The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science Dean's Lecture Series

SES Dean's Lecture Series speaker Manuela Veloso addresses an audience

The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science Dean’s Lecture Series brings STEM innovators and thought leaders together with students and faculty to share wisdom, inspire discovery, and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit to help build a prominent school of engineering and science.

2025 Dean's Lecture Series

in partnership with Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence (SIAI)

How AI will Reshape the Service Industry

Dheeraj Koneru ’96 M.S. ’97
Founder, Zenoti

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
3 - 4 PM
University Center Complex, Tech Flex Auditorium

SIAI Poster Session immediately following (4 - 5 PM)

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way services are delivered, managed, and experienced across every segment of the service economy—from spas, salons, and fitness centers to medical clinics, law firms, electricians, and more. This talk explores how AI will redefine both the front stage (customer experience) and back stage (operations and decision-making) of these industries. We’ll examine how AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, virtual assistants, and personalization engines are enabling businesses to operate with greater efficiency, precision, and empathy at scale. Beyond efficiency gains, we’ll discuss how AI changes the nature of human work—freeing professionals to focus on creativity, expertise, and relationships rather than routine tasks. Attendees will come away with a clear understanding of the technologies driving this shift, real-world examples already in motion, and a roadmap for embracing AI as a competitive advantage in the new era of intelligent service delivery.

About the Speaker

Dheeraj Koneru ’96 M.S. ’97 is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader with a proven track record of building successful companies at the intersection of software and services. An alumnus of Stevens Institute of Technology, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics before going on to Cornell University for his PhD studies. Dheeraj co-founded Intelliprep Technologies (now known as SumTotal Systems), a pioneer in enterprise learning solutions, and later founded Zenoti, a leading cloud platform powering the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries worldwide. With decades of experience driving innovation and scaling businesses globally, Dheeraj now focuses on how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming the service industry and reshaping consumer experiences.

RSVP by November 7th

Past Speakers

Jeff Vock2024 Dean's Lecture Series:

Driving Scientific Innovation through Data Sharing

Rebecca Li, Ph.D.
CEO and Co-Founder, Vivli

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2024 Dean's Special Lecture

LEGO® Engineering from Kindergarten to College: A 30-year Journey of Student-Driven Learning

Chris Rogers, Ph.D.
Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University

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portrait of Manuela Veloso

2023 Dean's Lecture Series:

Artificial Intelligence in Finance: Examples and Discussion

in partnership with Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence

Manuela Veloso, Ph.D.
Head of AI Research, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

WATCH THE RECORDING

2023 Special Lecture:

Technologies within Electronic Warfare at L3Harris

Jennifer Lewis
President of Electronic Warfare

Eva Bica-Winterling
General Manager, Mission Solutions, Electronic Warfare

Drew Trainor
Chief Engineer, Electronic Warfare

Paul DeLia
Director of Strategy Business Development, Electronic Warfare

WATCH THE RECORDING