Written with help from ChatGPT
Celebrating Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 CIS Sandbox Summit at Bentley University
On April 16, 2025, Bentley University was abuzz with excitement as students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals gathered for the annual CIS Sandbox Summit — an evening dedicated to showcasing student innovation in computing, analytics, and technology.
This year’s Summit featured a packed lineup of student presentations, each highlighting cutting-edge applications of data science, machine learning, and information systems. From optimizing GPA calculations in JavaScript to exploring AI’s role in grading mathematical proofs, every project demonstrated the incredible talent and forward-thinking approach of Bentley’s tech-savvy students.
🏆 And the Winners Are…
Among the standout presentations, three exceptional students rose to the top and were recognized as the winners of this year’s Summit:
🥇 Adeliya Serikkhanova (BS, Finance and Technology, ‘27)
Adeliya took home first place with her impressive project on neural network technologies for identifying objects in images of topological integrated circuit layers. Her presentation blended advanced machine learning with a practical application in semiconductor analysis — a powerful example of how AI can drive innovation in engineering and design.
🥈 Tuan Anh (Ben) Vu (MS Business Analytics, ‘25)
Ben earned second place for his project, A Machine Learning Approach to Personalized University Recommendations. Tackling one of the most stressful decisions in a student’s life, Ben built an intelligent system to guide prospective students toward universities that align with their unique preferences, leveraging data analytics to personalize higher education.
🥉 Jesus Bautista Lopez (BS Management Information Systems, ‘25)
In third place, Jesus delivered a compelling and relatable presentation titled Locked In: Staying Productive. His talk explored strategies for maintaining productivity in today’s digitally distracted world, using both personal experience and research-backed insights — a topic that clearly resonated with attendees.
👩⚖️ Judging the Future of Tech
This year’s judging panel included top professionals from the tech and business worlds:
Brian Shield, CTO of the Boston Red Sox
Emily Kelleher, Principal Data Engineer at Fidelity
Brian Bozzuto, Director of Agile & Process Excellence at Wolters Kluwer
Their combined expertise helped guide the selection of the winners and offered valuable feedback to all participants.
🙌 Powered by Community
In addition to the presenters and judges, the Summit was supported by a stellar team of CIS Sandbox tutors, alumni panelists, and volunteers. Special thanks to Mrs. Joyce Fredkin, whose generous gift continues to enhance student initiatives like the Summit.
The evening wrapped up with dessert, networking, and a sense of inspiration — a celebration not just of the winners, but of the entire community that makes the CIS Sandbox a cornerstone of innovation at Bentley.
Written with help from ChatGPT
Celebrating Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 CIS Sandbox Summit at Bentley University
On April 16, 2025, Bentley University was abuzz with excitement as students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals gathered for the annual CIS Sandbox Summit — an evening dedicated to showcasing student innovation in computing, analytics, and technology.
This year’s Summit featured a packed lineup of student presentations, each highlighting cutting-edge applications of data science, machine learning, and information systems. From optimizing GPA calculations in JavaScript to exploring AI’s role in grading mathematical proofs, every project demonstrated the incredible talent and forward-thinking approach of Bentley’s tech-savvy students.
🏆 And the Winners Are…
Among the standout presentations, three exceptional students rose to the top and were recognized as the winners of this year’s Summit:
🥇 Adeliya Serikkhanova (BS, Finance and Technology, ‘27)
Adeliya took home first place with her impressive project on neural network technologies for identifying objects in images of topological integrated circuit layers. Her presentation blended advanced machine learning with a practical application in semiconductor analysis — a powerful example of how AI can drive innovation in engineering and design.
🥈 Tuan Anh (Ben) Vu (MS Business Analytics, ‘25)
Ben earned second place for his project, A Machine Learning Approach to Personalized University Recommendations. Tackling one of the most stressful decisions in a student’s life, Ben built an intelligent system to guide prospective students toward universities that align with their unique preferences, leveraging data analytics to personalize higher education.
🥉 Jesus Bautista Lopez (BS Management Information Systems, ‘25)
In third place, Jesus delivered a compelling and relatable presentation titled Locked In: Staying Productive. His talk explored strategies for maintaining productivity in today’s digitally distracted world, using both personal experience and research-backed insights — a topic that clearly resonated with attendees.
👩⚖️ Judging the Future of Tech
This year’s judging panel included top professionals from the tech and business worlds:
-
Brian Shield, CTO of the Boston Red Sox
-
Emily Kelleher, Principal Data Engineer at Fidelity
-
Brian Bozzuto, Director of Agile & Process Excellence at Wolters Kluwer
Their combined expertise helped guide the selection of the winners and offered valuable feedback to all participants.
🙌 Powered by Community
In addition to the presenters and judges, the Summit was supported by a stellar team of CIS Sandbox tutors, alumni panelists, and volunteers. Special thanks to Mrs. Joyce Fredkin, whose generous gift continues to enhance student initiatives like the Summit.
The evening wrapped up with dessert, networking, and a sense of inspiration — a celebration not just of the winners, but of the entire community that makes the CIS Sandbox a cornerstone of innovation at Bentley.
