ISAT prepares for 20th Annual Senior Symposium

The Department of Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) will host its 20^th Annual ISAT Senior Symposium on Friday April 15, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the HHS/ISAT building at James Madison University.

The symposium is traditionally a venue for seniors in the ISAT, Geographic Science, and Intelligence Analysis Programs to present their work at parallel sessions throughout the day. This year’s symposium brings some exciting additions, including an ISAT Career Fair, and a keynote address by Robert Foster, Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the U.S. Navy. ISAT juniors will also present posters of their capstone projects.

According to Dr. Eric Maslen, Head of the ISAT Department, the event encourages the seniors to develop a cohesive story about their college experience and allows them to gain recognition from faculty, peers, and alumni. “For the rest of the students, the symposium gives them a clear look at where they are headed,” said Maslen.

Dr. Bob Kolvoord, Dean of the College of Integrated Science and Engineering (CISE), has attended every symposium. “There’s a lot of electricity – intellectual electricity. It’s exciting, it’s nerve-wracking for the students, and it’s probably the best day of the year!"

The Symposium is also is a great way for our alumni to become involved in the success of the department. They are invited to come to the symposium, participate in panels during the day and share their post-graduation experiences with our students. “We want the alumni to stay connected to the department and be a resource in helping the rising students realize the potential of the various degree programs,” said Maslen. “And this year, we have a career fair where many of the recruiters are ISAT alumni.”

Over 25 companies will be in attendance, including Deloitte, Northrop Grumman, Sigora Solar, Digital Reasoning, and the U.S. Marine Corps. According to Kolvoord, interactions with alumni provide networking opportunities for potential employment and internships, as well as gaining advice and insight from successful former students.

Students begin their presentations at 9:00 a.m. followed by the keynote speech by Robert Foster, Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Navy in ISAT 259 (nTelos Room) at 11:00 a.m. The alumni and student panel session begins at 11:30 a.m. At 12:00 noon, the ISAT Career Fair and Professional Mixer will take place in the ISAT Atrium and Main Hallway followed by additional student presentations at 1:00 p.m.