Representatives from 20 universities gathered for International Design Factory Week and UnBoxed2025 conference—advancing education, design thinking, and real-world problem-solving

Pace University’s NYC Design Factory at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems successfully hosted two major international events earlier this month: International Design Factory Week (IDFW2025) and the UnBoxed2025 education conference.

Convening more than 60 participants from 20 global Design Factories – innovation hubs based in universities - for a week of interdisciplinary collaboration, design-driven education, and future-focused innovation, the events took place from October 6–10 at Pace’s downtown Manhattan campus at 15 Beekman Street. The NYC Design Factory was transformed into a dynamic space for co-creation, knowledge exchange, and global partnership-building.

The gathering marked a milestone for the university and its leadership.

“Hosting the Design Factory Global Network’s annual conference at Pace was a dream come true for me,” said Jonathan H. Hill, DPS, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “In my long career in higher education, this is clearly one of the best experiential learning opportunities that students, faculty, and staff can share in that I have ever seen. The hospitality, creativity, and entrepreneurial design thinking processes that Pace showed so clearly demonstrated the excellence of this institution. I was so very proud of Pace.”

Leadership at the Seidenberg School emphasized the value of global collaboration and design-led learning at the heart of the week’s activities.

“In hosting IDFW2025 and UnBoxed2025, we had the opportunity to showcase Pace’s commitment to advancing student learning through collaboration on real-world projects at a global level,” said Li-Chiou Chen, interim dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “These events created meaningful connections among students, faculty, and international partners that will continue to inspire innovation beyond the classroom.”

Pace’s NYC Design Factory serves as a collaborative hub where students, faculty, and industry professionals come together to address challenges in both industry and society through interdisciplinary activities and courses. It is part of the Design Factory Global Network (DFGN), a global consortium of university-based innovation labs dedicated to fostering the next generation of innovators. Through this network, Pace students work with partners around the world—including CERN’s IdeaSquare in Switzerland—on initiatives such as the i2Planet program, a systems-thinking challenge that encourages students to design solutions for complex global problems. The lab’s approach is technology-centered, design-inspired, and human-focused.

“It was an honor to host the International Design Factory Week and the UnBoxed Education Practice Conference at Pace,” said Andreea Cotoranu, clinical professor, director of the NYC Design Factory, and co-chair of the conference. “These events highlighted the university’s role in a global community reimagining how students learn, preparing them for the future and empowering them to create positive impact in their communities and the world.”

The week’s programming included hands-on workshops, presentations, and interactive demos that reflected the Design Factory’s global approach to collaborative, cross-disciplinary learning. Topics ranged from AI-assisted creativity and sustainable design to educational equity and entrepreneurship.

Highlights included sessions like Prompt, Prototype, Repeat, which explored how educators are adapting teaching methods in the age of generative AI; Systematically Incorporating Equity into Design Thinking for AI Education, which focused on inclusive innovation practices; and Flood (In)Tolerant Ecologies, a session using art and design to explore climate resilience. Participants also took part in interactive demos like From Idea to Happy Customer, a board game on startup thinking, and Intellectual Sparring with AI Bots, a workshop on using AI tools for future scenario planning.

“It’s exciting for Pace to be part of a global network that champions innovation, design thinking, experiential learning, and multidisciplinarity,” said Christelle Scharff, Seidenberg professor, associate dean, and co-director of the Seidenberg AI Lab. “The UnBoxed Conference and International Design Factory Week were inspiring showcases of creativity and collaboration. I was impressed by how naturally ideas for joint projects emerged. The week provided the perfect setting to turn those ideas into action and build lasting connections among educators and researchers worldwide. We look forward to bringing some of these projects to life.”

“The conference brought together educators who are reimagining what classrooms can look like when we center creativity, empathy, and technology,” said Jonathan Williams, clinical assistant professor at the Seidenberg School and co-chair of the conference. “It challenged us all to think critically about the future of learning and how we design for it.”

Students played an active role throughout the week, contributing to workshops, presenting projects, and collaborating with peers from around the world.

“Being part of IDFW2025 reminded me why I joined Design Factory courses and projects as a student—it’s about working with people from completely different backgrounds to solve problems that matter,” said Lauren DeMaio, Seidenberg alum and former Design Factory student who also participated in the conference. “This week pushed me to think globally and creatively in ways that only the Design Factory can.”

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Sands College of Performing Arts, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.

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Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Professor Emeritus Michael B. Mushlin was honored with the John R. Dunne Champion of Justice Award by Prisoners' Legal Services of New York (PLS) at a ceremony that celebrated his long and impactful career as a scholar, advocate, and defender of prisoners’ rights.

At the award presentation, Karen Murtagh, Executive Director of PLS, delivered powerful remarks as she presented the significant award to Professor Mushlin. She praised Professor Mushlin’s life work, describing Professor Mushlin as a “giant in the field of justice,” a “tireless advocate,” and an “extraordinary teacher” who has been “steadfastly courageous and unrelenting in his pursuit of justice.” She spoke not just of Professor Mushlin’s career but his legacy, noting that for over 40 years, Professor Mushlin has taught, mentored and inspired students at Pace Haub Law not just teaching them about the law, but about humanity.

Ms. Murtagh highlighted Professor Mushlin’s lasting impact in the field of prisoners’ rights, noting his authorship of the seminal four-volume treatise on the topic, and his scholarship, which she called “practical, powerful, and deeply necessary,” and as “giving a voice to the voiceless and tools to those of us fighting for them.” She described his work as providing a “lifeline” to attorneys, advocates, judges, and law students. Concluding her remarks, she said, “When we look at your work, your writing, your teaching, your advocacy. We see more than a legal or teaching career. We see a life lived in service to justice, accountability, and human dignity. You have inspired generations of lawyers.”

The right for prisoners’ rights is the fight for a decent society.

—Prof. Michael Mushlin

In accepting the award, Professor Mushlin expressed deep admiration for PLS and the work that the organization does in “standing up for people who are too often forgotten.” Reflecting on his career, he emphasized the shared responsibilities of institutions and advocates to recognize and advance prisoners’ rights. He concluded with hope for the future thanks to the next generation of advocates who will continue the fight towards and one in which we all recognize that “the right for prisoners’ rights is the fight for a decent society.”

A nationally recognized and leading authority in correctional law, Professor Mushlin joined Pace Haub Law in 1984, teaching courses in Civil Procedure, Evidence, Prisoners' Rights, Criminal Procedure, and Federal Courts. He is the author of a four-volume treatise entitled Rights of Prisoners (5^th ed. Thomson Reuters). He currently serves on the Advisory Committee on Criminal Law and Procedure to the New York State Judiciary, where he chairs the subcommittee on judicial visits to prisons. Previously, he was staff attorney and project director of the Prisoners’ Rights Project of the Legal Aid Society, where he litigated complex class action cases on behalf of incarcerated persons in New York prisons and New York City jails. He was also the Associate Director of the Children’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, and was staff Attorney at Harlem Assertion of Rights, Inc. He served on the Board of the Correctional Association of New York and was its Chair and Vice Chair. He was also Chair of the Osborne Association, a program that provides services and programs for incarcerated people and their families, and Chair of the Corrections Committee of the New York City Bar Association, where he led an investigation into conditions on New York’s death row. He served as a member of the Task Force on The Legal Status of Prisoners of the American Bar Association, and as co-Chair of the ABA’s subcommittee on prison oversight.

In addition to his treatise, he is the author of book chapters and articles on a variety of subjects involving evidence, federal jurisdiction, civil procedure, children's rights, and prisoners' rights that have appeared in journals such as the Yale Law and Policy Review, UCLA Law Review, Harvard Civil Rights Civil Liberties Law Review, The Journal of Legal Education, Brooklyn Law Review, and the Fordham Urban Law Journal. He also is the author New York Evidence With Objections (5^th ed National Institute of Trial Advocacy 2018) (with Lissa Griffin & Jo Ann Harris).

The John R. Dunne Champion of Justice Award honors individuals who have carried forward the mission and legacy of the late John R. Dunne (1930–2020), former New York State Senator and Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights. In her introduction, Karen Murtagh, described John Dunne as a “rare public service, one who led with intellect, integrity, and heart,” and someone who was a “moral compass” and “a champion of the voiceless.” The award emphasizes the importance of legal advocacy, institutional accountability, and bridging the gap between law and meaningful justice. Presenting the award to Professor Mushlin, she noted the fitting recognition of “another warrior for justice.”

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Natalie Lara ’25 is a first generation Mexican American whose parents both came to the United States as young adults. Natalie was the first in her entire extended family to attend college and was also the first to attend law school.

Originally, Natalie wanted to become a climate researcher, but after taking her first environmental policy course she learned more about environmental law and was intrigued. “Environmental law really stood out to me, because my professor had explained it as a way to bridge science, policy, and people,” said Natalie. “I knew I liked working with people, but I also wanted to advocate for better environmental conditions. Furthermore, growing up in South Florida, hurricanes were a common occurrence. I saw how climate change was affecting my community and other communities like mine, and I realized that I wanted to use the law to advocate for a sustainable future for all.”

Natalie had what she describes as a very well rounded and positive experience as a student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. During her time at Pace Haub Law, Natalie participated in the Land Use Law Center legal externship and helped to develop the Climate Resilient Development workshop series. She was also president of the Environmental Law Society, secretary of the Latin American Law Students Association, and Hospitality Vice-Chair for the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition. “Pace Haub Law is very rooted in community,” said Natalie. “There were opportunities for involvement and networking everywhere, which allowed me to develop my networking and communication skills. The community at Pace ultimately helped me develop confidence in my abilities.”

In addition to the numerous practical learning opportunities, what differentiated law school for Natalie was the professors. “Every single professor was engaging and enthusiastic and all are willing to go beyond the classroom and act as mentors to help their students navigate their legal careers,” shared Natalie. In particular, Professor Smita Narula inspired Natalie. “In addition to her impressive legal career and despite any injustices that she's confronted throughout her life, Professor Narula is kind to everyone, and she reminds us to do the same. She reminds her students that it's important to process emotions as we feel them, whether we have great wins or great losses. This has been invaluable to remember.”

In 2025, Natalie graduated with an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law. Her goal was to work in environmental law and to "end up at a firm full of people who are inspired by the law and continue to challenge themselves." Natalie is currently an associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, pending bar admission and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to fulfill her goals. “My studies at Pace Haub Law helped me gain the confidence and skills necessary to secure this position,” said Natalie. During her time at Pace Haub Law Natalie was also a summer associate with Kirkland Ellis and she remains appreciative of the Law School’s Career Center for Professional Development in helping her prepare for interviews and giving feedback on her applications. “I am looking forward to this next step in my legal journey and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from top lawyers in the field and refine my legal practice skills.”

In her spare time, Natalie loves to read and believes that it is important to dedicate time to focus on yourself outside of your professional life.

Pace University’s Animal Policy Project partners with the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council as increased threats to wildlife prompt alliance of “nature’s first responders”

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Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, disease—these are just some of the threats to wildlife targeted by a groundbreaking collaboration of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC) and Pace University’s Animal Policy Project (APP).

By uniting a university renowned for environmental policy innovation with the nation’s oldest state-level wildlife rehabilitation organization, the NYSWRC-Pace Alliance (NPA) will generate data, educate communities, and shape policies that safeguard wildlife.

“Wildlife rehabilitators are nature’s first responders,” said Michelle Land, clinical professor and director of the Animal Policy Project at Pace University. “They see the threats to New York’s wild animals every day, often working out of their own homes. We will gather that expertise through a statewide network that serves as a much-needed conduit between science and policy.”

According to Kelly Martin, president of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, “Wildlife rehabilitation is most effective when backed by strong, science-based policies that address the root causes of wildlife distress. The NYSWRC-Pace Alliance will ensure that rehabilitators’ expertise informs policy decisions and create a future where both wild animals and those who care for them are better supported.”

“Every day, wildlife rehabilitators see firsthand the devastating impacts of human activities on New York’s wild animals,” said Suzie Gilbert, the Alliance’s program coordinator. “By bringing together rehabilitators and policy professionals, we can educate the public as well as improve policies on issues such as pesticide use, infrastructure design, exploitation of wild animals, and response strategies for emerging wildlife diseases.”

The Alliance, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will leverage an expert network of rehabilitators, advocates, and policymakers to advance and improve New York State wildlife protection and care. Seed funding for the NPA has been generously provided by Pace University’s Gale Epstein Center for Technology, Policy and the Environment.

Key to the Alliance’s success will be collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and its Wildlife Health Program partner, Cornell University.

For more information about the NYSWRC-Pace Alliance, please contact:

Michelle Land
Email: mland@pace.edu

Kelly Martin
Email: kmartink@midtel.net

Suzie Gilbert
Email: info@protectnywildlife.org.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

The New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC) promotes the professionalism of licensed wildlife rehabilitators through field support, educational services, and technical information. It works with government agencies, disseminates educational material and information to New York State residents, and promotes the conservation of wildlife, their habitats, and other natural resources. Members consist of licensed wildlife rehabilitators and assistants, veterinarians, and other wildlife professionals.

About the Animal Policy Project

The Animal Policy Project (APP) is a program of the Suburban Biodiversity Conservation Center, housed in the Environmental Studies and Science Department of Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University. Its mission is to safeguard animals—domestic, captive, and wild—through policy design and reform, relying on interdisciplinary research combining science, policy, and ethics. With a workforce of faculty, undergraduate, graduate and law students interested in advancing animal welfare, the APP helps partner organizations realize their policy innovation goals.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.