Tag: 3BL

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, to date.

Hi! I’m Dannie. I joined GoDaddy in 2021 as a Machine Learning Scientist, where I currently support the Experimentation Platform, Hivemind. Hivemind empowers teams across the company to run, analyze, and learn from controlled experiments, helping GoDaddy deliver better customer experiences through data-driven decision-making.

What sparked your interest in machine learning?

My interest in machine learning—and more broadly, statistical techniques—comes from the ability to uncover patterns and insights that people can’t easily see, especially when working with large-scale datasets. I particularly enjoy those moments when the results are counterintuitive, because that’s when analysis or modeling reveals something truly meaningful and unexpected.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing that you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Working on Hivemind has been both challenging and rewarding. The platform must balance scalability, reliability, and scientific rigor, ensuring that experiments provide trustworthy results.

Knowing that the work we do helps product teams make better decisions and directly impacts millions of customers makes the challenges worthwhile.

What trends or developments in ML are you most excited about right now?

I’m especially excited about the rapid progress in generative AI, including advancements in image and video editing technologies. These innovations are unlocking new ways to create, communicate, and personalize experiences, and I’m eager to see how they will shape the future.

How has GoDaddy supported your personal growth and learning initiatives?

GoDaddy has been very supportive of my personal growth. I’ve had the chance to attend industry conferences, talks, and other learning opportunities, as well as explore books and resources that inspire me and keep me up to date with the latest trends. That encouragement has been invaluable in continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love singing, traveling—especially to beach destinations—trying new foods, and spending time with my three-year-old labradoodle. He’s super cute, energetic, and full of personality—though he has the funny habit of barking at other dogs when he’s on a leash, even though he plays well with them off-leash. One of my favorite ways to unwind is going on walks with him and my husband; it’s a simple joy that keeps us all active and happy.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Lenovo has further enhanced its sustainability efforts through a new collaboration with the IT carbon data platform, Rejoose. Lenovo is the first global IT hardware vendor to establish a structured partnership with Rejoose, enabling direct ingestion of product-level carbon emissions data across its portfolio. By sharing this information with customers and partners, Lenovo enables more transparent, data-driven procurement decisions that support an organization’s net-zero goals with greater accuracy.

As the foremost aggregated source of validated IT carbon data, Rejoose is leading the charge in transforming carbon reporting accuracy.

Through direct data exchange, Lenovo’s emission data is now syndicated via Rejoose’s platform, automatically improving accuracy and delivery speed for end-users, channel partners, and vendors. For customers, the result is faster access to reliable data at the point of purchase, supporting both financial and environmental decision-making, while also reducing the pressure on year-end audits. The collaboration will help to support companies moving toward net-zero by supplying clear carbon impact data at the point of purchase, a key market demand.

This cooperation also strengthens Lenovo’s position as a vendor committed to measurable climate action, while reinforcing Rejoose’s role in accelerating the IT industry’s shift toward integrated carbon reporting. By joining forces, this now takes Rejoose’s direct data coverage of all tech products from 3% to 11%, reducing reliance on manual research and AI estimation while streamlining access to verified environmental impact data.

“Transparency is key to driving meaningful climate action.” said Virginie Le Barbu, Global Sustainability Director, International Markets, Lenovo. “By partnering with Rejoose, we’re equipping our customers with the carbon insights they need to accelerate their journey toward net-zero.”

Matthew Ruskin, Chief Commercial Officer of Rejoose said, “This collaboration reflects Lenovo’s continued leadership in addressing climate challenges through data transparency. By automating access to validated carbon data, we’re helping organisations make smarter purchasing decisions, whether that’s reducing carbon cost, improving their environmental credentials, or aligning IT procurement with broader business transformation goals.”

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

The 2025 goIT Student Challenges at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon encouraged students to design concepts for apps that improve health and wellbeing. In the days leading up to each race, teams of local K-12 students presented their digital innovations and business plans, demonstrating how their ideas could create pathways to better health. In addition to receiving certificates and other accolades, the winning teams had the privilege of being finish-line VIPs, greeting and celebrating winners of specific races at the two premier running events.

At the goIT Student Challenge in Toronto, three sixth grade students from Grenoble Public School won with a proposed app called “Healthy Habits” that is designed to help people quit smoking through proven strategies and gamification support for encouraging healthy behavior. Along with three other teams, Emma, Houssam, and Muhammad Eisa pitched their winning idea to judges, all volunteers from TCS and the Canadian business and nonprofit communities. They were selected among 116 student entrants as the top innovators in the competition.

In New York City, three middle school teams presented to judges from the TCS New York City Marathon Pavillion stage. Along with the presenters’ teachers, fellow students, and participating runners from TCS, judges from New York Road Runners and locally headquartered businesses listened to each group’s pitches, marveled at the global citizenship and ingenuity they witnessed, and picked a winner.

The winner team members, AJ, Colin, Greyson, Lucas, Mason and Matthew, were fifth graders from Bretton Woods Elementary School. Their winning app concept, “Don’t Be Dangerous,” addressed public health, infectious disease and air and water quality.

“What surprised me about the student presentations were the charisma they displayed and just how polished they were,” said Michael Wang, a volunteer judge at the New York City event. “Anybody would be impressed with the energy these young people gave to creating and solving these really big, real-world problems.” 

The events, and the global goIT Monthly Challenges for October and November, sought to engage youth in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address improved health for all, and which can help create a stronger future for children. In doing so, goIT affirmed young people as global citizens and creators, while expanding their career readiness and innovation skills.

To learn more about goIT, visit https://tcsempowers.tcsapps.com/amer/goIT. To learn more about TCS’ marathon sponsorships in North America, visit https://www.tcs.com/who-we-are/sports-sponsorships/running.

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) is a digital transformation and technology partner of choice for industry-leading organizations worldwide. Since its inception in 1968, TCS has upheld the highest standards of innovation, engineering excellence and customer service.

Rooted in the heritage of the Tata Group, TCS is focused on creating long term value for its clients, its investors, its employees, and the community at large. With a highly skilled workforce of over 590,000 employees spread over 55 countries and 202 service delivery centers across the world, the company has been recognized as a top employer in six continents. With the ability to rapidly apply and scale new technologies, the company has built long term partnerships with its clients – helping them emerge as perpetually adaptive enterprises. Many of these relationships have endured into decades and navigated every technology cycle, from mainframes in the 1970s to Artificial Intelligence today.

TCS sponsors 14 of the world’s most prestigious marathons and endurance events, including the TCS New York City Marathon, TCS London Marathon and TCS Sydney Marathon with a focus on promoting health, sustainability, and community empowerment.

TCS generated consolidated revenues of over US $30 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

Follow TCS on LinkedIn| Instagram | YouTube| X

###

Representatives from the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and Tull Charitable Foundation recently visited the Green Team of English Avenue (GTOEA) representing all of the Georgia-focused foundations that fund the Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grants program.

They met with GTOEA founder, Annie Moore, her grant co-applicants from Carinalis Consulting and Research, and Climate Consortium of the Commons, as well as GTOEA’s Community Advisory Council, representing Atlanta’s English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods.

GTOEA is an Atlanta-based coalition of resident leaders, community park ambassadors and green space advocates dedicated to improving, monitoring and maintaining the green infrastructure in three city parks. GTOEA empowers residents to act as stewards of their environment and fosters a sense of ownership and community pride by addressing longstanding environmental challenges. Their motto is “of the community and for the community.”

GTOEA and their co-applicants received a two year, $200,000 Drawdown Georgia Grant for 2025-26. The grant provides funding for the Westside Passive Cooling Tree Equity Partnership and Project (WPCTEP). The WPCTEP seeks to apply two Drawdown Georgia solutions, Tree Planting and Energy Efficiency, in a unique community driven model that addresses the impact of tree removal on the energy efficiency of residential buildings within the Westside Lead Superfund Site.

The WPCTEP is using its Drawdown Georgia Grant to address inequitable outcomes that have occurred through the EPA’s removal of legacy lead waste from the soil. The existing lead is a byproduct of the steel industry that once operated in the area. To date, much of the tree cover that once existed in English Avenue and Vine City has been removed, along with truckloads of topsoil.

The trees and topsoil have been removed without community input, and fill-in material has been “dirt,” not soil. As a result, replacement trees cannot be planted, because they will not survive. Common spaces and yards have been destroyed, and additional health concerns related to heat illness have emerged in addition to concerns about lead poisoning.

When the testing and remediation began, the threshold for lead contamination requiring remediation was greater than 200 parts per million (ppm); however, EPA has since raised the threshold to greater than 400 ppm, therefore relaxing the standard for the lead abatement and leaving many homes with lead exposure unaddressed.

Blood tests on children in English Avenue and Vine City have already confirmed the presence of lead exceeding the CDC’s blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL).

The deforestation in English Avenue and Vine City has resulted in a sharp increase in urban heat concentrations, thereby driving up power bills in homes that are already energy burdened, and the concern for resident health continues to increase.

Heat related deaths kill more people in the U.S. than any other type of extreme weather event according the World Meteorological Organization Report.

Since 1999, people aged 65+ have been several times more likely to die from heat-related cardiovascular disease than the general population, while non-Hispanic Black people generally have had higher-than-average rates, according to the EPA’s report entitled “Climate Change Indicators: Heat-Related Deaths.” See Figure 2.

The WPCTEP aims to leverage the power of community and their grant to:

• Assess the impact of trees removed within the Westside Lead Site on residential energy efficiency and thermal comfort in residences using wireless connected real-time meters that residents will volunteer to wear as they go about their daily activities, inside and outside
• Co-design passive cooling tree planting strategies based on data collected from the meters

• Demonstrate tree planting strategies as an effective cooling strategy to address energy burdens, which exceed 18% on average.

  NOTE: Energy burden is defined as the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs. It is calculated by dividing the average housing energy cost by the average annual household income. A household with 6% or greater energy burden is considered to be a high energy burden household – U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov

• Create pathways to continue engagement and interaction with land and forest stewards
• Create a replicable plan where other communities with Superfund sites can follow their lead
• Expand the purpose of the WPCTEP and GTOEA to address other key environmental justice issues such as flooding, using nature-based strategies

The Drawdown Georgia grant to GTOEA was funded by a collaborative of foundations with roots in Georgia. Funders for this project include: The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, Reilly Family Fund, Tull Charitable Foundation, Ghanta Family Foundation and Atticus Fund.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

When 54,000 runners took off at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, one of them was running on more than just training and adrenaline. Sabik Cohran, a Footwear Sales Lead at DICK’S Sporting Goods in Schaumburg, Illinois, had only been running for a year. But Sabik was running on grit.

Born without ankle or shin bones, Sabik had both legs amputated at just four years old. That didn’t slow him down though. In fact, it did the opposite. Growing up, he played football, basketball, lacrosse and wrestled. Movement was never a limitation. It was freedom.

What he had, for most of his training, were prosthetics padded with polyfill (stuffing material used in pillows), not built for long distances. His knees would bleed. His legs were raw. But he kept going. Early mornings. Late nights. Mile after mile. Eventually, he was fitted with proper running blades and treads, but the mindset stuck: improvise, adapt, move forward. Every painful step was part of something bigger.

“Those first 100 miles showed me I didn’t want to stop. That wasn’t the end, it was the beginning,” said Sabik.

During training, Sabik met Jo Dearman, Nike EKIN, who works with local retail teams. He told her he wished he could run in the same shoes he sells every day at DICK’S.

That conversation stuck.

Through Nike’s adaptive program, Jo helped him get performance treads, the same ones used by para-athletes in international competitions. The pair Sabik received were extras from the 2024 Paris Olympics, specially designed to attach to running blades. Sabik is saving those treads for when he needs to replace his current pair.

“They didn’t just send gear,” Sabik said. “They sent belief.”

By fall 2025, Sabik had gone from new runner to marathon finisher, crossing the line in 3:56:18.

“When he came around mile 20, the crowd just erupted,” Jo recalled. “He looked like he’d won the Super Bowl. His arms were out. He was smiling. It was electric.”

But for Sabik, it wasn’t about the time. It was about proving to himself what was possible, and showing others, too.

At DICK’S, Sabik is just as much a force on the floor as he was on the marathon course. He mentors new teammates, motivates everyone around him and brings the same grit to every shift.

“Sabik is a great asset to our team here at Schaumburg,” said Chris Figgins, Executive Director, DICK’S House of Sport. “We are in awe of his grit, determination and his sheer desire to accomplish his goals. Sabik is so passionate about his running journey, and he shares that same knowledge and enthusiasm with our teammates and athletes. Sabik inspires us to push ourselves every day and proves that when you put your mind to something, you can accomplish it.”

Now, Sabik’s setting his sights on the American record for double amputees in the marathon, a goal he’s chasing within the next five years. He’s also growing his social media presence to inspire other adaptive athletes, sharing his training, gear tips and day-to-day life with prosthetics.

His message?

“The bad days always end. Just keep moving forward.”

You can follow Sabik’s journey on Instagram and TikTok.

Written by Rebecca Hoolahan.

 

CLEVELAND, November 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Consumers are embracing a rewritten definition of financial success built on resilience, according to KeyBank’s annual Financial Mobility Survey, released today. The survey found that consumers are recalibrating their approach to money management to prioritize debt-free living over milestone chasing. In particular, approximately 3 in 4 (74%) Americans agree that debt-free living is an important milestone in their definition of financial success.

KeyBank also found that — even as 68% of Americans feel financial stress, up from 50% in 2024 — many are turning that pressure into purpose and building resilience for the long term. In fact, 1 in 3 (35%) Americans feel in control or proud of how they manage their money.

The KeyBank Financial Mobility Survey polled more than 1,000 Americans to gain insights into respondents’ spending and savings habits, levels of financial confidence, stress, resiliency, economic sentiment, and the impacts of debt.

Highlights include:

• Americans’ emergency readiness drops as costs climb: Over the past six years, day-to-day price increases and financial stress have eroded Americans’ confidence in their ability to cover an unexpected $2,000 expense. Today, one in four (25%) Americans are certain they cannot come up with $2,000 if an unexpected need arises compared to 19% in 2024. The most affected generation is Gen X, with 36% saying they could not come up with the money.
   
• Traditional milestones have taken a back seat … for now: 53% of consumers say that paying for experiences or a certain lifestyle was less of a priority than one year ago, and 39% said both buying a home and getting married were less of a priority than one year ago. Still, more than half (55%) consider homeownership a “very important” part of their definition of success.
   
• The feeling of success has decreased: Only 39% of Americans report feeling more financially successful than they did five years ago. For those who felt less successful (22%), it was due to the rising cost of living and inflation (71%), economic uncertainty (45%), and job changes or career burnout (26%). 
   
• Younger generations are living on their own terms: Gen Z is rewriting the definition of success, with just 13% saying they’re still pursuing traditional milestones. Additionally, 33% of Gen Zers say they have decided against buying a home, 33% have decided against getting married, 34% have decided against having children, and 34% have decided against pursuing a higher education because it no longer fits their definition of success.
   
• The kids are alright; the grandparents are not: 28% of Gen Zers say that their current approach to money is, “I’ll figure it out,” more than any other generation. On the flip side, 16% of Gen Xers say, “I need a financial miracle,” which is the highest of any generation.

“The financial landscape for Americans is shifting in profound ways,” said Daniel Brown, EVP & Director, Consumer Product Management at KeyBank. “It’s showing that the measure of success is not wealth alone, but also the ability to live debt free and prepare for what’s ahead. As consumers face rising financial stress, our role as a trusted partner is to help clients navigate uncertainty, uncover new possibilities, and move forward with clarity and confidence.”

Valuing Resilience over Riches

The rising cost of living and increased price of everyday items are putting a strain on wallets across households in America.

• Americans are most concerned about day-to-day expenses like groceries (55%), housing costs (35%), and credit card debt (26%). 
   
• Cost increases have led 49% of consumers to switch to less expensive brands or services and 41% to reduce subscriptions or memberships. 
   
• Even with daily and weekly trade-offs, savings are shrinking year over year – 66% of consumers say they have less money in their savings account this year compared to last.
   
• As rising expenses reshape household budgets, many Americans are cutting back where they can – 58% are spending less and 40% are saving less compared to previous years.

Using BNPL for Near-term Relief

For some, however, pulling back isn’t enough. To help sustain their desired lifestyle, many are increasingly relying on financial floats, like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), that blur the line between control and strain.

• More than half (58%) of Americans say they are using BNPL programs, but particularly younger generations such as Gen Z (79%) and Millennials (68%).
• BNPL users report having a slightly less negative personal financial outlook (49%) than non BNPL users (58%).
• In fact, only 10% of BNPL users cite BNPL payments as a top three financial concern.

Yet even as these tools offer short-term flexibility, nearly three in four (73%) BNPL users still report feeling financially stressed, underscoring the tension between near-term choice and long-term planning.

“For many Americans, rising costs aren’t just numbers on a reciept; they represent difficult choices that shape everyday life,” said Brown. “Whether it’s prioritizing debt reduction or using new financial tools, people are looking for ways to stay in control while navigating an uncertain environment. We know that every financial journey is personal, and our role is to help clients find practical, meaningful steps that fit their circumstances and help them move forward on their financial journeys.”

To learn more about the survey’s findings, visit the KeyBank 2026 Financial Mobility Survey Executive Summary.

Access KeyBank’s financial wellness online resources, including the Financial Wellness Center’s Banking 101 curriculum, or meet with a local banker to complete a Key Financial Wellness Review for a more financially confident future.

Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research in July 2025, polling 1,004 Americans, ages 18-70. All respondents have sole or shared responsibility for household financial decisions and maintain a checking or savings account. The survey examined respondents’ spending and savings habits, levels of financial confidence, stress and resiliency factors, economic sentiment, and debt impacts.

About KeyCorp
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at September 30, 2025. 

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

CFMA #251103-3705828

###

 

 

Published by Action Against Hunger. 

Contact:

Meredith Whitefield 

mwhitefield@actionagainsthunger.org

(917) 771-0519

November 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Almost a year since a ceasefire was agreed, many farmers in Southern Lebanon are still denied access to their land due to displacement, ongoing Israeli attacks, and soil contamination, a joint report released today by Action Against Hunger, Oxfam, and Insecurity Insight has found.

The impacts of the war coupled with almost daily attacks and occupation have wiped out farmland and destroyed crops and essential food infrastructure, threatening the food security and livelihoods in some of the country’s most fertile and productive areas.

The report “‘We Lost Everything’: The Impact of Conflict on Farmers and Food Security in Lebanon” details the immediate and long-term impacts of repeated and ongoing attacks by Israeli forces on Lebanese agricultural land and food production.

It found the destruction of key centers of food production and distribution, such as the historic Nabatieh market, has deepened the economic challenges faced by communities. Attacks have resulted in lasting disruption to the agricultural sector and damaged the rural economy as seeds, fuel and other items necessary to plant and harvest are harder to obtain.

“Some farmers have lost everything, and this will have devastating repercussions not just for them and their families, but the communities they help to feed”, said Insecurity Insight Director Christina Wille. “The majority of interviewed farmers told us they had been unable to access their agricultural land at some point since October 2023, and most felt unsafe accessing land for planting, harvesting crops or grazing livestock. Several farmers had their food production reduced to zero, leaving them without their main income source.”

Even those who had been able to access their land raised concerns about continued and indiscriminate bombing, financial difficulties, and the inability to obtain almost everything required to farm — fertilizer and fuel, fodder, workers and equipment — and dangerous roads that prohibit transport of goods.

The ongoing threat of violence and the levels of destruction witnessed throughout the conflict have also had a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of affected communities.

“Farmers across Lebanon are already in crisis as historically low rainfall has led to the worst drought on record. This climate stress is being exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the conflict, including contamination of the land, restricted access and disruption to supply chains. Urgent action is needed to restore hope for farmers and communities who rely on them”, said Action Against Hunger Country Director Suzanne Takkenberg.

Oxfam in Lebanon Country Director Bachir Ayoub said that it will be impossible for affected farmers to fully recover until the terms of the ceasefire are upheld. “The repeated attacks on farmland in South Lebanon and Bekaa are not only destroying livelihoods but deliberately undermining Lebanon’s food security. There must be an immediate end to these violations and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces so that farmers can safely return to their land and rebuild their lives,” added Ayoub.

Almost half of the farmers interviewed for the report had been internally displaced. Nearly a year since the ceasefire was declared in Lebanon, approximately 82,000 people remain unable to go home due to ongoing Israeli occupation and armed violence. This displacement means that large portions of agricultural land remain inaccessible and crops remain unharvested, exacerbating the already high levels of food insecurity in the country.

Farmers overwhelmingly said they cannot farm, access markets, or feed their families without peace and urgent assistance to mend deepening hunger and poverty.

The agencies recall that all parties to the conflict have clear obligations under International Humanitarian Law to protect objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including foodstuffs, agricultural areas, crops and livestock. The agencies call on urgent action to be taken to push for enhanced humanitarian and development material support and funding to address Lebanon’s heightened humanitarian needs and reconstruction plans. The agencies call for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory as a crucial component of the ceasefire agreement.

This report, produced with the support of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, builds on the agencies’ earlier joint report “When Bombs Turn the Taps Off: The Impact of Conflict on Water Infrastructure in Lebanon”, which demonstrated the devastating long-term and reverberating impacts of repeated Israeli attacks damaging and destroying water infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Bekaa.

Trane Technologies is pleased to announce its collaboration with the University of Galway, Ireland, to develop sustainable and innovative technologies for advanced manufacturing processes.

This research aims to enhance manufacturing systems used in buildings, homes, and transportation, while simultaneously increasing productivity and reducing environmental impact.

The project is co-funded by I-Form, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, and Trane Technologies.

President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “At University of Galway we have a proud and unique heritage in the field of engineering. Our research partnership with Trane Technologies is the essence of that, as we empower our academics, students and collaborators to pioneer an agenda of innovation, sustainability and learning.” 

Max Javaheri, Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing for Trane Technologies, said: “For over 45 years, Thermo King in Galway has been a cornerstone of manufacturing excellence and innovation. This public-private collaboration between Trane Technologies, the University of Galway, and I-Form will build upon that legacy and will focus on developing advanced, innovative, and sustainable production methods that will immensely impact our factories globally. It will also create meaningful impact by advancing clean manufacturing technologies and nurturing local talent. Together, we will transform the future of manufacturing and reinforce Galway’s position as a hub for innovation and advanced engineering.”  

The research will be led by Dr Noel Harrison, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, and Pádraig Conneely, Lecturer in Automation and Lean Manufacturing, both of whom are based in the School of Engineering at University of Galway. 

Professor Laoise McNamara, Head of the School of Engineering at University of Galway, said:  “This collaboration will combine cutting-edge academic research with a real-world engineering application, allowing University of Galway to collaborate with Trane Technologies’ subject matter experts and automation engineers, as well as creating new learning opportunities for our researchers and students.” 

Professor Denis Dowling, Centre Director, I-Form – Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, said: “This three-year collaboration exemplifies I-Form’s mission to drive the transformation of advanced manufacturing in Ireland through sustainable, high-impact research partnerships. By co-funding projects like this, we are helping to shape a more innovative and resilient manufacturing ecosystem for the future.” 

The research project aims to promote more sustainable, rapid and cost-effective development of new products and processes, as well as digitalised manufacturing. This will be achieved by replacing time-consuming, physical experimentation with advanced, predictive modelling. 

Trane Technologies, Thermo King R&D teams, based in Galway, will work together with University of Galway’s researchers and students to develop advanced manufacturing solutions that will be deployed across Trane Technologies’ global network. 

Together, the research team will design, develop and validate robotic and automated systems for brazing operations; build proof-of-concept prototypes and test beds to demonstrate system capabilities; conduct industrial trials and validate system performance in a production-representative environment; and develop robotic system programmes and virtual simulations of process and tooling using in-house robotic systems.

###

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT) is a global climate innovator. Through its strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and its portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, the company brings efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation.

Trane Technologies is widely recognized as a leader in sustainability, integrating sustainable practices into the company’s core strategy and throughout its global operations as it progresses toward its 2030 Sustainability Commitments. Since 2019, Trane Technologies has reduced customer carbon emissions by 237 million metric tons, on track to meet its Gigaton Challenge goal of reducing one gigaton (or one billion metric tons) of customer carbon emissions by 2030. Learn more at tranetechnologies.com.

About I-Form 

I-Form Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing has partnership with 9 research institutes to bring together a nationwide pool of expertise in materials science, engineering, data analytics and artificial intelligence. The Centre is focused on research into the digitalisation of manufacturing, working in partnership with industry to enhance processing efficiency and sustainability, as well as reducing the risk and cost of new product and process development. We work in close collaboration with industry to ensure that our research is relevant, applicable, and impactful, delivering a step-change in competitiveness for Irish manufacturing. 

For more information visit: www.i-form.ie  

About University of Galway  

Established in 1845, University of Galway is one of the top 2% of universities in the world. We are a bilingual university, comprised of four colleges, 18 schools and six research institutes, with more than 19,000 students, including around 3,000 international students. We have been accredited with an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, and 12 out of our 18 schools hold individual Athena SWAN Awards. We have more than 2,500 staff, and research collaborations with 4,675 international institutions in 137 countries. We have 133,000 alumni and 98% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months. 

For more information visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ or view all news  

Get the most from the expert commentary, views and stories from University of Galway on our Cois Coiribe platform https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/ 

“Leidos gave me my first opportunity to work in cybersecurity, and the engineers I joined were very welcoming,” says Brittany Kilgore, cybersecurity engineer at Leidos. “I never felt pressure while I was learning, because I always had help from them. Working for Leidos was pretty amazing.”

After nearly two years at Leidos, Brittany needed a career break to address personal matters that required her full attention.

“I always strive to deliver my best work and, at the time, I worried I couldn’t,” Brittany explains. “I was sad to leave, and my supervisor was very understanding. He even told me I’d be welcome to come back.”

It’s clear that he meant it, because Brittany returned to the same role one year later. Read on for more details about Brittany’s path back.

Applying to rejoin Leidos

“While working here the first time, I was inspired by the way Leidos values professional development and upskilling,” Brittany says. “I took many of the training courses offered and even started my master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.”

Among other things, Brittany finished earning her degree while away from Leidos and was once again ready to look for jobs.

Though she’d enjoyed working at Leidos, Brittany had reservations about reaching out since she’d chosen to leave, so she applied to jobs at other places. When nothing felt right, Brittany decided to see whether Leidos had open cybersecurity roles. A position was open — the same type of role she’d left nearly a year before.

“I was nervous to apply, but I asked myself, ‘What’s the worst thing that can happen? They could just say no.’” Brittany says. Realizing she had nothing to lose, she applied and realized she needn’t have worried. Leidos welcomed Brittany back in August 2025.

What Brittany is doing now and what she enjoys about working at Leidos

“My team’s work helps protect our military’s critical infrastructure,” Brittany says. A military veteran herself, Brittany understands how essential it is to keep sensitive information and important systems secure by detecting potential vulnerabilities and protecting against unauthorized access.

“I like knowing my work has a real impact and I’m especially glad that I get to do it for an employer that places a high value on integrity,” Brittany says. “I love the culture our leadership promotes.”

She also appreciates her team’s collaborative atmosphere: “I work with knowledgeable people who freely bounce ideas off one another. We learn a lot from each other and have a very supportive manager.”

Finally, Brittany enjoys participating in the Leidos Military Alliance Group, saying the meetings and fireside chats feel personal, welcoming and warm.

“The Military Alliance Group offers useful resources for those who are in the middle of transitioning to civilian service,” she says. “There’s a true understanding of our experiences and backgrounds as veterans.”

As Brittany focuses on deepening her expertise in cybersecurity, she looks forward to continuing to learn about evolving technologies and threats.

“Leidos is a great place to keep building knowledge and experience — and to grow your career,” Brittany says.

Published by Las Vegas Sands

November 7, 2025 /3BL/ – Over the past year, a rebirth has taken place in the historic and culturally significant Rua das Estalagens area of Macao with the opening of six unique new businesses. This local resurgence was made possible by Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme, which is part of the company’s broader Community Revitalization Programme and run in conjunction with the Macao Chamber of Commerce.

Introduced in April 2024, the entrepreneurship initiative within Sands China’s community revitalization program funds innovative entrepreneurial ventures from Macao residents interested in starting businesses on Rua das Estalagens, once a thriving commercial district in Macao. Sands China awarded funding to seven local businesses from 128 applications in July 2024, and six businesses have begun operations on the street.

Owner of Café Fantart, Chan Iat Seng, previously operated a catering business and saw the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme as a way to reach his larger business goals. He noted that the program’s entrepreneurial training courses on marketing, writing and pitching helped him raise the café’s profile. Since opening in May, Café Fantart has seen a steady increase in customer traffic as more locals and tourists visit.

“The workshops helped me refine my vision and understand how to position my café,” Chan said. “Sands China didn’t just give us funding; they gave us the tools to build a sustainable business. When I heard about the scheme, I saw an opportunity to turn my passion for food into a business that could contribute to the community.”

PanPan Bakery has become a popular attraction on Rua das Estalagens because of its unique baked goods. The shop sells a blend of European-inspired items, such as chocolate baguettes and pistachio buns, as well as items that reflect Macao’s culinary history, such as tofu pudding. PanPan’s brand and marketing director Steve Xie said they have been able to draw in both residents and tourists, including a younger clientele, in part due to the marketing support from Sands China.

“The launch of Sands China’s entrepreneurial program couldn’t have been timelier,” Xie said. “We were deep in our planning phase when we learned about the scheme. Being selected enabled us to become one of the pioneer brands on Rua das Estalagens.”

The entrepreneurship initiative within the overall community revitalization program provided crucial financial backing and strategic marketing support. Sands China facilitated introductions to prominent food bloggers and travel influencers, greatly enhancing visibility for all new businesses on the street.

Other entrepreneurs funded through Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme are:

• CATFEE Macau: The pet souvenir store features a cats and Macao theme and combines a cat rescue with artistic displays and a café. The store promotes an “adopt, don’t shop” mentality, and customers can enjoy a unique culinary experience from the rooftop with a view of Rua das Estalagens.
• Little Port: This retail shop features impactful Portuguese specialties that transform traditional souvenir offerings into unique collectible opportunities.
• OLÁLÁ: The snack shop features iconic Macanese light-meal offerings such as Pastéis de Bacalhau (fried salted cod fritters), which combine Chinese and Western ingredients, and other signature products that educate tourists about Macanese culture.
• Travessa Gelato: To introduce the Italian ice cream shop, its team members studied gelato making in Italy and obtained official certifications. The store offers fresh combinations of flavors to surprise and satisfy customers.
• Voyage Thai Kitchen: Founded in 2013, Voyage Thai Kitchen is one of Macau’s signature brands, and the soon-to-open Rua das Estalagens catering space is its latest venture. There, the Thai restaurant will provide specialty catering based on affordable pricing and feature nostalgic elements to create a private catering experience that integrates leisure, music, local culture and sharing sessions.

Since awarding funds to these businesses, Sands China has offered a series of supportive promotional elements such as inviting travel and food bloggers to visit shops, organizing media interviews and hosting a Food Fest for its Team Members at The Venetian® Macao. The event featured signature foods and products from five of the businesses to introduce more people to the offerings on Rua das Estalagens.

“With the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, we offered substantial assistance to these local entrepreneurs to help get their businesses started smoothly, while fostering sustainable economic development by integrating various business elements into the district,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said. “With initiatives such as the entrepreneurship program and the Team Member food fest, we are pleased to embrace the Macao SAR government’s policy to support SMEs, empowering them to succeed in the early stages of their businesses; promotional platforms such as these help them pursue their dreams while reviving the economy in the neighborhood. We look forward to continue bolstering local SMEs, thereby optimizing the business conditions for entrepreneurs and maximizing their impact on our community.”

While the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme supports the future of Rua das Estalagens, Sands China has also honored its past with publication of “In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens.” The print and digital series highlights the street’s community, businesses and revitalization effort, and Sands China worked with the Macau Artist Society to produce the pictorial compilation and narratives showcasing the street’s rich history.

The PATA Gold Awards 2025 named “In Search of Its Roots” the Best Printed Marketing Campaign (Industry) at its annual awards celebration, which recognizes exceptional and innovative tourism initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. PATA awards are among the most sought-after accolades in the tourism industry.

Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme is part of the company’s broader Community Revitalization Programme, a collaboration with the Macao SAR government to support local efforts to restore the vitality of cherished Macao historical areas. These initiatives align with company’s commitment to preserving Macao’s heritage, promoting the region as a major tourism destination, and helping small and medium-sized enterprises succeed.

To learn more about Sands China’s community revitalization efforts in Macao, visit www.sandschina.com/the-company/scl-community-revitalization-programme.html