CSI Today Talks

March 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Laura Scazzafavo, Director of Veteran Services at the College of Staten Island. Scazzafavo discussed some of the benefits her office provides to veterans and their families and some of the positive developments the office has made over the years. The duo talked about issues that are important to veterans and the power of advocacy for the collection of veteran students at CSI.

March 20, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Sabine Salandy, Program Manager at the Tech Talent Pipeline at the College of Staten Island. Salandy talked about her career and what the TTP is all about and its history. They discussed why the services they render are so valuable for both employers and students. The duo spoke about some industry trends in tech and what the future holds, as well as how students can get involved and stay ahead with internships and entry-level tech employment. For more info on the program visit their Webpage.

March 13, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Jodi Merendino, CDirector of Dining Services at the College of Staten Island. Merendino talked about her career in Dining Services which stretches back to when the campus was at Sunnyside. They talked about the vast changes in menu and in food services through the years and how Dining Services serves the needs of the many populations and events on campus. They talk about victories and challenges and some of the future projections of what is in store for the food services operation at CSI.

March 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Kristi Brecia, CUNY 2X Advisor at the College of Staten Island. Brescia shared her professional travels whic ultimately took her to the Computer Science CUNY 2X program and how she works with students with both academic and career readiness and preparedness. They discussed the importance of workplace training and internships, networking, the role of social media and online presence, and new and innovative ideas within the advising sector to help meet students' greatest needs as they persist to graduation.

February 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Susan Smith-Peter, Professor of History at the College of Staten Island. Dr. Smith-Peter talked about her career and specifically the Public History project on campus and her recent work within the John J. Marchi Fellowship Program, which explores the Borough of Staten Island's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Her curation efforts are leading to a public-facig documentary that chronicles the pandemic's effects on  our community.

February 13, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Anes Ahmed, Alumnus of the College of Staten Island who is now in the MFA program at Hunter College. He discussed his passion and process for creative writing, and his experiences growing up and then at the College of Staten Island. He discussed Fellowships and internships he completed and the impact that the College had on him and how it helped him prepare for his future. 

February 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Jeffrey Derose, Director of the CSI Tech Incubator. The duo talked about what the CSI Tech Incubator is, the clientele it serves, and the the services it renders. They talked about the need and growth of the program, and why it is playing such a key role in the start up of many businesses on Staten Island and beyond. They also spoke about how people can get involved and some of the great things on tap and still to come from the Incubator. 

January 30, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Fatu Amara, alumna of the College of Staten Island from the Class of 2020. Fatu told about her personal story and how it took her to CSI, the various classes that helped her explore and invigorate her passions, and the work she is doing now in NYC. She also spoke of some of her passion projects and what the future may hold. 

January 23, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Jacky Zhao, a junior at the College of Staten Island who is serving as an accessibility advocacy leader. working on several projects on campus to improve accomodations for all students.  The duo talked about some of Jacky's initiatives as well as future plans and the importance for students to use their collective voices to make the campus a better and more accomodating place for all. 

January 16, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dean Balsamini, Director of the Small Business Development Center at the College of Staten Island. Balsamini discussed the Center and what it does at the campus and for the Staten Island community. The duo discussed the role that COVID played as well, and how the climate post-COVID is affecting business and how the Center approaches its day-to-day.