Logansport photographer earns master’s degree

Julie Marchese of Julie Mar-K-Z Photographer has earned the Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America. The degree will be presented at the association’s convention, Imaging USA, in Dallas in February 2025.

“The Master of Photography degree is an achievement of the highest caliber,” A press release from PPA stated. “It means that Marchese has met the standards of excellence set by PPA. She has been awarded this degree in recognition of her superior photographic aptitude demonstrated through image excellence, advanced education and service to the profession.”

Marchese also holds her Certified Professional Photographers Certificate and Photographic Craftsman degree.

Ivy Tech teams with Conexus

Ivy Tech Community College and Conexus Indiana today announced the details of a new collaboration aimed at increasing the number of advanced manufacturing firms across the state that have integrated digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning in their operations and manufacturing processes. The partnership calls for the creation of new skills training courses that Ivy Tech will pilot for employers seeking to develop specialized talent that can drive digital adoption and technology change in advanced manufacturing.

A 2022 report from Conexus Indiana found that half of all advanced manufacturing firms in Indiana plan to adopt technologies that provide flexibility, improve quality, facilitate innovation and offer a collaborative mix between labor and automation – including cobots, sensor technology and the Internet of Things – by 2027. But finding local talent with the digital skills needed to support this transition presents a significant barrier: just 52% of Indiana firms have a dedicated Industry 4.0 team or leader in place, the same report found.

Ivy Tech and Conexus Indiana will also engage advanced manufacturing firms to inform curriculum development and market the pilot to current and prospective employees. Ivy Tech will conduct site visits and issue surveys to ensure pilot courses are aligned with employer needs. Courses anticipated for summer 2024 pilot include Supervisory Leadership for Industry 4.0, Programmable Logic Controls Applied Applications and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.

Staff reports