Meet the Team

Assistant Director

The Assistant Director helps manage the day-to-day operations of the Innovation Center, generates ideas for new initiatives, coordinates with university and external partners, and works on research and development projects.

Christopher J. Sciortino

Chris Sciortino is a graduate student in Computer Science focusing on software engineering. Among his specialties at the center are designing and presenting interactive workshops at the center in artificial intelligence and game design.

Digital Media Strategist

The Digital Media Specialist develops and maintains a dynamic digital presence that highlights the Center’s activities, initiatives, and community impact. Working collaboratively with Innovation Center staff, the Digital Media Strategist creates and curates digital content, maintains a consistent visual and messaging style across platforms, and helps translate the Center’s work into compelling and accessible online communications.

Miriam (Myra) Shamsiev

Myra is a Computer Science major in the Software Engineering track, pursuing a combined 4+1 BS/MS program in Computer Science with a minor in Graphic Design. At the Innovation Center, Myra specializes in accessible web design and manages social media initiatives.

Research Associates

Research Associates work on research and development projects, assist with creating technology exhibits, give presentations, and run workshops.

Michael Autorino

Michael Autorino is a software engineer and adjunct professor who earned a BS in Computer Science from Adelphi University and an MS in Computer Science from Hofstra University. Michael has previously worked on projects in software and game development. His current interests are in artificial intelligence, mixed reality, finance and information technology. Michael is currently interested in the applications of artificial intelligence and is working on making them more accessible to large audiences.

Faith Mock

Faith Mock is an adjunct professor and teaches courses in both mathematics and computer science. She earned her MA in Education with a middle school extension and BA in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science, both from Adelphi University. Faith is currently interested in the mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence and making these ideas accessible to students of all ages.

Innovation Ambassadors

Innovation Ambassadors are the first point of contact for visitors to the Innovation Center and play a key role in the daily operations of the center. They assist with developing and running technology demonstrations, provide support for student use of technology in the Center (such as 3D printers and VR headsets), respond to general student questions and direct to the appropriate office/unit, and set up the center for special events such as presentations and workshops.

Tori Delahoz

• Year: Senior
• Major: Mathematics
• Interests: art, drawing, writing, tabletop RPG games, philosophy, and reading
• Center Specialty: designing and developing customized digital models of 3D objects

Paulette Leune

• Year: Junior
• Major: Cognitive Neuroscience
• Minor: Biology
• Interests: Disability theory, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Sewing (especially by hand), knitting, Star Wars cosplay, dabbler in a wide range of skills, including 3D printing and historical clothing
• Center Specialty: 3D printing

Mars Mahinay

• Year: Sophomore
• Major: Nursing
• Interests: drawing, crafting, fiber arts, tabletop RPG
• Center Specialty: designing flyers, posters, and social media graphics for the center

Afra Masud

• Year: Sophomore
• Major: Sociology
• Minor: Clinical Psychology
• Interests: Writing, reading, voice acting, religion, and storytelling
• Center Specialty: Providing feedback on creative writing and social science-related topics.

Emino Plioutas

• Year: Sophomore
• Major: English (Creative Writing)
• Interests: art, drawing, writing, knitting, puzzles, anime, mythology and folklore, reading, role playing games, and cosplay
• Center Specialty: Providing feedback on creative writing and other humanities-related topics.