The celebration began with a virtual keynote by Dr. Teodor Mitew (University of Sydney). Dr. Mitew explored the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on artificial intelligence, emerging pedagogies and the future of teaching and learning. The keynote speaker was supported through the Genteels Fund, established in honor of Ron Gentile, whose legacy continues to support innovation in teaching and learning at UB.

Following the keynote, attendees gathered for remarks from University and CATT leadership before continuing to the Davis Hall Atrium for an interactive poster-based open house featuring New Faculty Academy participants, AI Community of Practice Fellows and Unit Accessibility Liaisons. The session showcased innovative projects, collaborative efforts and emerging practices from across the university community.

Thank you to everyone who participated in and contributed to this year’s Innovation Celebration. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on this work in the years ahead.

Dr. Teodor Mitew’s work examines how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping teaching practice and faculty roles in higher education. His research explores the impact of distributed and machinic systems on learning environments, with a focus on how AI is influencing instructional design, classroom dynamics and the future of academic work.

Dr. Mitew is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media at the University of Sydney. He holds a PhD in Internet Studies from Curtin University and an MA in the Philosophy of History from the Jagiellonian University.