Panels | Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC)

The following panels will be presented as part of the Computing[MTU] Showcase.

The Past, Present, and Future of Computing[MTU]: A Panel Discussion, moderated by Dennis Livesay, April 4, 7-8:30 p.m.
Women in IT: A Panel Discussion, moderated by Paula Stolar, April 6, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Past, Present, and Future of Computing[MTU]: A Panel Discussion

Date: April 4, 2022
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Watch a video of the discussion panel

Going all the way back to our founding legislation, Michigan Tech has always focused on “...promot(ing) the industries of the state.” As the world adapts to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, computing and data science are critical components of how we stay true to this commitment. As such, the university has recently launched major high-profile efforts to support and grow computing, including creation of the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems and the College of Computing. While these are important updates, computing has long been integral to Michigan Tech, both in terms of computing-specific programs and as an enabling technology in other domains. Our distinguished alumni panelists will reflect on their time at MTU, describe how computing at Michigan Tech led them to their chosen fields, and discuss where computing stands and where it is headed next. Sponsored by the Michigan Tech Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

Moderator: Dennis Livesay, Dave House Dean of Computing; Professor, Department of Applied Computing; Affiliated Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Panelist: Dan Fuhrmann, Chair, Department of Applied Computing; Dave House Professor of Computer Engineering
Panelist: Dave House '65, Chairman, Brocade Communications; Vice Chairman of the Board, Computer History Museum
Panelist: Dianne Marsh '86 '92, Director of Content Security, Netflix
Panelist: Eric Roberts '93, Executive Director, 20 Fathoms
Panelist: Christine Roberts '91, Senior Vice President and General Manager: Software & Services Solutions, Poly
Panelist: Linda Ott, Chair, Department of Computer Science; Professor, Computer Science, Michigan Technological University

**Dan Fuhrmann, Panelist**

Chair, Department of Applied Computing; Dave House Professor of Computer Engineering

**Dave House, Panelist**

Chairman, Brocade Communications; Vice Chairman of the Board, Computer History Museum

**Dianne Marsh, Panelist**

Director of Content Security, Netflix

**Linda Ott, Panelist**

Chair, Department of Computer Science; Professor, Computer Science, Michigan Technological University

**Eric Roberts, Panelist**

Executive Director, 20 Fathoms

**Christine Roberts, Panelist**

Senior Vice President and General Manager: Software & Services Solutions, Poly

Women in IT: A Panel Discussion

Watch a video of the panel discussion.

Date: April 6, 2022
Time: 10:30 am-12 pm
Watch a video of the discussion panel

Though women make up approximately 47% of the workforce in the United States, the number of women employed in IT or data science fields remains disproportionately low at only 26% of workers, according to the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor. Why do so few women turn to IT as their preferred field and what steps can we take to make IT more accessible and inclusive to women? Our distinguished panelists discuss how they chose IT and reflect on work in the field through a female lens. Sponsored by Ford.

Moderator: Paula Stolar '92, Senior Technology Director, Ally Financial Services; Board of Directors, Michigan Council of Women in Technology
Panelist: Kathi Bellotti, Cybersecurity Program Manager, US Venture Inc.
Panelist: Mari Buche, Associate Dean and Professor of Management Information Systems, College of Business
Panelist: Cindy Rutyna, FNV4 Zonal Module Supervisor, Vehicle Software and Electronic Solutions, Ford
Panelist: Carrie Schaller '87, Business Process Director for Manufacturing Operations, Dow Chemical
Panelist: Elaine Stephens, Head of Customer Engineering, Google; State Board Member, Women in Technology Wisconsin

Paula Stoler — **Paula Stolar, Moderator**

Senior Technology Director, Ally Financial Services

Kathy Belotti — **Kathi Bellotti, Panelist**

Cybersecurity Program Manager, US Venture Inc.

**Mari Buche, Panelist**

Associate Dean and Professor of Management Information Systems, College of Business

Cindy Rutnya — **Cindy Rutyna, Panelist**

FNV4 Zonal Module Supervisor, Vehicle Software and Electronic Solutions, Ford

**Carrie Schaller, Panelist**
Business Process Director for Manufacturing Operations, Dow Chemical

**Elaine Stephens, Panelist**

Head of Customer Engineering, Google

Women in IT Panelist Biographies

Mari Buche

Mari Buche is the associate dean for the College of Business at Michigan Technological University. She is a Professor of Management Information Systems, Director for both the TechMBA® and Master’s in Engineering Management graduate programs, and was the inaugural Director for the interdisciplinary Data Science graduate program from 2014-2017. She earned her doctorate at the University of Kansas and joined the faculty at Michigan Tech in 2003. Dr. Buche’s research investigates the disruptive impact of changes in technology and information systems on the IT professionals intimately involved in developing, implementing, securing, and supporting those systems. Her research is primarily of an applied nature, enabling organizations to effectively implement improvements in workforce management and system optimization. Another stream of her research focuses on providing recommendations to improve the gender balance and diversity within STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). She has used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, analyzing primary data from surveys and interviews.

Cindy Rutyna

Cindy Rutyna, a leader on Ford Motor Company’s electrical team, is focused on developing new modules for an advanced electrical architecture platform. She is responsible for helping deliver new modules. Her passion is bringing these new modules to life. She joined Ford Motor Company in 1991. Previously, Cindy was a leader for climate control electronics for all of Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including Bronco, Mach-E, Navigator and Aviator. Prior to that role she was the hardware technical specialist for all upper body electronics. She was responsible for performing worst case circuit analysis for many electrical modules. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Cindy grew up in Michigan and her first car was a 1984 Ford Exp. She knew early on she wanted to bring cars to life and be a part of a team that made that happen. During her free time, Cindy likes to run, bike, and practice yoga. She is also certified to teach yoga.

Carrie Schaller

Carrie Schaller '87 is the Business Process Director for Manufacturing and Engineering Operations at Dow. Her teams support and work on building the business processes and tools used across Operations – including Plant Maintenance, Quality and Manufacturing Cyber Security. Carrie has been with Dow for 34 years, holding a variety of roles in Information Systems before joining Operations, including Program Management, Project Management, Support Management and Implementation Leadership. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management Information Systems) from MTU. She is a member of the College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council, the Academy of Business and the Presidential Council of Alumnae at Michigan Tech. She has three adult children, and resides in Midland, MI, with her husband.