2024 Featured Speakers

Keynote Speakers 

Dr. Bernie Savarese, Acting Vice President, Academic Affairs, Research, & Student Success, University of Tennessee
Dorothy Mitstifer Lecture: Burnout in Today’s Higher Ed & Honor Society Times

Dr. Bernie Savarese joined the University of Tennessee System in 2021 as the associate vice president for student success and currently serves as the acting vice president for academic affairs, research, and student success. In this role, he convenes and works closely with the chief academic, research, diversity, and student affairs officers of UT’s 5 campuses. He also serves as the liaison to various state agencies and departments, and staffs the Education, Research and Service Committee of the Board of Trustees. Read more here.

Dr. Katy Luchini-Colbry, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Engineering Graduate Student Services, Michigan State University
Crafting & Curating Your Story

Katy Luchini Colbry, PhD, is Assistant Dean for Engineering Graduate Student Services at Michigan State University and serves as co-PI for two NSF-funded workforce development programs. Dr. Colbry volunteers as Director of Engineering Futures, the professional development program of Tau Beta Pi, which provides communications, teamwork and leadership training.

Garrett Mintz, CEO & Founder, Ambition In Motion
Creating Lifetime Membership Opportunities 

Garrett Mintz is the founder of Ambition In Motion where he leverages Industrial-Organizational Psychology to help facilitate long-lasting and impactful mentor relationships. His team's research has extended to leadership as his team has identified many parallels between effective mentorship and effective leadership and how leveraging this research can create an engaged workforce and happier employees.

Jonathan Blanchard, Ph.D., Attorney, Blanchard Horton, PLLC
The Importance of Intellectual Property Protections

Dr. Blanchard is a member at Blanchard Horton PLLC. Jonathan provides legal services in the area of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and product designs. Jonathan specializes in patent portfolio management and engages in enforcement actions to protect the current and future business opportunities of clients. Jonathan received his Doctorate in Organometallic Chemistry and a second Master degree in Inorganic Chemistry from Washington University, St. Louis; his first Master degree in Organic Chemistry from Syracuse University; and his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Centre College. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2000, before entering private law practice in Chicago.