Austin Tousaw, Senior Manager of Global Data Security Operations at McDonald’s and a 2016 Syracuse iSchool graduate, joins Infoversity to share his career journey across cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance. From Fidelity and Deloitte to Meta and McDonald’s, Tousaw discusses how networking, adaptability, and lifelong learning shape success in a fast-changing tech landscape. The conversation also explores AI security, emerging roles in data protection, and what today’s students should know as they prepare for careers in information and technology.

In this first-ever crossover episode of InfoVersity and Libraries Lead, Beth Patin, Associate Professor and Program Director of Syracuse University’s Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Hemsley, Dean of the School of Information Studies, to explore the future of library education in an era defined by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and social change. 

The conversation examines how Syracuse’s MLIS program is evolving to prepare librarians and information professionals as ethical leaders, community builders, and information first responders. Beth shares her vision for community-responsive librarianship, emphasizing cultural humility, disaster readiness, and socio-emotional skills alongside technical expertise. Jeff reflects on AI literacy, information ethics, and how emerging technologies can amplify—not replace—human-centered information work.

Together, they discuss how libraries serve as anchors during moments of crisis, why engaged community matters more than ever, and how librarians help steward collective memory in times of uncertainty. The episode also highlights innovative library initiatives, from AI education to creative technology spaces and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re a prospective MLIS student, librarian, educator, or information professional, this episode offers a compelling look at how libraries—and the people who lead them—are shaping a more informed, equitable, and connected future.

In this Infoversity episode, Aaron Revell, Information Security Officer and IT Operations Director at Cynosure, reflects on his path from Syracuse iSchool student to cybersecurity leader. He shares lessons on balancing growth with risk, fostering a security-aware workplace, mentoring teams, and why curiosity and a growth mindset fuel lasting success in tech.

In this Infoversity episode, IT leader and educator Jim Enright shares insights from his doctoral research on women in cybersecurity. He explores how community, mentorship, and curiosity fuel success in cyber programs, offers lessons from Syracuse’s Doctor of Professional Studies, and reveals how educators can inspire students to discover their path.

In this episode of Infoversity, host Mike Fudge sits down with Sam Clarvit—iSchool alum, tech investor, and 2025 convocation speaker—for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of AI, leadership in a tech-driven world, and why empathy and adaptability matter more than ever. From his early days fixing VCRs to guiding startups and investing in innovation, Sam shares personal stories, career insights, and a powerful message for students: “Always keep learning—and always be human first."

This episode features an interview with Katy Arons, CEO and founder of Continual Consent, LLC. Hosted by Gabriel Davila, a major in applied data analytics, the conversation delves into Katy's journey from aspiring doctor to tech entrepreneur. Katy shares how her experiences in high school and her education at the iSchool inspired her to create a mobile app promoting safe conversations about consent and intimacy. She discusses her success in business competitions, support from mentors, and the transition to her current role at JPMorganChase.

In this episode, Sophie Estep '20 and Gabe Davila-Campos discuss career trajectories, interdisciplinary education, and adapting to changes in technology and communication. Sophie reflects on her shift from biology to public relations and information management, her experiences as an EY consultant, and the role of innovation in her work. They emphasize adaptability, communication as a "secret superpower," and the importance of leveraging diverse skills for professional growth and problem-solving in a digital age.

Renate Chancellor and Mike Fudge discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in libraries, emphasizing underrepresented groups' contributions. Chancellor highlights her research on Clara Stanton Jones and E.J. Josey, explores libraries' evolving community roles, and addresses challenges like censorship, misinformation, and leadership disparities, advocating for AI literacy and inclusive education.

We often think of AI as the text-based ChatGPT tool that has become so popular since its launch. But there are many other ways we are using AI, including to develop personas that play the role of companions. Humans are forming romantic or very personal relationships with AI, and find these relationships in some cases more rewarding than their relationships with other humans. Jaime Banks, Associate Professor at the iSchool, joins professor Jenny Stromer-Galley to discuss the future of AI from this human perspective. 

John Jordan joins us on this podcast episode to discuss the iSchool's Doctor of Professional Studies program in Information Management. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program follows a cohort model that gives students the support they need to successfully complete their studies.