Skip to main content
CSI Today Talks

CSI Today Talks

By CSI Today Talks

The official podcast of the College of Staten Island, part of The City University of New York. CSI Today Talks explores the latest news stories with in-depth interviews with campus newsmakers and personalities. Co-hosts David Pizzuto and Terry Mares bring you new episodes each week, unless otherwise noted. For the latest on the College of Staten Island, check out www.csitoday.com.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

S3; E22 - Lizbet Rodriguez

CSI Today TalksMar 18, 2024

00:00
37:33
S3; E22 - Lizbet Rodriguez

S3; E22 - Lizbet Rodriguez

March 18, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host David Pizzuto interviewing Lizbet Rodriguez from the Class of 2025. A member of the Macaulay Honors College and a Psychology major, Lizbet discusses some of the amazing and exciting endeavors she is a part of, including infant sleep study research that will see her travel internationally this summer, a recent study abroad trip to Italy, and starting the Spanish Club at CSI.

Mar 18, 202437:33
S3; E21 - Ashley Villalva

S3; E21 - Ashley Villalva

March 11, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host Terry Mares interviewing Ashley Villalva, Class of 2026. Currently a student in the Macaulay Honors College at CSI. Villalva explained why CSI was the right school for her and how being a part of Macaulay and the campus community is paying dividends. She talked about some of the programming and leadership initiatives she is a part of and her goals beyond graduation.


Mar 11, 202435:56
S3; E20 - Andrea Curry

S3; E20 - Andrea Curry

March 4, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host David Pizzuto interviewing Andrea Curry, an alumna of the College and current Secretary of the Alumni Association. Andrea shared her incredible story of triumph through hardship and adversity, crediting CSI with being an inspirational part of her journey. Andrea talked about her experiences as a student at CSI, and her work in the community.

Mar 04, 202442:48
S3; E19 - Miguel Aragón

S3; E19 - Miguel Aragón

February 26, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host Terry Mares interviewing Miguel Aragón, Professor of Art at the College of Staten Island. Aragón spoke about his life and career, including the motivations behind curating the work currently on display at the CSI Art Gallery, entitled, "Holding It All Gently."

Feb 26, 202432:32
S3; E18 - Adam Kostandy

S3; E18 - Adam Kostandy

February 19, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host David Pizzuto interviewing Adam Kostandy, a senior Computer Science major at the College of Staten Island. The duo talked about Kostandy's academic career at CSI, and his choice to go back to school to pursue this second degree in Computer Science. He talks about his favorite classes, his recent showcase in CSI's Game Jam event, and his plans beyond college. The interview helps shed light on the exciting events and opportunities available to students at CSI in Computer Science and beyond

Feb 19, 202436:50
S3; E17 - Jacqueline Lamberti

S3; E17 - Jacqueline Lamberti

February 12, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host Terry Mares interviewing Jacqueline Lamberti, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at the College of Staten Island. The duo talked about the role that Lamberti is playing and her work with the CSI Alumni Association, its vast events and offerings, as well as some of the annual giving platforms CSI has established and continues to reinforce, including Giving Tuesday this past November and the Spring Into Giving fundraising event to be held in April.

Feb 12, 202433:59
S3; E16 - Christopher Scandaglia

S3; E16 - Christopher Scandaglia

February 5, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host David Pizzuto interviewing alumnus Christopher Scandaglia. A lifelong Yankees fan and a graduate of the Class of 2003, Scandaglia currently operates a non-profit, Chris4Lou, in memory of his grandfather, who passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Since then he has raised over $40K for community members battling the disease and ALS organizations supporting research for a cure. The Yankees have supported Scandaglia's annual fundraising event which this year takes place at Above Rooftop at the Hilton Garden Inn in May. To find out more and to support the cause, please visit www.chris4lou.org.

Feb 05, 202438:19
S3; E15 - Dr. Sarolta Takács

S3; E15 - Dr. Sarolta Takács

January 29, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Sarolta Takács, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSI. Dr. Takács talked about her tenure to date within the division and the many progresses its made in recent years. The duo talked about some of the extraordinary faculty and students that contribute to the programs and some of the exciting things the area is looking forward to in the future.

Jan 29, 202433:25
S3; E14 - Dr. Timothy G. Lynch

S3; E14 - Dr. Timothy G. Lynch

January 22, 2024 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Timothy G. Lynch, President of the College of Staten Island. This is Dr. Lynch's fourth appearance on the show, but his first since being named the College's permanent President. He talked about some of the long-range goals he has, including the College's new strategic plan, and his perspectives on some of the accomplishments over the past few semesters since his arrival.

Jan 22, 202432:24
S3; E13 - Jasmine Cardona

S3; E13 - Jasmine Cardona

December 18, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with Co-Host Terry Mares interviewing Jasmone Cardona, Executive Director of Economic Development, Continuing Studies, and Government Relations at the College of Staten Island. She discussed all the aspects of her position ad the many duties it entails. The duo discussed some the new and exciting developments within the division and what the future holds for CSI.

Dec 18, 202327:25
S3; E12 - Luke Katz

S3; E12 - Luke Katz

December 11, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Luke Katz, President of Student Government and a senior Business Management major. Luke talked about his motivations around serving as President, and some of the thigs he is most proud of after his first semester in office and what he is looking forward to in the spring.

Dec 11, 202353:26
S3; E11 - Stephanie Allen

S3; E11 - Stephanie Allen

November 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with Program Director of SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) Stephanie Allen. She spoke about her office and the services it offers to students as well as some of the programming it has planned for the future on campus.

Nov 27, 202330:59
S3; E10 - Jonathan Wesley

S3; E10 - Jonathan Wesley

November 12, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with the Executive Chief Diversity Officer & Special Assistant to the President, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Jonathan Wesley. Dr. Wesley discussed the purpose of the office and its importance on the campus. He discussed recent programming and what the future holds for ODEI efforts on campus.

Nov 13, 202341:03
S3; E9 - Zhanyang Zhang, Alan Benimoff, Ricardo Toledo-Crow

S3; E9 - Zhanyang Zhang, Alan Benimoff, Ricardo Toledo-Crow

November 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Professors Zhanyang Zhang, Alan Benimoff, and Ricardo Toledo-Crow, who shared their expertise and work as part of the Mesonet Weather Station on campus that includes a new installation of the Floodnet Gateway Sensors that monitors flooding conditions on Staten Island. The group shared their study and amazing work that is yielding critical data as part of the statewide system studying climate and its impact in the region.

Nov 06, 202355:10
S3, E8 - Beatrix Reinhardt

S3, E8 - Beatrix Reinhardt

October 30, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Beatrix Reinhardt, CSI professor and artist who recently collaborated on a project called Whispers on the 41st Latitude. She talks about her motivations for the project and her other artistic endeavors.

Oct 30, 202325:29
S3; E7 - Emily Albano

S3; E7 - Emily Albano

October 23, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Emily Albano, student-athlete on the Women's Soccer team. Emily lent perspective to her time on the team as a new NCAA Division II unit, and her time as a Verrazzano Honors student and how it is helping to shape her as a leader. She talked about her choice to attend CSI and how it is now paying dividends as she approaches graduation.

Oct 23, 202331:47
S3; E6 - Stephanie Echevarrieta & Franki Scordato

S3; E6 - Stephanie Echevarrieta & Franki Scordato

October 10, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing both Stephanie Echevarrieta and Franki Scordato of CSI's new Yes-Together initiative. The initiative assists Staten Island students who have stopped out or paused their education, providing them with tools and guidance for re-engagement. The program partners with several community organizations for employment opportunities as well and is funded through a grant received from the Petri Foundation and Heckscher Foundation for Children.

Oct 10, 202336:57
S3; E5 - Keair Brown

S3; E5 - Keair Brown

October 3, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Keair Brown, a student at the College of Staten Island. Brown is maximizing her time as a Verrazzano student, and champion of the sustainability efforts on campus, recently founding the Garden Club at CSI. She talks about the many facets of her role on campus and how to thrive in leadership and involvement opportunities.

Oct 02, 202327:15
S3; E4 - Kenny Clemons

S3; E4 - Kenny Clemons

September 25, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Kenny Clemons, alumnus of the College of Staten Island's Class of 2020. A camera operator who has learned several areas of film production, Kenny talked about his experience on the film scene post graduation, working on an array of projects that includes movies like Barbie, Oppenheimer, Batman, Knock at the Cabin, and much more. They talked about trends in the industry, and Clemons offered tips to current and future students who are looking for a future in the industry.


Sep 25, 202340:10
S3; E3 - Keith Pisons

S3; E3 - Keith Pisons

September 18, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Keith Pisons, the Director of Facilities Management, Planning, and Operations  at the College. The duo discussed some of the day-to-day operations within the facilities area and some of the major projects underway and to come on campus.

Sep 18, 202326:51
S3; E2 - Dr. Carlos Barrera

S3; E2 - Dr. Carlos Barrera

September 11, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Carlos M. Barrera, faculty in the Workforce Development Program at CSI. Dr. Barrera talked about his connection to the College and coming on board as an instructor in Phlebotomy study. The duo talked about the overall benefit of programs within the Workforce Development curriculum, the myriad opportunitues offered, who takes advantage of these programs, and the future outlook for Workforce Development at CSI.

Sep 11, 202341:03
S3; E1 - Carmen Guirguis

S3; E1 - Carmen Guirguis

September 5, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Carmen Guirguis, the Class of 2023's oldest graduate who is returning to the classroom to complete another degree. Carmen, who recently turned 80, talked with Mares about her story growing up in an immigrant family, her love of education, and what made her go back to school to pursue her degree in Italian Studies, being a part of the study abroad program, and later, her Master's in English.

Sep 05, 202336:33
S2; E32 - Vincent Masocol

S2; E32 - Vincent Masocol

May 22, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Vincent Masocol, student at the College of Staten Island who works media with CSI's official student newspaper, The Banner, its radio station, WSIA-FM, and with the CSI Communications office as a news reporter intern. Masocol discussed his personal academic career and the great opportunities afforded to him at CSI, offering practical, integrative experiences as he pursues his degree in Communications. Masocol talked about working with the FerryHawks, and working as an intern with the Office of Communications, where he also has a popular column called "The Campus Beat."

May 22, 202324:48
S2; E31 - Michael Paris
May 15, 202334:14
S2; E30 - Ann Booth

S2; E30 - Ann Booth

May 1, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Ann Booth, Director of the Counseling Center at the College of Staten Island. Booth talked about her extensive career working within the Counseling Center and the role that it plays on campus. The duo talked about the importance of mental health for students and the services offered to them during their academic careers.

May 01, 202327:29
S2; E29 - Amy Stempler

S2; E29 - Amy Stempler

April 17, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Amy Stempler, Associate Dean and Chief Librarian at the College of Staten Island. Stempler talked about her role in both capacities and the role the Library has had in the academic careers of CSI's students. The duo spoke about the changes that the Library has undergone and the changing landscape of learning within higher education and the role that the Library plays within it.



Apr 17, 202339:54
S2; E28 - Pat Daddio

S2; E28 - Pat Daddio

April 10, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Pat Daddio, former Men's Baseball alum turned coach. Daddio, along with five others, will be enshrined in the CSI Athletics Hall of Fame on April 20, and he discussed his years as a three-year standout for the baseball team before he was signed to a professional contract with MLB's Detroit Tigers. Daddio returned to CSI 28 years later as an Assistant Coach and was later elevated to Associate Head Coach before steppig down in 2022. His legacy will be honored in CSI's fifth Hall of Fame class later this month, and he spoke about the honor and the impact CSI has had on his life.


Apr 10, 202345:50
S2; E27 - Robert Kipp

S2; E27 - Robert Kipp

April 3, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing alumnus and musician Robert Kipp. Robert talked about his days as aa student at CSI and his career since as a musician who is currently touring with Jon Anderson, singer/songwriter and front man of the legendary band Yes. Kipp shared stories of how he got to this amazing point in his life and how CSI helped get him there.


Apr 03, 202324:48
S2; E26 - Laura Scazzafavo

S2; E26 - Laura Scazzafavo

March 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Laura Scazzafavo, Director of Veteran Services at the College of Staten Island. Scazzafavo discussed some of the benefits her office provides to veterans and their families and some of the positive developments the office has made over the years. The duo talked about issues that are important to veterans and the power of advocacy for the collection of veteran students at CSI.

Mar 27, 202326:58
S2; E25 - Sabine Salandy
Mar 20, 202333:32
S2; E24 - Jodi Merendino

S2; E24 - Jodi Merendino

March 13, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Jodi Merendino, CDirector of Dining Services at the College of Staten Island. Merendino talked about her career in Dining Services which stretches back to when the campus was at Sunnyside. They talked about the vast changes in menu and in food services through the years and how Dining Services serves the needs of the many populations and events on campus. They talk about victories and challenges and some of the future projections of what is in store for the food services operation at CSI.

Mar 13, 202337:43
S2; E23 - Kristi Brescia

S2; E23 - Kristi Brescia

March 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Kristi Brecia, CUNY 2X Advisor at the College of Staten Island. Brescia shared her professional travels whic ultimately took her to the Computer Science CUNY 2X program and how she works with students with both academic and career readiness and preparedness. They discussed the importance of workplace training and internships, networking, the role of social media and online presence, and new and innovative ideas within the advising sector to help meet students' greatest needs as they persist to graduation.

Mar 06, 202339:02
S2; E22 - Susan Smith Peter

S2; E22 - Susan Smith Peter

February 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Susan Smith-Peter, Professor of History at the College of Staten Island. Dr. Smith-Peter talked about her career and specifically the Public History project on campus and her recent work within the John J. Marchi Fellowship Program, which explores the Borough of Staten Island's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Her curation efforts are leading to a public-facig documentary that chronicles the pandemic's effects on  our community.


Feb 27, 202331:04
S2; E21 - Anes Ahmed

S2; E21 - Anes Ahmed

February 13, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Anes Ahmed, Alumnus of the College of Staten Island who is now in the MFA program at Hunter College. He discussed his passion and process for creative writing, and his experiences growing up and then at the College of Staten Island. He discussed Fellowships and internships he completed and the impact that the College had on him and how it helped him prepare for his future. 


Feb 13, 202332:32
S2; E20 - Jeffrey Derose

S2; E20 - Jeffrey Derose

February 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Jeffrey Derose, Director of the CSI Tech Incubator. The duo talked about what the CSI Tech Incubator is, the clientele it serves, and the the services it renders. They talked about the need and growth of the program, and why it is playing such a key role in the start up of many businesses on Staten Island and beyond. They also spoke about how people can get involved and some of the great things on tap and still to come from the Incubator. 


Feb 06, 202350:41
S2; E19 - Fatu Amara

S2; E19 - Fatu Amara

January 30, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Fatu Amara, alumna of the College of Staten Island from the Class of 2020. Fatu told about her personal story and how it took her to CSI, the various classes that helped her explore and invigorate her passions, and the work she is doing now in NYC. She also spoke of some of her passion projects and what the future may hold. 


Jan 30, 202329:35
S2; E18 - Jacky Zhao

S2; E18 - Jacky Zhao

January 23, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Jacky Zhao, a junior at the College of Staten Island who is serving as an accessibility advocacy leader. working on several projects on campus to improve accomodations for all students.  The duo talked about some of Jacky's initiatives as well as future plans and the importance for students to use their collective voices to make the campus a better and more accomodating place for all. 

Jan 23, 202324:15
S2; E17 - Dean Balsamini

S2; E17 - Dean Balsamini

January 16, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dean Balsamini, Director of the Small Business Development Center at the College of Staten Island. Balsamini discussed the Center and what it does at the campus and for the Staten Island community. The duo discussed the role that COVID played as well, and how the climate post-COVID is affecting business and how the Center approaches its day-to-day.

Jan 16, 202334:57
S2; E16 - Cheryl Adolph

S2; E16 - Cheryl Adolph

January 9, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns after the holiday break with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Cheryl Adolph, Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the CSI Foundation, Inc. They discussed all things Advancement at the College, from trends in higher education, to the mission set at the College of Staten Island, taking in the recent Season of Giving campaign and the Celestial Ball, which helps raise much-needed funds at the College that directly aids the student body.


Jan 09, 202337:28
S2: E15 - Sam Rozenfeld

S2: E15 - Sam Rozenfeld

December 19, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Sam Rozenfeld, sophomore at the College of Staten Island. Sam is a Macaulay Honors student who doubles as both a swimmer and Esports star for the Dolphins' athletics program. Esports dominates the crux of the conversation, as the duo discuss Sam's standing on the Rocket League team, which recently took home the ECC Championship for the fourth straight semester. They discuss the future of Esports, and what makes it so unique at CSI.


Dec 19, 202238:17
S2; E14 - Alexander Scott

S2; E14 - Alexander Scott

December 12, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Alexander Scott, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Enrollment. The duo talked about the changing landscapes and strategies tied to higher education recruitment, and some of the extraordinary benefits the College possesses for prospective students. They discussed the impact of COVID and technology, and the uniqueness of CSI as a comprehensive college and its diverse population.


Dec 12, 202239:43
S2: E13 - Joanne Hollan

S2: E13 - Joanne Hollan

December 5, 2022 - After the holiday break, CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Joanne Hollan, Associate Director with the Center for Career and Professional Development. The duo talked about all of the positives associates with students getting involved with the Center as they progress through their studies and get set for their career path post-graduation.


Dec 05, 202227:31
S2; E12 - Debi Kee, Emily Jimenez, & Deondre Williams

S2; E12 - Debi Kee, Emily Jimenez, & Deondre Williams

November 14, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing a trio of guests. Debi Kee is CSI's Associate Director of Student Life Activities, and she was joined by Student Involvement Ambassadors Emily Jimenez and Deondre Williams, to talk about getting involved with leadership opportunities on campus. Kee informs the audience about the opportunities for Student Life and involvement on campus and how to become am ambassador, while both Emily and Deondre talked about the benefit of involvement and how it punctuates the education they are recieving at CSI.

Nov 14, 202227:31
S2; E11 - Dr. Larry Johnson & Dr. Timothy Lynch

S2; E11 - Dr. Larry Johnson & Dr. Timothy Lynch

November 7, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing both Dr. Larry Johnson, Jr., President of Guttman Community College, and CSI Interim President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch.  The trio discussed the CUNY system and how it can benefit student transfers. They spoke about the exciting things that are happening on both campuses and how the partnership can hold leverage success for students entering CSI from Guttman and other junior colleges.

Nov 07, 202237:19
S2; E10 - Michel Hodge

S2; E10 - Michel Hodge

October 31, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Michel Hodge, CSI's new VIce President for Student Affaiars and Strategic Initiatives. The duo talked about the strategic priorities centered around the Student Affairs office on campus, which includes engagement efforts, student recruitment and retention, and campus events. VP Hodge discussed some of his goals as he enters his first academic year at CSI, and what he hopes for the future at the College.


Oct 31, 202235:28
S2; E9 - Chase Licata

S2; E9 - Chase Licata

October 24, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Chase Licata, CSI's new Director of Athletics & Recreation. The duo talked about CSI's move to NCAA Division II, and the implications it holds for the College. They talked about the prioritiies set by Licata in leadership and what Athletics comes to mean for student-athletes and some of the highlights of the program and expectations moving forward.

Oct 24, 202236:31
S2: E8 - Jeremiah Jurkiewicz

S2: E8 - Jeremiah Jurkiewicz

October 17, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Jeremiah Jurkiewicz, LGBTQ Resource Center/Pluralism & Diversity Coordinator. The duo talked about the importance of the Center on campus and some of the programming it helps to establish and the role that Pluralism and Diversity has come to serve at the College.


Oct 17, 202234:05
S2; E7 - Dr. Donna Gerstle

S2; E7 - Dr. Donna Gerstle

October 10, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Donna Gerstle, Director of the Center for Environmental Science and
Executive Director & Principal Investigator of the Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Gerstle explained some of the cutting edge research she and the team at the SIBCRI are doing, as well as tips and guidance on breast cancer preventative measures. 

Oct 10, 202251:22
S2; E6 - Dr. Stephen Ferst

S2; E6 - Dr. Stephen Ferst

October 3, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Stephen Ferst, Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement at the College of Staten Island. The duo talked about the changing landscape of CSI student enrollment and the place that Global Engagement has on campus.

Oct 03, 202232:55
S2; E5 - Dr. Siona Wilson

S2; E5 - Dr. Siona Wilson

September 26, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Siona Wilson, Professor of Art History at the College of Staten Island and curator of the CSI Art Gallery on campus. Dr. Wilson discussed her career and what brought her to CSI, her involvement with the Art Gallery, some of her favorite shows and what's in store for the future of the Gallery this semester and beyond.

Sep 26, 202251:22