Local leaders convened to discuss innovation and statewide impact April 22 as the School of Computer and Data Sciences hosted the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) Board of Directors meeting and a Healthtech Networking Reception at the University of Oregon Portland campus.
Special guest Senator Ron Wyden joined companies such as Intel, Amazon, Nike, Microsoft and Providence for the event, which highlighted how industry partnerships prepare students to work and lead in high-demand fields. Sen. Wyden spoke about the critical role of technological progress in the future of health care.
An expansive university, in reach and relevance
The afternoon began with a welcome by TAO President Skip Newberry, followed by a presentation from UO Chief of Staff Jason Kovac.
Kovac offered a virtual walk-through of the newly transformed UO Portland campus, located at the former Concordia University site. Applause from board members broke out at the before and after photos.
Kovac emphasized the significance of having a modern, urban location in one of Oregon’s most innovation-rich regions. With Portland as a vital part of UO’s future, the university can offer new opportunities to engage students and communities beyond Eugene.
SCDS: Where students learn by doing
What does it mean to prepare students for a future defined by technology?
Hank Childs, interim executive director of the School of Computer and Data Sciences, and Reza Rejaie, head of the Computer Science Department, took center stage for a presentation on experiential learning.
From hands-on internships to project-based capstone courses, students are immersed in real-world challenges long before graduation. One powerful example: a data science capstone course in partnership with CAHOOTS, the mobile crisis response team, in which students used data to help improve emergency response systems.
Other experiential opportunities included capstone projects in cooperation with Intel, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and local game studio Pipeworks.
“Through these courses and programs, UO and SCDS are serving as a hub—connecting students with real-world experiences that build their skills, networks and confidence,” said Hank Childs, interim executive director of SCDS. “We believe that complementing our traditional curriculum with hands-on learning is key to preparing students to thrive in their careers.”
Applying skills to problems that matter
Oregon currently has a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, with more than 5,000 unfilled roles statewide. With UO’s fully functional Teaching Security Operations Center and a student-led RISK Clinic conducting live cybersecurity audits for municipalities, the school is providing students with hundreds of hours of real-world experience.
“Doing drives learning. We’ve built our cybersecurity programs around hands-on, foundational experience,” Rejaie said. “Students leave here not just with knowledge, but with confidence, credentials and applied impact.”
SCDS is launching new degree tracks, expanding support for non-traditional and underrepresented students, and even rolling out a new course called “CS110: Vibe Coding.” The syllabus is designed to introduce LLM-powered programming to non-majors in a playful and approachable way.
Whether it’s AI, data justice or cyber defense, the opportunities are plentiful.
Welcoming the next wave of talent
The evening reception brought together industry executives, startup founders, university leaders and members of the community.
In the fast-changing tech world, SCDS is creating inclusive and responsive degree pathways. The new campus extends those opportunities into Portland—connecting students with internships, mentors and jobs in real time.
At a time of breathtaking growth, Ducks are rising to meet the moment.