SOAR 2025 brought together nearly 1,000 participants from around the world in an inspiring online event filled with learning, connection, and discovery. Across 32 concurrent sessions in 8 breakout rooms and 2 exceptional plenary sessions led by Dr. Justin Shewell and Dr. Julio Zelaya, we explored new perspectives and reflected on the evolving role of AI in research.
This year’s success was made possible thanks to our incredible presenters, plenary speakers, IT and Marketing teams, and especially Mary Allegra, our dedicated SOAR Project Manager, whose leadership and vision shaped every detail of this event.
As we look ahead to SOAR 2026, our 10th edition, we’re excited to celebrate a decade of research dissemination and innovation at Westcliff University.
Welcome message from Dr. Anthony Lee
OPENING & CLOSING PLENARY SESSIONS
OPENING PLENARY SESSION
Navigating the Future of Research with AI
Dr. Justin Shewell
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the world we live in, research stands at a critical crossroads. How can we embrace AI in ways that enhance, rather than erode, the human-centered values at the heart of research? In this keynote, Dr. Justin Shewell explores how AI tools can be thoughtfully integrated into research with a focus on ethical and methodological considerations. The keynote unpacks how AI works, highlights risks such as data privacy and inherent biases, and offers practical strategies for empowering researchers. This session invites researchers to critically engage with AI, not just as a technological trend, but as a partner in building a more
CLOSING PLENARY SESSION
Navigating the AI Research Ecosystem: Transforming Academic Investigation in the Age of Generative AI
Dr. Julio Zelaya
This plenary examines the impact of generative AI on contemporary research practices. Through real-world examples, it highlights how tools such as large language models and multimodal systems can support data analysis, literature reviews, and knowledge synthesis.
The session will also address ethical concerns, reliability, and bias, while showcasing practical workflows that integrate AI without compromising academic standards. Participants will gain strategies for using AI to enhance creativity and develop responsible, future-ready research approaches.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS