November 11, 2025 — Marist’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics turned campus into a hub of innovation and tech industry collaboration as it hosted the first Marist Computing Conference (MCC) on Friday.

Students, faculty, and industry experts gathered for a full day of keynotes, technical sessions, and networking at the event, sponsored by the Enterprise Computing Community (ECC) and the Richard Foy Endowment. Industry leaders from IBM, Broadcom, Swiss Vault, and NYC Cyber Command joined Marist faculty and students to share insights on topics ranging from quantum computing threats and cryptographic foundations to generative AI and the use of machine learning in education.

Scott Tunmer of New Era Technologies delivered the keynote address on Friday. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University. 

A keynote address from Scott Tunmer of New Era Technologies kicked off the day, as he explored the critical role of risk mitigation in thwarting cybersecurity threats. The conference continued with insights from Marist leaders who emphasized the University's growing role as a hub for cybersecurity and computing innovation.

“The Marist Computing Conference is the only major technical conference of its kind in the Hudson Valley region,” said Dr. Casimer DeCusatis, Director of Cybersecurity Education. “Building on a long tradition of events formerly funded by the National Science Foundation, this conference brings Marist student research to the world and some of the industry's leading figures to Marist.”

Dr. Ron Buckmire, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics, said his vision is for Marist to serve as a convener of national and local computing experts, citing the University’s expert faculty, significant research, and expanding partnerships with government and private institutions.

Dr. Eitel Lauria, Professor of Data Science & Information Systems, during a session on Machine Learning. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

“I was very pleased to see such a robust turnout for our first edition of the MCC, which is intended to be one of our School’s signature events to engage with members of the Mid-Hudson Valley community who are professionals, students, and faculty involved in the computing sector,” said Dr. Ron Buckmire, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.

Dr. Casimer DeCusatis producing the Cybersecurity Fox Den podcast in collaboration with cybersecurity firm Sentricus. The new podcast series explores the latest trends, threats, and innovations in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field. Photo by Emily Portnov ’29/Marist University.

Other sessions included:

• How quantum algorithms could help stop cyberattacks, in a joint project by Marist and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
• A look at how blockchain and AI can work together to make Internet of Things devices more secure.
• New ways to keep data safe across multiple cloud platforms, shared by experts from Pyxcloud and Sentricus.
• IBM’s approach to monitoring AI models on its powerful Z/OS systems.

 
 
Students within the School of Computer Science and Mathematics had the opportunity to showcase their research during the TechMeet. Photo by Emily Portnov '29/Marist University. 

The conference also featured the 2nd Annual Mid-Hudson Valley TechMeet, a student poster session, where Marist students joined those from other academic institutions in the region, to showcase their research. Judges from leading tech companies evaluated the posters, and the day concluded with an awards ceremony and networking reception.

“The event was an incredible opportunity to showcase my work to industry professionals and connect with peers who share a passion for technology and innovation,” said David Galindo Delgado '27, an Information Technology major who works in Marist’s Enterprise Computing Research Lab as a system administrator as part of the IBM Joint Study program. “I was inspired by the diversity of student projects and the exchange of ideas.”

With more than 30 presentations and a strong industry presence—including representatives from Google, IBM, Sentricus, and others—the MCC underscored Marist’s growing role as a regional leader in technology education and research.

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics prepares students for a technology-driven future that is rooted in a liberal arts education. Marist’s Cybersecurity program has been validated by the National Security Agency’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education (NSA CAE) and completed the final designation process for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) in August.