2024 JASON National Conference

Trailblazers of Tomorrow:

Innovation in STEM

July 1 & 2, 2024

Lansdowne Resort & Spa | Leesburg, VA

Join us at JASON Learning’s 2024 National Conference, “Trailblazers of Tomorrow: Innovation in STEM,” Monday, July 1 – Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg, VA. 

This conference is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and school leaders who want to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and empower their students and educators to become the trailblazers of the future. 

Trailblazers are individuals who break new ground, challenge existing norms, and forge new paths. They are innovative, courageous, and willing to take risks. Trailblazers inspire others through their originality, vision, and determination to create positive change. They often explore uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and opening doors for others to follow. 

Being a trailblazer means being at the forefront of innovative teaching and learning practices, driving progress, and shaping the future of education. 

At JNC 2024, you will explore cutting-edge topics in STEM education through our dynamic breakout sessions. Gain insights into our latest curriculum collections, including 

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum developed with RankOne Computing
  • JASON’s technology curriculum, powered by STEM Minds
  • Data center-focused curriculum developed with iMasons
  • “STEM Ready,” which is centered around renewable energy
  • A newly developed early childhood STEM unit
  • Career exploration curriculum
  • AI Content with Levl Studios
  • Cybersecurity content with GCubed, Inc.

Prepare to be inspired and motivated by exceptional keynote speakers and panelists who are pioneers and leaders in their field. Their insights will challenge conventional thinking and encourage participants to think big and dream even bigger. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to shaping the trailblazers of tomorrow. Join us at JASON Learning’s 2024 National Conference and embark on a transformative journey in STEM education.

Register here for JNC 2024:

Tentative Schedule

Monday, July

1

7:00 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 – 8:50 AM: Check-in

8:50 – 9:15 AM: Welcome Address: Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President & CEO of JASON Learning

9:15 – 10:00 AM: Keynote Presentation

10:00 – 10:45 AM: Panel Discussion

10:45 – 11:00 AM: Break 

11:00 – 11:45 AM: Breakout Sessions

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 – 1:15 PM: Awards & Announcements

1:15 – 2:00 PM: Keynote Presentation

2:15 – 3:00 PM: Panel Discussion

3:00 – 3:15 PM: Break

3:15 – 4:00 PM: Breakout Sessions

4:00 – 4:15 PM: Break 

4:15 – 5:00 PM: Keynote Discussion

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Free Time

6:00 – 7:00 PM: Evening Reception

Tuesday, July

2

7:00 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 – 8:40 AM: Check-in

8:45 – 9:30 AM: Keynote Presentation 

9:45 – 10:30 AM: Breakout Sessions

10:30 – 10:45 AM: Break 

10:45 – 11:30 AM: Keynote Presentation

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch

12:30 – 1:00 PM: Award Presentations 

1:00 – 1:45 PM: Panel Discussion

1:45 – 2:00 PM: Break

2:00 – 2:45 PM: Breakout Sessions

3:00 – 3:45 PM: Panel Discussion

3:45 – 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks, Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President & CEO, JASON Learning 

Keynote Speakers

Director of School and Community Safety, Rank One Computing

Dr. Adam Cheeseman

Dr. Adam L. Cheeseman is the Director of School and Community Safety for Rank One Computing, where he "tells the school safety story" from a school leader's perspective and how ROC can help schools and other government agencies with their safety solution needs. Moreover, Dr. Cheeseman is a leadership consultant with RENEW Transformational Strategies, where he delivers keynote addresses, provides leadership consultation, and helps to offer leadership training and seminars. As the former Superintendent of Doddridge County Schools, he has closely partnered with JASON Learning to expand the science curriculum and send students to train with top scientists worldwide. Additionally, he spearheaded a localized curriculum initiative using public-private partnerships and watched his district become the first district in the nation to be named an AASA STEM Certified District. Dr. Cheeseman received his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Alderson Broaddus University, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Liberty University in 2011, and Doctorate in Strategic Leadership through Liberty University in 2023. He is married to his wife, Lisa, and has three daughters. Dr. Cheeseman is the past president of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators and was named the 2024 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year.
Founder & Director, Playwatch Kids

Jimmy Jenkins

EARLY YEARS, Jimmy started his directing and producing career in 2013 at Black Entertainment Network (BET)® and Tyler Perry Studios. Straight out of college, Jimmy started his production career at his local high school, where he produced stage plays that quickly outgrew the building. In 2016, Jimmy achieved great success with his stage play “Black Boy Blues,” reaching a live audience of over 10,000 people. In 2017, he produced, directed, and wrote his first small-budget feature film, “Sinners Wanted,” starring Lamman Rucker, Clifton Powel, and many other notable actors, premiering on TV One and BET Plus.

In 2020, Jimmy co-directed and produced his debut documentary film, Basketball County: In The Water on Showtime®, executive produced by NBA Superstar Kevin Durant and 35 Ventures. The film focused on the exceptional NBA talent that was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD. It became one of the top documentaries of the year for Showtime®.

In 2021, Jimmy launched Playwatch Kids, LLC, where he is the CEO and President of content. Playwatch Kids is a streaming platform and animation studio targeting minority children, helping to aid in education and clean entertainment. Playwatch is currently collaborating with Whoopi Goldberg to produce kid-friendly content for the BLKFAM streaming network. The company is creating a faith-based Christian cartoon series called The Marvelous Light, along with a plethora of other animated IPs.

In 2023, Jimmy debuted his new stage play Poor Man Rich Soul at the historic Duke Ellington Theatre reaching over 20,000 people. The stage play is now set to do a U.S. tour.

Spring of 2024, Jimmy is putting the finishing touches on the definitive documentary about
the dominance of the University of Alabama football program, looking back at its historical
significance, and the modern dynasty capped off by the Nick Saban years.

late 2024, Jimmy will be producing and directing an original script called God With Us. The story is about a chaste inner-city teen given a mission by God to save humanity.

Jimmy’s love for basketball will be expressed in a new documentary about the NBA and specifically Canadian-born and raised players like Steve Nash, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. Jimmy is set to direct “Outta The Rough,” an inspiring, coming-of-age drama about a foster kid escaping the trap of street life after discovering a natural gift for the game of golf.

Co-Founder, Cuebric

Pinar Seyhan Demirdag

“Arguably, Pinar Seyhan Demirdag knows more about the creative potential of AI than anyone on the planet. “ – CommArts

Pinar Seyhan Demirdag, co-founder of Cuebric, is at the forefront of AI-driven creativity. As an AI director and visionary, she is a sought-after opinion leader for the conscious application of technology. Pinar holds the distinction of being LinkedIn's official voice on generative AI, with her course “What is Generative AI?" is translated to 6 languages and has engaged millions of views.

In 2020, Pinar, along with Gary Koepke, established Seyhan Lee, the world's first Creative AI Production Company. Their pioneering work includes producing the world's first generative AI VFX for a feature film and winning the esteemed D&AD award for the first-ever generative AI commercial, "Connections" for Beko.

Cuebric, the revolutionary AI-based software platform for filmmaking is born out of Seyhan Lee’s innovative experiments. Cuebric revolutionizes the art of film and image production, reinventing and accelerating the transition from Concept to Camera. Even in its early stages, Cuebric has gained the respect and adoption of industry professionals, becoming a go-to tool for top creatives and VFX studios.

Asides from her career in Cuebric, Pinar writes and speaks passionately on the generative AI and how humans will remain relevant in the age of A.I. and has previously appeared at conferences such as Harvard, SXSW, Google I/O, NAB, TV Academy, Eyeo Festival, TEDx, Spirit of Humanity Forum, Production Summit, and others.

JASON Argonaut Alumni, PILs Co-Founder, and Healthcare Leader at UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dr. Joshua Blackwell

Dr. Joshua Blackwell is an esteemed figure in pharmacy, currently holding the roles of Clinical Pharmacy Manager for Ambulatory Services and Residency Program Coordinator for the PGY1/PGY2/MBA Health System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership (HSPAL) Residency Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. Graduating with his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University and distinction from the University of Houston with his Master of Sciences, he refined his skills through rigorous training during his two-year health system pharmacy administration and leadership residency program at CommonSpirit Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Joshua's dedication to the pharmacy profession is evident through his leadership positions, serving as Chair for the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Council on Education & Workforce Development and Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Advisory Group on Frontline Leaders. At the state level, he chairs the Public Affairs and Advocacy Council and serves as the lead delegate for his affiliate.

A passionate mentor, Joshua is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in various fields. His guidance has empowered numerous professionals to excel in their careers. Joshua not only leads in healthcare but also pioneers change as the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Pharmacist Initiative Leaders, a social enterprise aimed changing the look, face, and feel of healthcare at every stage.

In addition to his pharmacy endeavors, Joshua embarked on his STEM journey through JASON, contributing as a trailblazer and Argonaut for the 2005 Disappearing Wetlands expedition in Louisiana. His multifaceted contributions underscore his commitment to exploration, leadership, and innovation across diverse domains.

CEO, Rank One Computing

B. Scott Swann

Scott Swann is a dynamic leader and proven CEO with 20+ years combined federal, corporate and entrepreneurial experience. He draws from prior experience as President and CEO of IDEMIA National Security Solutions and senior business and technical positions at MorphoTrak following a distinguished 18 year tenure at the FBI. Scott has extensive experience working across all government domains including the DOJ, DHS, DoD, DOS, the Intelligence Community, and many state and local law enforcement and civil agencies. As an FBI Unit Chief, he played a central role in the development of the $1.2B Next Generation Identification system responsible for research, development, test and evaluation of the program’s biometrics technologies and services. Scott served as Special Assistant to the FBI’s Science and Technology Branch as well as the Identity Intelligence Lead to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Science and Technology Office. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business management from Salem-Teikyo University and a Master’s Degree in software engineering from West Virginia University.

Register here for JNC 2024:

Check out highlights from JNC 2023!