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Innovation Day Connects Students with Alumni in Emerging Fields

Bolles students explored future-focused career paths during Bolles Innovation Day, held December 9 following the Science Expo in the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation (Sanchez Fender CFI). The event, part of The J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program, brought alumni leaders back to campus for an inspiring lunch-and-learn series featuring discussions on artificial intelligence, engineering, health sciences, public health and medicine.

Named for former Trustee J. Malcolm Jones Jr. ’71, The J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program aims to empower Bolles students to unlock their full potential by connecting them with individuals who will inspire growth, share real-world experience and guide them as they navigate their journey through Bolles and beyond. Innovation Day featured four breakout sessions held on the third floor of the Sanchez Fender CFI and in the J.C. Arnold Anatomy Room:

Artificial Intelligence

Moderator: Chuck Davis, Bolles Innovation Committee

Panelists:

  • Matisse VerDuyn ’09 – Software architect and entrepreneur who created PackageJS.AI, a low-code meta-framework integrated with AI for rapid full-stack development.
  • Charlie Davis ’20 – Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of CrazyThink, an AI innovation company specializing in human-centered AI solutions for education and workforce development.

Medicine

Moderator: Dr. Dana Fender, Bolles Board of Trustees

Panelists:

  • Ram A. Pathak ’05, M.D. – Assistant professor of urology at Mayo Clinic Florida specializing in urologic oncology and advanced prostate cancer treatments.
  • Xan Black ’13, M.D. – Ophthalmology resident at UF Health Jacksonville with plans to pursue a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery.

Engineering

Moderator: Ketan Patel, Bolles Innovation Committee Chair

Panelists:

  • Chelsea Reeves ’16 – Product development engineer at Arthrex, Inc., advancing orthopedic innovation through regenerative medicine and risk management.
  • Alexander Salvador ’18 – Mechanical engineer in Johnson & Johnson Vision’s Graduate Engineer Rotational Program focusing on MedTech product development.

Healthcare & Public Health

Moderator: Matt Wotiz, Bolles Board of Trustees

Panelists:

  • Dr. Corday Dukes ’09 – Clinical pharmacist specializing in chronic disease management and patient education.
  • Anna-Catherine McCrary ’14 – Works in Congressional Affairs at the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Center, supporting legislative priorities and budget activities.

Bolles Innovation Day reflects the School’s commitment to preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. By engaging with alumni mentors, students gain valuable perspective on emerging fields and the importance of adaptability, innovation and lifelong learning. View more Innovation Day pictures in our online photo gallery. Get connected with The J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program here. #BollesInnovates