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Spark your creativity at Innovation Day 2025

By University Communications / January 6, 2025 / Posted in: CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY / Twitter / Facebook

Student wearing a VR headset at Innovation Day 2024A student wears a VR headset at Innovation Day 2024. (Alex Soares/DePaul University)

The sixth annual DePaul Innovation Day is coming up on Jan. 31 — RSVP now to make sure you don’t miss it! 

Co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the Office of Research Services and the Office of University Events, Innovation Day brings DePaul faculty and staff together to presen​t research, discuss innovation and spark creativity. 

“Innovation Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring faculty and staff from across the university together — connecting, being inspired and discovering the exciting innovations taking place across various colleges and departments,” says Lauren Miller, director of research and innovation strategies in the Office of Research Services. “It's designed to ignite future collaborations and inspire fresh ideas that can be applied to our everyday work.” 

The 2025 theme is “Connecting Ideas, Igniting Excellence” and will focus on reimagining, refreshing and revitalizing research and creative activities, teaching and departmental work across the university.  

This year’s keynote speaker is Andrea Sáenz, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. Crain’s Chicago Business recently included Sáenz on its “Who’s Who in Chicago” list and its inaugural “Women of Note” list in 2023. Her extensive board service includes the Economic Club of Chicago, National Louis University, Chicago Public Education Fund, Chicago Public Library Foundation and College Unbound. 

The event will also feature dynamic discussions and collaborative activities, including the following panels: 

  • ​Session chair and moderator:  Sarah Weisz, grant writer, Office of Research Services 
  • Session chair and moderator: Michelle Stuhlmacher, assistant professor, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 
  • ​Session chair and moderator: Rob Steel, professor, Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media 
  • Session chair and moderator: Gabriella Bucci, associate professor and director, MS in economics and quantitative analysis program, Driehaus College of Business ​
The day will end with networking, refreshments and The Innovation Showcase. The Showcase is an opportunity to explore innovative and creative products, services and solutions developed by DePaul faculty and staff. Contributors will demonstrate how their innovations meet industry and societal needs. 

See the full Innovation Day agenda here and be sure to RSVP​ by Friday, Jan. 24. ​​