Steven Hausman

Technology sometimes has the reputation of being complicated and arcane and, while it may provide us with conveniences like smartphones and computers, does little to enhance our underlying quality of life. That is far from the truth. Using graphics, videos and easily understandable language I profile examples of all the good that technology can accomplish in our society including, for example, the use of nanotechnology to treat cancer, 3D printing to create low cost artificial limbs for children so that a little boy born without an arm can enjoy life again, how a ballroom dancer who lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombing can dance once again using a bionic limb and how (using my own finger as an example) regenerative medicine can be used to restore a partially amputated finger tip.

3D printing is a manufacturing process that involves adding materials to create the desired finished product. This is in contrast to traditional methods of manufacturing that are "subtractive" and involve drilling, cutting and the like. 3D printing is applicable not only to inanimate objects but can also be used to create living structures like organs.

It seems like every day the news is filled with stories about computer crime and hacking which affects our financial institutions, banks, small businesses, large corporations, hospitals, retail stores and threatens to steal our own identity. Cybersecurity refers to the practice of defending computers, networks and data from malicious attacks. This presentation discusses many aspects of cybersecurity and information assurance (that is, making sure that information and data are always available, protected and accurate), including viruses, phishing, social engineering, identity theft and personal privacy. We will also discuss passwords, encryption, malware, threats to the Internet of Things and physical security and provide tips on how to protect yourself and your computers from these threats. This presentation can be customized to also include an in-depth review of security issues related to the health care, retail and manufacturing industries as well as the financial sector.