Monthly Archives

March 2026

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Excel and Copilot

In this session, participants explore how Copilot integrates with Excel and how it can support common data, analysis, and reporting workflows. Attendees learn how to use natural‑language prompts to generate and explain formulas, summarize and visualize  data, identify trends and outliers, and accelerate routine spreadsheet tasks. The session emphasizes practical, real‑world examples and reusable prompt patterns that help participants work more efficiently in Excel while maintaining transparency and control  over their data and results.

Francesca Joyce
In GenAI, Smeal Academy Sessions, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Copilot and Word

In this session, participants explore where Copilot appears in Outlook and how it supports common email and calendar workflows. Attendees learn how to refine and coach email drafts, use reusable prompt patterns, and leverage Copilot to support scheduling, follow‑ups, and meeting agenda creation. The session focuses on practical, everyday ways to use Copilot confidently to improve communication and move work forward.

Michael Christie
In Smeal Academy Newsletter

Smeal Academy Newsletter: March 2026

The Future of Business, Powered by AI

MAR
19

The Dan & Robyn Ives AI Innovation Day & Case Competition is Here! Register Today!

On Thursday, March 19th, The Dan and Robyn Ives AI Innovation Day & Case Competition will bring together students, faculty, staff, and industry leaders to explore the transformative impact of Generative AI in business education and beyond. This event will offer keynote addresses, interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and an undergraduate case competition where student teams share pitches for their AI-driven solutions to a real-world business case. We hope to see you there! 

Event Schedule

Event Schedule
Item Time Location

Welcome and Opening

Corey Phelps
John and Karen Arnold Dean, Smeal College of Business
 10:15am Atrium

Speaker Session 1

Daniel Ives
Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities, and Smeal Alumnus
 10:30am Atrium

Speaker Session 2

David Steinberg
CEO of Zeta Global
 11:05am Atrium

Speaker Session 3

Carolyn Mulhern
Executive Vice President of Manufacturing at Palantir, and Smeal Alumna
 11:40am Atrium

Lunch

 12:15pm Atrium

Speaker Session 4

Amit Kukreja
YouTube personality behind Amit Investing
 12:35pm Atrium
(via Zoom)

Speaker Session 5

Mike Rollings
Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
 12:55pm Atrium

Women in AI Panel

Jess Awtrey
Senior VP Sales, BoodleBox
Tawnya Means
Founding Partner & Principal at Inspire HigherEd
Sally Munter
Senior Sales Leader at Gartner
Carolyn Mulhern
Executive Vice President of Manufacturing at Palantir, and Smeal Alumna
Amanda Showers
Enterprise Account Executive at Gartner
 1:30pm Atrium

Speaker Session 6

France Hoang
Founder & CEO, BoodleBox
 2:15pm Atrium

Speaker Session 7

Raymond Kusch
CEO and Founder, American Inference
 3:00pm Room 110

Case Competition

 3:30pm Room 110

Networking and AI Showcase

Join us for refreshments and networking while exploring innovative AI projects from Smeal faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students. Browse the showcase, connect with presenters, and learn how AI is being applied across business education and research.

 5:00pm Atrium

Upcoming Smeal Academy Sessions

MAR
24

Smeal AI@Work- Excel and Copilot (Beginner)

Tuesday, March 24, 2-3pm

September 16th Session Recording

Level: Beginner

In this session, participants will explore how Copilot integrates with Excel and how it can support common data, analysis, and reporting workflows. Attendees will learn how to use natural‑language prompts to generate and explain formulas, summarize and visualize data, identify trends and outliers, and accelerate routine spreadsheet tasks. The session emphasizes practical, real‑world examples and reusable prompt patterns that help participants work more efficiently in Excel while maintaining transparency and control over their data and results.​

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Francesca Joyce
In EdTech Tools & Course Delivery, GenAI, SmealAI@Work

Smeal AI@Work: Powerpoint and Copilot: Power Prompts

PowerPoint and Copilot: Power Prompts is a beginner‑friendly session in the Smeal AI@Work Series that introduces participants to writing effective prompts with Microsoft Copilot and PowerPoint. Attendees learn how better prompts can help them draft content, build presentations, and organize ideas more efficiently in PowerPoint. The session is hands‑on, practical, and designed to help you get immediate value from generative AI at work.​

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