As ~600 guests entered The Soraya at CSUN on Nov. 6, there was excitement in the air: the 2024 ARCS STEAHM Nexus was beginning.

At 35 research displays, ARCS student Fellows and Associates eagerly shared their work with guests just as eager to learn about the innovation, ingenuity and invention behind each one. Then it was showtime!

The program kicked-off with a rousing musical salute to ARCS from CSUN Theatre Dept students, who also performed a 3-act play themed to AI in healthcare. Later, everyone swayed along as two Spot robot dogs danced in perfect sync. Applause all ‘round!

Guests were inspired by stimulating presentations: a conversation about The Impact of Women in STEAHM, AI & Entrepreneurship, and how AI & tech are revolutionizing waste collection and recycling. (Who knew trash trucks with AI recognize when your banana peel is in the wrong bin?) Then, they were treated to a sneak peek at JPL’s CADRE lunar rovers, launching in 2025. All in all, a wonderful evening!

Want to see what the excitement was all about? Check out the videos below.

Interested in partnering with ARCS? Click the button below – let’s connect!

Image of Dr. Nhut Ho

2024 STEAHM Nexus Highlights

Journey through ARCS STEAHM NEXUS 2024, where the spirit of Da Vinci’s innovative thinking meets modern AI breakthroughs. Experience how today’s visionaries are bridging art, science, and humanity – just as the Renaissance master once did.

2024 STEAHM Nexus Highlights

Journey through ARCS STEAHM NEXUS 2024, where the spirit of Da Vinci’s innovative thinking meets modern AI breakthroughs. Experience how today’s visionaries are bridging art, science, and humanity – just as the Renaissance master once did.

ARCS Musical Showcase: Theatre Meets STEAHM

Experience CSUN Theatre’s vibrant musical celebration of innovation! Watch as performing arts – the “A” in STEAHM – and ARCS collaborate in this show-stopping performance that brings the ARCS mission to life through song and dance.

Lyrics by Jason Lee

One-on-One With Our Speakers

MIT President Emerita Dr. Susan Hockfield On STEAHM Diversity & Global Innovation

Dr. Susan Hockfield, MIT President Emerita, shares groundbreaking insights on STEAHM education, diversity, and solving global challenges. Discover how this pioneering leader is reshaping the future of science and technology through inclusive innovation.

JPL Deputy Director Leslie Livesay Shares Europa Mission & Quantum Breakthroughs

JPL Deputy Director Leslie Livesay reveals groundbreaking developments in quantum sensing technology and the historic Europa Clipper mission. Get insider perspectives on space exploration and advancing diversity in aerospace engineering.

JPL Robotics Engineer
Dr. JP de la Croix On The Future of Human-Machine Teams

Dr. JP de la Croix, JPL Robotics Systems Engineer & CADRE Principal Investigator, unveils groundbreaking developments in human-machine collaboration. Discover how autonomous systems are revolutionizing space exploration and robotics.

Creating AI For Waste Management: Smart Trucks & Sustainability With Michael Hammer,
President – SoCal Area, WM of California

Mike Hammer, President – Southern California Area, Waste Management of California, Inc. reveals how artificial intelligence is transforming the waste industry into a smart, sustainable operation. Discover how AI-enhanced trash collection trucks are revolutionizing environmental solutions.

AI CEO Seyed Sajjadi Talks About The Future Of Tech & STEAHM Diversity

nFlux AI CEO Seyed Sajjadi reveals groundbreaking AI developments and actionable strategies for STEAHM diversity.  Learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping our future and get insider insights on breaking barriers in tech leadership.

Women Leaders In STEAHM: MIT, JPL & Nazarian Family Foundation Pioneers Share Their Journey

An unprecedented gathering of women pioneers: MIT President Emerita Dr. Susan Hockfield, JPL Deputy Director Leslie Livesay, and Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation President Dr. Sharon Nazarian share powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and breaking barriers in STEAHM.

Women Leaders In STEAHM: MIT, JPL & Nazarian Family Foundation Pioneers Share Their Journey

An unprecedented gathering of women pioneers: MIT President Emerita Dr. Susan Hockfield, JPL Deputy Director Leslie Livesay, and Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation President Dr. Sharon Nazarian share powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and breaking barriers in STEAHM.

AI & Entrepreneurship: Leadership Lessons With nFlux AI Founder & CEO Seyed Sajjadi

nFlux AI CEO and Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree Seyed Sajjadi shares his journey from CSUN student to artificial intelligence industry leader. Learn invaluable career insights from this pioneering AI entrepreneur and thought leader.

JPL’s CADRE: Autonomous Robot Teams Transform Lunar Exploration With Dr. JP de la Croix

NASA JPL shares its groundbreaking CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration) mission, revolutionizing lunar exploration through multi-robot autonomy. Lead researcher Dr. JP de la Croix demonstrates how these autonomous rover teams are changing the future of space exploration.

JPL’s CADRE: Autonomous Robot Teams Transform Lunar Exploration With Dr. JP de la Croix

NASA JPL shares its groundbreaking CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration) mission, revolutionizing lunar exploration through multi-robot autonomy. Lead researcher Dr. JP de la Croix demonstrates how these autonomous rover teams are changing the future of space exploration.

AI Revolution In Waste Management: Smart Recycling & Sustainability With Michael Hammer

WM leadership and AI experts reveal how artificial intelligence is transforming recycling and waste sustainability. Join Dr. Nhut Ho and Michael Hammer as they explore the future of smart waste management technology.

ARCS: 2024 Wins & 2025 Roadmap With Founding Director Dr. Nhut Ho

Experience ARCS’ (Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM) groundbreaking achievements in NASA and industry research, student empowerment, and environmental justice. Discover how our convergence research center is transforming underserved and underrepresented students into tomorrow’s space, industry, sustainability, healthcare, and technology leaders.

ARCS: 2024 Wins & 2025 Roadmap With Founding Director Dr. Nhut Ho

Experience ARCS’ (Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM) groundbreaking achievements in NASA and industry research, student empowerment, and environmental justice. Discover how our convergence research center is transforming underserved and underrepresented students into tomorrow’s space, industry, sustainability, healthcare, and technology leaders.

Meet Our 2024 ARCS Angels: Volunteers Leading By Example

Discover how ARCS Angels, our elite volunteer mentors, are shaping the future of space innovation. Industry leaders donate their expertise and time to guide student researchers at the CSUN Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), expanding opportunities in research.

Meet Our 2024 ARCS Angels: Volunteers Leading By Example

Discover how ARCS Angels, our elite volunteer mentors, are shaping the future of space innovation. Industry leaders donate their expertise and time to guide student researchers at the CSUN Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), expanding opportunities in research.

Meet The ARCS Team: Faculty, Students & AI Innovation Leaders

Meet the pioneering team behind ARCS (Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM), where faculty experts converge with student research fellows and associates to advance AI innovation for humanity. Discover how our diverse research community is shaping the future of autonomous systems.

Meet The ARCS Team: Faculty, Students & AI Innovation Leaders

Meet the pioneering team behind ARCS (Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM), where faculty experts converge with student research fellows and associates to advance AI innovation for humanity. Discover how our diverse research community is shaping the future of autonomous systems.

Behind SPOT's Dance Moves: From Code To Choreography

Go behind the scenes with Boston Dynamics’ SPOT robot as CSUN ARCS and Bakersfield College engineers showcase the intersection of computer science and robotics. Watch how our team uses specialized choreography software to bring SPOT’s crowd-pleasing performance to life.

Behind SPOT's Dance Moves: From Code To Choreography

Go behind the scenes with Boston Dynamics’ SPOT robot as CSUN ARCS and Bakersfield College engineers showcase the intersection of computer science and robotics. Watch how our team uses specialized choreography software to bring SPOT’s crowd-pleasing performance to life.

SPOT Robot Dogs: Eight "Paws" of Dancin' Fun!

Watch two Boston Dynamics SPOT robots perform an incredible synchronized dance routine! See how advanced robotics programming creates crowd-pleasing choreography in this viral-worthy performance from CSUN ARCS.

SPOT Robot Dogs: Eight "Paws" of Dancin' Fun!

Watch two Boston Dynamics SPOT robots perform an incredible synchronized dance routine! See how advanced robotics programming creates crowd-pleasing choreography in this viral-worthy performance from CSUN ARCS.

"The AI Healing Village – What We CAN-CAN Do!" Perfomed By The CSUN Theatre Dept

Enjoy a musical theatrical production performed by CSUN’s Theatre Department that highlights ARCS’ collaborative role with innovative AI to transform human narratives and surpass limitations.

INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH ARCS?

Join us in transforming the lives of students and faculty. Your support fuels groundbreaking research projects, internships, and fellowships, launching careers and shaping future leaders. Be a part of the journey!

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Join us in transforming the lives of students and faculty. Your support fuels groundbreaking research projects, internships, and fellowships, launching careers and shaping future leaders. Be a part of the journey!

TESTIMONIALS

“🚀 Congratulations to the California State University, Northridge #ARCS program on a truly impressive event!

The event showcased the very best of convergence research – a transdisciplinary collaborative approach exploring space, science, engineering, arts, humanities and math to address technological and societal needs and challenges.

Several #CSUN student inventions and innovations took center stage along with inspirational speakers from the #STEAHM community…

🙌🏽 Kudos and high fives to Nhut Ho, faculty, staff, business partners, and ARCS Angels! Special recognition to our CSUN Alumni Association Board member Susan Ettinger for her many contributions behind the scenes.”

– Felicia Sison Conlan
Ed.D., CCC-SLP, CSUN Alumni Association President

“I thoroughly enjoyed the ARCS Nexus evening, an amazing display of innovative student research with entertaining multimedia program featuring insightful speakers and exciting performances – especially loved the synchronized dancing autonomous robots!”

– Anu Sood
CEO/Founder of LUV Systems, Inc.
MIT ’85, MSCEP ’87
VP Programs, MIT Club of Southern California

“Excited to share my experience at the ARCS Nexus 2024 event…where cutting-edge discussions on AI, research, and sustainability took center stage.

Keynote speakers…shared transformative perspectives on innovation and the future of technology.

A personal highlight was witnessing incredible AI demonstrations, robotics, and sustainability initiatives, as well as having the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions. Conversations with pioneers like Dr. Susan Hockfield left me deeply inspired and motivated to contribute to meaningful advancements in technology and society.

This event reaffirmed the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. Sharing a few moments from this enriching experience that highlights the incredible energy and inspiration from ARCS Nexus 2024.”

– Yash Pansheriya

MS in CS Student at CSUN | Computer Engineering Graduate | Former Intern at Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics

“Thrilled to Share My Experience at ARCS Nexus 2024! 🌟

I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the ARCS Nexus 2024 event…a platform that brought together visionaries…to explore the exciting intersections of AI, research, and innovation.

Listening to inspiring leaders…was a surreal and unforgettable experience. 🙌 Their insights and words of encouragement have deeply motivated me to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to society. 💡

A special highlight for me was my conversation with Dr. Susan Hockfield. Her words ignited a deeper passion in me to contribute to our society. 💡

At the event, my team and I showcased our project poster, sparking meaningful discussions and receiving invaluable feedback from these industry trailblazers. A heartfelt thank you to ARCS at CSUN , Nhut Ho, Xunfei Jiang, Farshad Ghodoosi for making this incredible experience possible.

This event not only expanded my knowledge but also helped me connect with extraordinary professionals, inspiring fresh research ideas and opening doors for collaboration. 🚀

Let’s continue fostering innovation and driving impactful change together! 🌍”

– Bhumil Kukadiya

Research Fellow at CSUN | Generative AI, Machine Learning, Cloud Infrastructure

“I am thrilled to share my experience representing HOMME lab at the STEAHM Nexus. We presented a poster…based on usage of Augmented Reality to help improve the experience of breast pumping women. …This allowed me to showcase our university’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing real-world challenges in the field…reinforcing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving progress.

I greatly appreciate Seyed Sajjadi 🧠🚀…for sharing his insights on the application of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and the lessons he has learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey. I also want to thank Michael Hammer for discussing the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing truck routing and enhancing fleet efficiency.

…The experience has reinforced my dedication to advancing our research initiatives, leveraging the insights gained at the STEAHM Nexus…to push the boundaries of computing science even further. As we move forward, I’m confident that the knowledge shared and connections made will have a lasting impact on our work and the broader scientific community.”

– Mohith Kanthamneni

C.S. Graduate Student

Special thanks to our sponsors

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Medtronic Logo
California State University, Northridge
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JPL