• Morning Keynote Address

Presenter: Dr. Yannis C. Yortsos, Dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
📎 Presentation Link | Speaker Bio

** GRAND CHALLENGES IN OUR TIMES OF ACCELERATING TECHNOLOGY **

Description:
Dr. Yannis C. Yortsos delivered a thought-provoking keynote, "Grand Challenges in Our Times of Accelerating Technology," at the 2025 GCSP Annual Meeting. He explored how engineering is evolving through the convergence of AI, advanced computing, and interdisciplinary collaboration, shaping the way we address sustainability, security, health, and societal impact.

A key focus of his talk was the ethical responsibility in setting technological goals, emphasizing that trust in engineering stems from both competence and character. He discussed the rapid advancements in generative AI and its implications for education, innovation, and governance, urging engineers to balance progress with responsibility.

Dr. Yortsos also introduced a new perspective on sustainability, likening it to health and well-being, and called on future engineers to redefine prosperity through innovation, ensuring technology advances in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.

• Keynote Discussion & Reflection

Presenter: Chloe Hincher (NC State University GCSP Scholar)
📎 Presentation Link

Description:
Following Dr. Yannis C. Yortsos' keynote on Grand Challenges, the Keynote Reflection session engaged attendees in a dynamic discussion on the evolving role of engineers. Participants explored key questions such as:

• How to shape their engineering character
• The neutrality of AI
• The relevance of today’s Grand Challenges compared to 2008
• Attendees debated the most critical skills for future engineers, including analytical thinking, adaptability, leadership, and ethical responsibility. The discussion also addressed growing public skepticism toward AI, emphasizing the need for engineers to ensure its responsible and ethical use.

This interactive session encouraged participants to critically reflect on their roles as future problem-solvers, reinforcing the idea that competence, character, and purpose must drive technological advancements.

Session Block I:

• Strategic Framing for Creating Solutions

Presenters: Jessica Santos in collaboration with Dr. Jamal Abercrombia (USC Viterbi) and Nora Sandoval
📎 Presentation Link | 📷 Photos

Description:
This interactive workshop challenged participants to think critically about disaster preparedness and response using a systems-thinking approach. Attendees explored the complex impacts of natural disasters on health, infrastructure, security, and sustainability, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary solutions.

Through group discussions and brainstorming, participants identified pressing disaster-related issues in their regions and developed strategic solutions across three key phases—before, during, and after a disaster. Strategies included:

• Emergency planning
• Resource preparedness
• Risk mitigation
• Community engagement

The session reinforced the importance of proactive, inclusive, and community-driven engineering solutions, empowering participants to apply their knowledge beyond the workshop to real-world challenges.

• The Grand Challenges Mindset

Presenter: Caleb Carter
📎 Presentation Link | 📷 Photos

Description:
Led by Caleb Carter, this workshop emphasized active engagement in solving global challenges through the Grand Challenges Mindset. Participants explored the five GCSP competencies and the importance of purpose-driven action in engineering.

Through self-reflection and discussions, attendees identified meaningful experiences, set personal goals, and committed to taking concrete steps toward impactful careers. The session concluded with peer accountability exercises, reinforcing that growth happens through engagement, persistence, and community support.

• Lunch Keynote Address

Presenter: David Ethridge, Director and Lead Systems Engineer for Mindbank Consulting Group

📎 Presentation Link | 📷 Photos  | 📜 Keynote Bio

Description:
David Ethridge’s keynote presentation focused on the dual impact of AI—its ability to either advance human flourishing or create unintended consequences. He emphasized that engineers must take an ethical, socially responsible approach to innovation, ensuring that technology enhances sustainability, security, and health rather than exacerbating existing challenges.

A key takeaway was his framing of "Joy of Living" as a catalyst for innovation, rather than just an end goal. Ethridge argued that by prioritizing human well-being in technological development, engineers can create solutions that balance progress with social and environmental responsibility. His talk reinforced GCSP’s mission to develop interdisciplinary, ethically grounded engineers who can navigate the complexities of AI and emerging technologies.

Session Block II

• Pitch Challenge

Presenter: Angela Lee (NC State University GCSP Scholar)
📎 Presentation Link | 📷 Photos

🏆 Winners:

• 1st Place: NeuroTrainer – Grant Ozaki, Elena Li, Xavier Rankin, Katie Gist, Katie Collins
• 2nd Place: Fearless – Andrea Basuroski & Alyssa Miller
• 3rd Place: Self-Sorting Bins for Waste Disposal – Grace Kiel, David Brown, Colton Jiorle

Description:
The 2025 GCSP Pitch Challenge brought together 24 teams to present innovative AI-driven solutions within the themes of sustainability, health, joy of living, and security.

Each team had three minutes to pitch their business idea, addressing key questions about the problem they aimed to solve and how AI would be integrated into their solution. The competition emphasized creativity, feasibility, and real-world impact, challenging participants to think critically about how technology can address pressing global issues.

Teams were judged on clarity, innovation, and effectiveness, reinforcing the importance of concise and impactful presentations.

• Directors Panel & Discussion

Moderator: Dr. Maria Sanchez (University of Maryland Baltimore County)
📎 Presentation Link

Panelists:

• Amy Trowbridge (ASU)
• Dr. Jenna Carpenter (Campbell University)
• Andrea Micangeli (Sapienza University, Rome)
• Nora Sandoval (USC Viterbi)

Description:
The GCSP Directors Panel at the 2025 Annual Meeting brought together leaders from various institutions to discuss best practices for integrating the Grand Challenges Scholars Program into academic and research settings.

Panelists shared strategies for engaging students, including:

• Mentorship programs
• Interdisciplinary collaborations
• Global field studies

Institutions highlighted their unique approaches, such as virtual design competitions, research grants, and industry partnerships, to support students in achieving the five GCSP competencies.

• Pitch Challenge Presentation
  📸 Photos
• AI, Ethics, Industry, and Academia Panel Discussion

Moderator: Ishita Raikar (NC State GCSP Scholar)
Panelists: Dr. Kirsti Cole (NC State), Phaedra Boinodiris (IBM), Ross Smith (Know More About Panelist)

Panel Questions Flow

The AI, Ethics, Industry, and Academia Panel at the 2025 GCSP Annual Meeting convened experts to examine AI’s role in shaping society. Moderated by Ishita Raikar, the panel featured Phaedra Boinodiris from IBM, Ross Smith, and Dr. Kirsti Cole, who shared insights on responsible AI development, inclusivity, and ethical challenges in both industry and academia.

Key topics included:

• Bias and Fairness: How AI can either reinforce or mitigate biases.
• Job Displacement & Responsibility: The ethical considerations for companies as AI replaces traditional roles.
• Cross-Disciplinary Education: The need for diverse educational approaches to prepare engineers for AI-driven challenges.

Panelists stressed the importance of diverse perspectives in AI development, clear communication about AI ethics, and proactive strategies to ensure AI benefits underrepresented communities. The discussion concluded with a call to action for engineers to design AI systems that prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and accountability—emphasizing the ethical responsibility of technology leaders in an increasingly AI-driven world.

• GCSP Network Updates from the IEC

Presenter: Kelly Goulis (USC Viterbi & GCSP Network Interim Executive Committee Chair)
📎 Presentation Link (Slides 34-37)

Description:
The update highlighted:

• 2,300+ GCSP alumni from 58 universities
• 104 approved programs worldwide
• Quarterly director meetings to strengthen the network
• Assessment subcommittee to evaluate program impact
• Expanded engagement through AI & tech series, newsletters, and social media

Future plans include enhancing regional & international collaborations and establishing a new Board of Directors to guide initiatives.

• Closing Session

📎 Presentation Link |  Key Takeaways (Slide 38)

Description:
The key takeaways from the 2025 GCSP Annual Meeting emphasized the growing interconnection between technology and society and the need for ethical responsibility in engineering.

Key highlights:

• Trustworthiness in engineering requires both competence & character
• Critical information literacy in AI is essential
• Diverse, interdisciplinary collaboration is key to responsible innovation
• Engineers must actively contribute to global challenges before graduation

The meeting concluded with a call to action for attendees to pursue meaningful work, remain engaged in GCSP, and ensure that engineering serves the greater good.