When hearing the term “artificial intelligence,” most people think of robots, spies and cars that drive themselves. But, according to Dr. Izabella Lokshina, professor and chair of SUNY Oneonta’s Department of Business, the average person is actually much more familiar with the field than they may realize. 

Assistant Professor of Sociology Kirstie Kemmerer is living proof that it’s OK to change directions in life. While earning her bachelor’s in business management, she thought she wanted to be a wedding planner. Now, several years later, she has a Ph.D. and teaches classes that deal with hard-hitting issues such as domestic violence and rural crime.

My ideal job is anything in the theater or media world. I definitely want to look into directing and editing. My biggest dream would probably be working on a TV or movie set, either working behind the scenes or onstage – I love both realms. I want to be in that environment.

The most important lesson for any aspiring songwriter is networking. You might meet someone in college who’s a freshman when you’re a senior, and that might end up being the most talented person you’ve ever met. I have a friend I graduated with who works at Columbia Records now, and we work together. Never count anybody out.

So far my favorite class is Apparel in Today’s Economy with Dr. Portway. She’s amazing, I love her. It’s so fun. We’re working on group projects, which you have to do in the industry. We talk about all of the financial stuff and the climate, and it’s really just so interesting. She starts every single class off with a fashion show, and that’s so fun.

Percussionist Blake Fleming has been featured by the biggest music publications and magazines, wrote “The Book of Rhythm,” and toured the United States and Canada opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in stadiums of 14,000 people. But none of those experiences compare to the feeling he gets while teaching someone how to play the drums.

As a freshman studying Fashion & Textiles at SUNY Oneonta, Mallory Kerman had never owned a pair of Levi’s. Peek into her closet now and you’ll find SIXTY pairs of the classic denim brand.

Garrett Camasi wasn’t able to make it to his freshman orientation at SUNY Oneonta, but he had a very good excuse: He was photographing Asian elephants at a Sri Lankan orphanage with nonprofit Veterinarians International.

SUNY Oneonta Health Educator Rebecca Harrington isn’t afraid to tackle the taboo topics. After all, two of her best-known on-campus initiatives have been the Hump Day Wagon (a weekly, traveling contraceptive giveaway) and Sex & Pizza (an engaging sex education program for incoming freshmen).

Just like Hermia in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” SUNY Oneonta Assistant Professor of Acting, Directing and Movement Kiara Pipino is little, but she is fierce. And her students know that better than anyone.

I want to be an entertainment lawyer, doing copyright and writing contracts for artists and athletes. Not just in the U.S. but internationally. I speak English, Mandarin, Korean and Spanish. So that would be my dream job.

The opportunities I’ve had, especially to travel, I will never forget. The summer after my freshman year, our tennis team went to Portugal, and that was the first time I had been overseas. It was incredible. Being able to see and live in another culture temporarily is so eye-opening.