation.
The poster session featured 12 unique thematic categories, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Healthcare and Biomedical Research
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Business and Entrepreneurship
The indoor quad area was vibrant with energy as students engaged in lively discussions with peers, faculty, and industry representatives. Attendees praised the high quality of the presentations, many of which were the result of a four-part workshop series on poster design and presentation techniques, led by Tracy Carter from the College of Engineering earlier in February.
From AI-driven automation to healthcare access and climate resilience, their projects span multiple disciplines. Yaoyao Qian’s ThinkGrasp system enhances robotic precision in cluttered environments using AI, while My Tran’s initiative redistributes surplus medical supplies to underserved regions, bridging healthcare gaps sustainably. Manushi Sharma’s research examines urbanization’s impact on climate resilience in the Himalayan townships, offering policy solutions for sustainable development. Meanwhile, Mariam Hassan explores how soccer shapes identity in Egyptian society, providing insight into the sport’s cultural and political significance. In aviation safety, Ghanashyam Vagale Srinivas is developing an AI-powered system to transcribe black box audio recordings and generate incident reports, streamlining investigations. These projects highlight the depth of student innovation at Northeastern, driving solutions with real-world impact.
Celebrating Graduate Student Achievements
To commemorate their participation, each student presenter received a certificate of achievement, recognizing their contributions to the symposium. The event concluded with enthusiastic feedback from attendees, with many Master’s students expressing eagerness to participate in next year’s symposium.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural Impact Symposium was a resounding success, providing a meaningful platform for graduate students to share their experiential learning journeys while fostering valuable connections with industry leaders. Organizers hope to expand the symposium in the coming years, with increased employer engagement, interdisciplinary collaborations, and additional opportunities for students to showcase their work on a global stage.