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Data Center World 2024

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Bridge to the Future: Building a Scalable Education Framework

Karen Petersburg  (VP of Data Center Development and Construction, PowerHouse Data Centers)

Mark Gusakov  (Advisory Board Member, Nomad Futurist Foundation)

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Track: Colocation, Hyperscale, & Cloud Innovation

Session Type: Conference Session

Vault Recording: TBD

Audience Level: All Audiences

Digital infrastructure education is critical to securing a pipeline of talent to support the requirements of an increasingly digital world and ensuring the future of our industry. At DCW 2023, the Nomad Futurist Foundation recommended educating the next generation as early as possible about the technologies that power our digital world to empower them and open new career pathways.

This year, Nomad Futurist Board Members Karen Petersburg and Mark Gusakov will demonstrate the Foundation's progress towards overcoming the challenges mentioned in 2023, such as:

  • The lack of a framework for digital infrastructure education in the existing education system
  • The lack of a way to transfer industry knowledge from those who have it to those who need it
  • The lack of awareness of our industry, even on the part of STEAM educators
  • The need to reach underserved communities who are impacted by the digital divide
  • The need to achieve scale, through programs that are modular, repeatable, and shareable

They will also discuss:
  • Educational outreach programs and tools including "Data Center in a Box" and the "Nomad Futurist Academy"
  • Strategies for engaging with teachers and students
  • Lessons learned and insights gained from user experience studies and beta activities

Audience questions and participation will be encouraged.

Takeaway

Attendees will gain an understanding of the importance of digital infrastructure education in building a bridge to the future. They will also learn how they can participate in this effort through:

  • Involvement in local educational initiatives
  • Contributing content to the Nomad Futurist Academy
  • Acting as advisors or mentors to those who may be considering joining the industry