Welcome & Opening Remarks

Welcome message from Jay Yang, Reisenauer Family Director of the Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology, followed by opening remarks from Katia Passerini, President of Gonzaga University

ZNF16 is a Nucleolar-Associated Protein that Regulates Expression of rDNA and Cancer-Associated Genes

ZNF16 (also known as HZF1 and KOX9) is a multi-C2H2 zinc finger protein first identified via its expression in human T-cells and shown to have a role in blood cell differentiation. ZNF16 was later shown to be ubiquitously expressed in a variety of fetal and adult tissues, suggesting a broader function. In this study, we confirm the ubiquitous expression of ZNF16 in a variety of cancer and non-cancer cell lines and show that ZNF16 depletion reduces cell viability in all cell lines tested. Furthermore, we show that ZNF16 localizes to the nucleolus in a transcription-dependent manner, interacts with the intergenic spacer region of the rDNA and promotes rDNA transcription. Additionally, RNA-sequencing experiments after ZNF16 depletion revealed that ZNF16 also has roles in a variety of pathways including extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, focal adhesions, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, human papillomavirus infection and cancer pathways. These findings are consistent with broader roles for ZNF16, including the regulation of nucleolar function, a process that is essential for all cells, and provide evidence at the cellular/molecular level of its role in the regulation of cancer-associated genes (e.g. NRAS, BIRC3, EGFR)

Finding Purpose in Learned Intelligence

Description: Most leaders are rewarded for thinking fast, deciding quickly, and pushing hard, until that same pattern starts burning out people, trust, and results. The Art of Learned Intelligence introduces a modern leadership model that integrates Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Relational Intelligence (RQ), and Strategic Intelligence (SQ) in real time. In this session, leaders will learn how to read themselves accurately, design stronger relationships, and make cleaner decisions under pressure, so they can lead with clarity, courage, sustainable impact, and purpose. Speaker Bio: Cara-Lyn Giovanniello ( CLG ) is a strategic partner specializing in empowering startups and high-growth companies to unlock their potential, scale effectively, and build resilient, values-driven cultures. With a background in leadership development roles at companies like UC Berkeley, Nextdoor and Block, she brings deep expertise in team dynamics, change management, and culture refinement. She has partnered with some of the most innovative companies in the world - Google, LinkedIn, Plaid, Microsoft, Whatnot, CashApp, and Square - supporting founders and leadership teams to navigate rapid growth, align on purpose-driven strategies, and foster exceptional team dynamics that fuel long-term success. She serves excellence an executive coach, offsite magician, and leadership facilitator

Off and Out

Description: Turn Your Phone OFF and Get OUT” is a public health initiative I developed in Spring 2025 in partnership with the Spokane Regional Health District to reduce screen time among Spokane Public Schools youth. The program increases equitable access to outdoor recreation by using underutilized Gonzaga Outdoors equipment, RFC resources, and Gonzaga property during the summer. By removing barriers to transportation and gear access, the project models purpose-driven leadership through community partnerships, shared resources, and authentic connections between Gonzaga students and Spokane youth. I will introduce resources such as the Mayo Clinic that offer fun, accessible outdoor activities for folks of all backgrounds, providing a foundation for how important and well-researched this topic of turning phones off and getting outside is. Following that I will introduce my work with GU outdoors, CCE, and the insurance office that aims to use GU equipment to remove barriers for Spokane students to get outside

Professions, Professional Development and Leadership

Theme 3: Work and the Workforce Moderated by: Dave Reisenauer (IIAT Advisory Council

Faith and Spirituality in the Age of AI

Theme 1: Meaning & Identity Moderated by: Dr. Anthony Fisher (Gonzaga University

Giving a Voice to Our Stolen Sisters

Description: This session examines the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the United States as a systemic human rights issue rooted in colonial legal structures, data failures, and institutional neglect. It highlights how fragmented federal databases, jurisdictional barriers, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the underreporting and delayed investigation of cases. Through case studies and community responses, this research demonstrates the urgent need to strengthen tribal sovereignty, invest in Indigenous-led safety systems, and indigenize public and institutional spaces. Addressing MMIW requires centering Indigenous voices, improving data accountability, and supporting cultural, legal, and community-based solutions to prevent further violence. Speaker Bio: Ms. Ayon is from Los Angeles, representing her heritage, Pascua Yaqui and Mexican. She is attending GU’s School of Business and Minoring in Native American Studies. She works on campus, is the VP of Programming of the AAF Gonzaga Marketing Club, and is active in the Native American Student Union

AI, Law and Policy

This workshop will provide an overview of U.S. innovation law and policy, focusing on the ways in which the law promotes or stifles AI development and deployment. It will also examine how AI is changing risk allocation and liability and what these changes mean for businesses and workers. Lastly, it will look at the interplay of enacted law and regulation with less formal norms that can serve as mechanisms for fostering responsible use of AI across multiple sectors. The speaker for this workshop is Agnieszka McPeak, the Frederick N. & Barbara T. Curley Professor of Commercial Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Program Innovation at Gonzaga Law. Register for this event as a part of conference registration