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
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
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.