Professional Development Week 2025 

Research Technology Services at Tulane: An Orientation

When: 10:00 – 10:50 am
Speaker: Stephen Oglesby
Format: Virtual Session (Zoom)
What to Expect: In this session, we’ll give you a broad overview of the research technology support and services available to Tulane researchers. Topics include data storage options, research software, and consultation services for specialized needs. Discover how Tulane IT can help streamline your workflow and bolster your research projects.

Empowering Your Wellbeing: Discover the Benefits of Tulane's Employee Assistance Program

When: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Georganna Sisk
Format: Virtual Session (Zoom)
What to Expect: Discover how Tulane's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Lucet can support your personal and professional wellbeing. This session will introduce you to the free, confidential resources available 24/7 to you and your household members, including counseling services, legal and financial consultations, and work/life balance solutions. Whether you're managing stress, seeking relationship advice, or handling financial concerns, the EAP is your partner in navigating life's challenges.

AI Beyond ChatGPT

When: 12:00 – 1:15 pm
Speaker: Knud Berthelsen
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Howard Tilton Memorial Library & Zoom
What to Expect: ChatGPT has such a dominant position in the minds of most people that it more or less = AI to them. In a recent survey of Tulane students, almost all were familiar with it, while very few were familiar with other major AI tools. This workshop, hosted by Knud Berthelsen, Professor of Practice at the Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science (CAIDS), discusses and demonstrates the most important tools beyond ChatGPT: Claude, Gemini, NotebookLM, and Perplexity. All of them are better than ChatGPT at one or more important AI tasks. Participants will learn which tools to use for which types of AI tasks and how.

Collaboration Reimagined: Interactive Strategies for Effective Workplace Collaboration

When: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Speaker: Javier Pineda
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Downtown - Tidewater
What to Expect: Effective collaboration is essential for workplace success, yet many teams struggle with the fundamental dysfunctions that undermine their collective potential. In this highly interactive workshop, participants will engage with Patrick Lencioni's "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" framework through a series of hands-on station activities. You'll rotate through exercises designed to build trust, embrace healthy conflict, foster commitment, encourage accountability, and focus on results—all while connecting with colleagues and developing practical strategies to implement immediately in your workplace. Using interactive tools like Menti polls and AI-assisted exploration, you'll leave with actionable insights to transform team dynamics and create a more inclusive, productive collaborative environment.

Building Resilience, the Tulane Way 

When: 9:00 – 10:30 am
Speaker: Bonnie Canal
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Downtown - Murphy
What to Expect: Resilience is more than just bouncing back—it's about building a culture at Tulane that thrives in any situation. Join us for a dynamic conversation where we'll share ideas, stories, and strategies to strengthen our community. Together, let's explore how we can create a Tulane culture that's ready for anything.

Fuel Your Research: Advanced Computing & Analysis at Tulane 

When: 11:00 – 11:50 am
Speaker: Stephen Oglesby
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Join us for an in-depth look at Tulane’s advanced computation and data analysis tools. We’ll discuss high-performance computing clusters, specialized software, and methods for working with large datasets. Learn best practices for optimizing these resources and accelerating your research.

Empower Excellence with Tulane's Tech Toolkit

When: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Speaker: Bobbie Garner-Coffie & Shelie Carlson
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, leveraging the right technology is crucial for career efficiency and performance. This workshop is designed for academic and operational employees seeking to improve their digital literacy, enhance their tech toolkits, and boost their performance. Learn what digital tools are available at Tulane and how to incorporate them into your projects, initiatives, or day-to-day tasks. 

From Tension to Resolution: Navigating Challenging Conversations Across Hierarchies

When: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Speaker: Nelle Noble & Wendy Firven Smith
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Downtown - Tidewater
What to Expect: Join us for a session on how to discuss tough topics within your team's organizational structure. This session is designed for those who want to examine their own approach to conflict and feel more comfortable advocating for themselves in a professional manner. We'll incorporate conflict resolution strategies, restorative practices, and self-awareness through examples and group discussions. 

From Survive to Thrive: Intentionally Making Space for Creativity & Innovation

When: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Speaker: Hannah Sensenbrenner Morrow
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Downtown - Murphy
What to Expect: In today’s fast-changing world, creativity and innovation are not just nice-to-haves—they are essential leadership skills. Yet, many leaders unknowingly operate in survival mode, prioritizing efficiency and stability at the expense of experimentation and new ideas, especially in a higher education context in which the excuse “Because we’ve always done it this way” reigns supreme. This highly interactive session will challenge leaders to break free from old patterns and excuses and embrace a Thrive mindset that fosters creativity, adaptability, and psychological safety within their teams. Through applied improvisation, engaging discussions, and real-world leadership frameworks—including Kotter’s Survive & Thrive Channels—participants will explore how to create an environment where innovation can flourish.

A Quickstart Guide to Research Data Security & Compliance

When: 1:00 – 1:50 pm
Speaker: Stephen Oglesby
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Get an overview of data security essentials, including basic safeguarding measures like reliable backup and archiving, password management, and device security. We’ll cover how these practices fit into your daily research workflow and protect sensitive information. Walk away with simple yet powerful tips to keep your data safe and compliant.

Invest in Your Future: Maximizing Tulane's Tuition Waiver Benefit

When: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Speaker: Jhane McGhee
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Did you know that as a Tulane employee, you and your family can access a valuable educational benefit that could save you thousands? The Tuition Waiver Program offers eligible employees and their family members exemption from tuition costs at Tulane, providing a valuable opportunity to advance your education or support your family's academic goals. Join us to learn the essentials of this important benefit - from eligibility requirements to critical deadlines and coverage details. HR Benefits Coordinator Jhane McGhee will guide you through the process and answer questions about shared challenges. Whether you're considering personal development or supporting a dependent's education, this session will equip you with the knowledge to maximize this valuable benefit and transform your educational aspirations into reality.

Data, Decisions, & Discovery: A Conversation on Qualtrics in Practice

When: 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Speaker: Lisa Dilks, Bobbie Garner-Coffie, and Jacque Howard
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Howard Tilton Memorial Library & Zoom
What to Expect: Qualtrics is more than just a survey tool—it’s a powerful platform for gathering insights and driving informed decisions. In this interactive session, faculty and staff will share real-world use cases, strategies, and lessons learned from their own experiences with Qualtrics. Join us for a show-and-tell conversation where we explore innovative ways to leverage data for research, assessment, and engagement. Whether you're a seasoned user or just getting started, come ready to exchange ideas and discover new possibilities!

LinkedIn Learning & AI-Powered Development

When: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Speaker: Rebekah Allred & Kim Luegers
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Join LinkedIn Learning to dive into the AI-powered tools available for your professional development - no AI experience needed! We'll review how staff and faculty across the US are utilizing LinkedIn Learning to grow their skills and develop their careers - think personalized learning plans, AI-powered role-play for hands-on practice, and an AI Coach to support you through the process. Come ready to get hands-on in this LinkedIn Learning workshop!

Level Up Your Self-Care: Practical Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Boost Balance

When: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Speaker: Jaden Stafford
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Discover realistic, actionable tips for managing self-care and avoiding burnout in today’s fast-paced world. In this virtual session, you’ll explore simple strategies to prioritize your wellbeing—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Plus, learn how to harness the power of A.I. tools to support your self-care goals, streamline your routine, and elevate your overall wellness. Whether you're just starting your self-care journey or looking to refresh your approach, this session will leave you feeling inspired and recharged.

Research Data Security: Navigating Complex Compliance

When: 11:00 – 11:50 am
Speaker: Stephen Oglesby
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Take a deeper dive into classifying and protecting different types of research data. We’ll explore data deidentification strategies, discuss handling large datasets or federal contract information, and help decipher the alphabet soup of compliance acronyms. Leave more prepared to meet advanced data security requirements in your research endeavors.

From Logos to Likes: Building a Cohesive Brand on Social Media

When: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Speaker: Becca Hildner & Carmen Sarduy
Format: Virtual Session
What to Expect: Learn how to translate your department or unit's visual identity and messaging into a compelling, consistent social media presence. In this session, we'll share best practices, real examples, and practical tips for strengthening your brand across platforms—while still leaving room for creativity and engagement.

Building a Culture of Professionalism

When: 2:00 – 3:30 am
Speaker: Julio Diaz & Sharon Valle
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Downtown - Murphy
What to Expect: This session explores the key elements of professionalism and how to foster a workplace culture that reflects respect, accountability, and integrity. The session is divided into three segments: Respect in the Workplace, Inappropriate Mutual Banter, and Bystander Intervention. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance communication, workplace behavior, and collaboration, ultimately creating a more positive and productive work environment.

Essential Conversations for Effective Supervision: 5 Key Coaching Strategies for Your Team 

When: 9:00 – 10:30 am
Speaker: Heather Seaman
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center
What to Expect: Elevate your team’s dynamics with our workshop, "Essential Conversations for Effective Supervision: 5 Key Coaching Strategies for Your Team." Explore five crucial dialogues—Role and Relationship Conversations, Quick Connects, Check-Ins, Developmental Coaching, and Progress on Goals—that will help you build stronger connections, set clear expectations, and drive team success. Gain practical strategies to enhance communication, foster a sense of belonging, and boost performance through intentional and impactful interactions.

From Classroom to Career: How BioRender Powers Research & Biotech Innovation

When: 10:00 – 10:45 am
Speaker: Giorgio Zenere & the BioRender Team
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center & Zoom
What to Expect: Join us for an engaging session featuring Giorgio Zenere, a Tulane PhD alumnus in Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, and Gene Therapy, as he shares his journey from academia to the biotech industry. Discover how BioRender has been essential in his research—from visualizing complex scientific concepts as a student to streamlining communication in his professional work. Giorgio will provide insights into how mastering visual science communication can enhance research impact, improve collaboration, and boost career opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from his expertise and see how BioRender can be a game-changer in both academia and industry!

Faculty Show & Tell: Engaging Distracted Learners

When: 10:00 – 10:45 am
Speaker: Susie Liebschner, Sumi Voora, Katie Black, Lauren Dunaway, & Toni Weiss
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center & Zoom
What to Expect: Every course is different, and so are the educators who use Top Hat. In this rapid-fire panel, you’ll hear from fellow instructors on how they’re addressing engagement in large enrollment courses, bringing interactivity to the classroom, and improving student outcomes. Learn how they got started with Top Hat, the lessons learned, and the go-to features they use to make learning more effective.

Work Smarter, Not Stressed: Level Up Your AI-Powered Productivity Hacks

When: 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Speaker: Blaine Fisher & Kim Luegers
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center & Zoom
What to Expect: Feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and information overload? It’s time to work smarter, not harder, with AI-powered productivity tools! In this interactive session, discover how artificial intelligence can help you streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and supercharge your efficiency—whether you’re tackling emails, managing projects, or enhancing professional development. Learn practical hacks to integrate AI into your daily routine, freeing up time for high-impact work while reducing stress. Walk away with actionable strategies and AI tools that will transform how you work, learn, and collaborate.

Empowering Research Through the Data Lifecycle: A Panel on Support, Strategy, and Innovation

When: 11:00 – 11:45 am
Speaker: Stephen Oglesby, Kay Maye, & Melody Baddoo
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center & Zoom
What to Expect: Join us for a dynamic panel discussion exploring the full research data lifecycle—from planning and management to analysis, storage, and sharing. Featuring experts from libraries, research computing, and academia, this session will highlight how interdisciplinary support and advanced technologies are transforming the way scholars conduct and manage research. Whether you are a faculty member, student, or research support professional, gain practical strategies, discover available campus resources, and hear firsthand experiences on navigating the evolving landscape of research data. Ideal for those interested in optimizing workflows, ensuring data integrity, and fostering collaborative innovation.

Adobe Creative Jam Contest Awards and Student Showcase Panel

When: 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Speaker: Steven Watson, Olivia French, Alicia Lyon, & Margaret Parsons
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center & Zoom
What to Expect: Join us in celebrating the incredible creativity and innovation of our students at the Adobe Creative Jam Contest Awards & Student Showcase Panel! This exciting session will feature standout projects from the competition, highlighting how students have leveraged Adobe’s powerful creative tools to bring their ideas to life. Hear directly from the winners as they share their creative processes, design inspirations, and strategies. Whether you’re a fellow student, educator, or creative enthusiast, this showcase is a chance to be inspired, gain insights into digital storytelling and design, and celebrate the next generation of creative talent.

Career Conversations Panel Featuring Industry Experts

When: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Speaker: Steven Watson, Zach Pendleton, Miguel Solis, & Mike Griffith
Format: Hybrid Session (in-person & virtual)
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center & Zoom
What to Expect: Join us for an insightful Career Conversations session, where industry experts will share their experiences, career paths, and strategies for success. This interactive workshop offers a unique opportunity to gain insider perspectives on navigating different career trajectories, developing essential skills, and leveraging emerging technologies in the workplace. Whether you're exploring career options, considering a transition, or looking for advice on professional growth, this session will provide practical guidance, real-world insights, and networking opportunities to help you shape your future with confidence.

Empowering Leaders for Change: Navigating Transformation at Tulane

When: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Speaker: John Patrick
Format: In-Person Workshop
Location: Uptown - Lavin-Bernick Center
What to Expect: Change in higher education, technology, and society is accelerating, making adaptability and transformation essential leadership skills. Yet, many initiatives fail—not due to poor ideas or strategies, but because of challenges in managing the people side of change. Successful leadership requires preparing teams to embrace transformation. Back by popular demand after a successful Downtown session last September, this course will be offered Uptown. Join us for an engaging overview of best practices, real-world case studies, and key insights to strengthen your change leadership skills.