The school district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are fortunate to work closely with a host of dedicated community and business partners…throughout Gwinnett and metro Atlanta and across industries. These valuable partners serve as advisors with district-level programs and school-based CTE Academy programs, hosts for internships and work-based learning, presenters, mentors, and event sponsors. With their expertise and their future-focused commitment, they help to expose our students to a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers with real-life opportunities to explore the world of work and explore their future!
We asked a few of these industry professionals about the critical role computer science and artificial intelligence play in their respective fields:
Seth Hawkins
AGRICULTURE
Seth Hawkins
Community Forester, Georgia Forestry Commission
“Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been a huge part of forestry work for some time now, and the utilization of those technologies is increasing in importance all the time. While basic computer and electronic communication skills are an essential skill in almost any profession, air photo and data analysis is a tool that foresters use almost daily. And the addition of artificial intelligence into these GIS systems has made these tools more powerful than ever.”
Brad Livesay
Brad Livesay
Harvest Gwinnett Program Supervisor, Department of Community Services, Gwinnett County Government
“At Harvest Gwinnett, we use computer science for predicting things like weather conditions and estimating the agricultural production of our community gardens. Additionally, we utilize computers to plan our crop layouts, track information related to costs involved in production, transport, agricultural processes, and correspondence with all of our stakeholders. We need people with technological skills to maximize the impact we are making in the community.”
Tom Kirchner
ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
Tom Kirchner
Integration Solutions Manager, MetroPower
“As a 25-year partner with Gwinnett County Public Schools, we see technology changes accelerating at lightning speed, especially in the realm of systems integration. Every electrical and electronic system installed today has ‘chipsets’ that must be configured by someone with computer skills. The ‘internet of things’ (IoT) is here to stay so the opportunities to develop programs and ‘plug ins’ for our everyday devices is real and it is going to take a large and highly skilled workforce to keep up with the pace of the digital world we live in.”
Charity Rutledge
Charity Rutledge
Human Resources and Safety Manager, JDS Inc.
“The infrastructure industry is changing. Field crews are using advanced technology to build our future underground systems, our bridges, and our buildings. Computer software and hardware are an integral part of these advancements. The technical jobs of the future will include some sort of computer and/or AI skill requirements. We are looking for this next generation to lead the way in putting new computer technologies to work.”
Larry Benator
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Larry Benator
Business Development Manager, Excel Federal Credit Union
“Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions will always have a need for computer science for the safe management and record keeping of its account information. A degree in computer science or a related field will almost guarantee consistent employment for an individual.”
Reno M. Borgognoni, CPA
CEO, Reno M. Borgognoni, CPA, PC
Reno M. Borgognoni
“Computer science and AI play a substantial role in the accounting and tax preparation industry. Computer applications create more accuracy in transaction recording, create greater transparency between departments, enable more detailed reporting, and reduce risk. AI is already assisting us in detecting errors, optimizing data input, tackling repeatable processes and tasks, and integrating processes like payroll and tax with your accounting data.”
Corbett Davis
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Corbett Davis, BSM, MAT, GA-EMT-P, TECC
Paramedicine and Fire Science Program Coordinator/ Chairperson, Atlanta Technical College-EMS and Fire Education
“In the EMS and fire industry, computers provide the necessary access to essential data to make critical decisions related to public safety. Additionally, computers provide GPS tracking, unit-to-unit and unit-to-hospital communications, patient information, and real-time video reporting of medical and fire incidents. AI can be used to predict situational outcomes for public safety personnel and provide a platform for simulated training personnel in the future.”
Kavin Manickaraj
ENERGY AND CLIMATE SCIENCE
Kavin Manickaraj
Chief Data Scientist, Greenlink Analytics
Dr. Marshall Shepherd
“Finding ways to bring more sustainable solutions to our energy grid relies on computer science at almost every step. Whether it’s developing clean energy models for cities or identifying which communities are most impacted by climate change, we use AI to help guide our decisions for a clean and equitable future. Although math—like statistics, calculus, and linear algebra—is the basis of AI, the best computer scientists are curious, creative, and passionate about their work.”
Dr. Marshall Shepherd
Atmospheric Scientist, Professor, Scholar
“In a recent query of top meteorology and climate colleagues about the next great advancement in our field, the most common answer was applications of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. Atmospheric observational systems and numerical weather prediction models generate a massive load of data. AI techniques help to extract meaningful signals, patterns, and information for decision-making and applications. You cannot predict, assess, or research weather-climate processes these days without exposure to programming languages.”
Gwen Gustavson
HEALTHCARE SCIENCE
Gwen Gustavson, RN
Director of District Programs, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments
“Public health utilizes computer-based tools throughout the continuum of care delivery. From client registration, visit documentation, case management, electronic medical records, and billing, computer systems are used to efficiently manage the vast amount of information required to provide quality care.”
Dr. Saphronia Johnson
Dr. Saphronia Johnson
Assistant Dean of Natural Sciences, Life University
“Computer science and AI are impacting innovations in chiropractic education. Over the past four years, researchers at Life University have developed a full-size human torso mannequin with individual movable and palpable vertebrae, pelvis, and thighs. The Palpation and Adjustment Trainer (PAT) contains 64 pressure sensors attached to the spinal cord to provide feedback on palpation and level of force applied. Each mannequin contains a Raspberry Pi computer and LCD screen for display.”
Shelli-Ann McKenzie, MS, RN, PMP, CPHIMS
Director, Enablement and HER Solutions Engineering
Shelli-Ann McKenzie
“Computer science and artificial intelligence are integral components to the healthcare technology industry. Specifically, both allow for systems programming with algorithms appropriate for predictive analytics and better clinical decision-making. This supports interoperability, and the management of patient data to drive optimal patient outcomes. It is imperative that we provide the resources and train our students to understand the importance of CS and AI.”
Scott Cummings
MANUFACTURING
Scott Cummings
Senior Program Manager, Broadcom Corporation
Melissa Miller
“Computer science is ubiquitous in my industry. Specialized software is required for design, implementation, validation, manufacturing, and delivery of our silicon. Specialized software is further needed by our customers, their customers, and the final users of the products that include our silicon. There is a combination of research and development demand for artificial intelligence. This will maintain the high demand for engineers and scientists trained in computer science for years to come.”
Melissa Miller
Human Resources Business Partner, Heraeus Quartz North America
“Heraeus Quartz North America leadership team sees computer science and AI as essential parts of manufacturing facilities. Our QDC (Quality, Delivery, Cost) management is a great example of computer science use in our industry. With the information provided by our manufacturing employees to our QDC database, our database management team can create graphical displays to allow managers to make decisions and improve our processes. AI can be deeply involved with data analysis/data mining to gain valuable technical insights into our manufacturing processes.”