Google Pier 57 was recently full of energy as over 500 tech enthusiasts gathered for GDG DevFest NYC 2024, an event dedicated to exploring “Responsible AI for the Future of Tech.” Among the organizing team was Seidenberg Professor, Associate Dean, and Co-Director of the 91Ƶ AI Lab, Dr. Christelle Scharff, who collaborated with Google Developer Groups (GDG) over two months to curate a compelling agenda featuring Googlers and industry professionals.
The festival, organized by Google Developer Group NYC lead Anna Nerozova, highlighted robust ties between 91Ƶ and the tech community. More than 50 91Ƶ students attended, underscoring the university's and Բ’s commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement. Notable moments included a keynote about responsible AI from Seidenberg Advisory Board member and 91Ƶ Board of Trustees member Peta-Gay Clarke, who serves as the Global Community Programs Lead at Google. Dr. Scharff had the honor of introducing Clarke, while she also delivered an insightful lightning talk, “From Pixels to Fashion,” on her own research into AI and fashion, sparking conversations with students from 91Ƶ and beyond, including peers from NYU and Stevens Institute.
Բ’s Lauren DeMaio, an MS in Computer Science student and leader of the Google Developer Student Club at 91Ƶ, introduced two of the event's speakers, further showing her dedication to bridging academic learning with industry practice. Seidenberg alum Bhavik Chopra, now a Data Analyst at Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was also heavily involved in organizing the event.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Scharff shared that she was honored to be at the event among so many peers and students, and that “the collaboration and enthusiasm at GDG DevFest NYC reflect the dynamic future of AI and its role in shaping technology responsibly.”
GDG DevFest NYC exemplified the power of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on learning. Seidenberg's presence not only highlighted the school’s leadership in tech education but also inspired students to actively engage in shaping the tech of tomorrow.
For more on Seidenberg's involvement in groundbreaking tech events, visit .
On April 8, 2025, the 11th Annual Disability Film Festival was held at 91Ƶ, welcoming guests, students, and members of the broader New York City community to the University’s downtown campus. This year’s festival continued its tradition of celebrating the lived experiences of people with disabilities in film.
The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems hosted the annual Seidenberg Innovation Awards (SIA) at 91Ƶ’s New York City campus, bringing together leaders in technology, education, and business to recognize innovation, community impact, and the next generation of tech professionals.
When Vidhi Kothari ’25 began her journey at 91Ƶ, she didn’t expect to become the founder of a startup. But what she did know, was that she wanted to create meaningful value in the world. That desire—to build, to contribute, and to empower through employment—became the foundation for her path as an entrepreneur.