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PROPEL Center Celebrates 37 Faculty Fellows Following Year-Long Skills-Enhancing Training Program Designed for Historically Black Colleges and Universities Professors

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ATLANTA, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A cohort of nearly 40 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) leaders recently culminated a year-long professional development training designed to enhance teaching skills to ensure the most impactful learning classroom experience. Launched by PROPEL Center, an innovation technology hub for HBCUs, the HBCU Faculty Fellows Academy (HFFA) serves as a cornerstone programmatic initiative that provides selected faculty members an opportunity to facilitate learning, lead and leverage Apple technology to promote student success, and expand their professional network. 

“At PROPEL Center, we remain committed to igniting opportunities in the classroom for both students and faculty through accelerated, experiential and virtual learning opportunities that infuse leading technology and industry-aligned professional training,” said PROPEL Center President Dr. Lisa Herring. “Our professors play an integral role in shaping the career trajectories of more than 300,000 students currently enrolled at HBCUs. It’s imperative that we work collaboratively with these distinguished institutions to ensure their faculty and students remain equipped to lead in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace,” said Herring.

Highlighting the twelve-month experience was a two-day faculty showcase hosted in partnership with PROPEL Center’s founding sponsor Apple. At the end of May, in Austin, Texas, the HFFA spotlighted the cohort’s achievements and demonstrated how faculty members plan to integrate learning science principles, Apple technology, and the PROPEL Center leadership model to enhance learning outcomes at their respective institutions.

HFFA has achieved notable success. Following their participation in the program, 100% of the fellows reported an increase in their professional network, expanding their community across the HBCU ecosystem. Additionally, 100% of faculty fellows are preparing to integrate Apple technology into their classrooms, which will result in thousands of students benefiting from the enhanced teaching skills of the cohort.

The academy’s curriculum is designed by industry experts, HBCU faculty, and notable workforce collaborators, ensuring relevance and an innovative and personalized professional development experience. “The program’s curriculum design and delivery incorporate learning science principles that account for the unique learning needs of neurodiverse and culturally diverse learners,” said PROPEL Center Chief Learning and Innovation Officer Dr. Camesha Whittaker. “The curated learning experience emphasizes active, hands-on activities and challenge-based learning opportunities with a special focus placed on educators understanding ways to better support students along a unique learning journey,” said Whittaker.

2023-2024 HHFA Participants
Yaw Adoo, Morris Brown College
Mohit Anand, Miles College
Brody Bluemel, Delaware State University
Tamara Brown Payne, Fort Valley State University
Claudius Claiborne, Texas Southern University
Monique Earl-Lewis, Morehouse College
Megan Fields, Fort Valley State University
MaKisha Funderburke, Clark Atlanta University
Patrice W. Glenn Jones, Alabama State University
William Hanff, University District of Columbia
Andrew Hutchens, Benedict College
Keesha James, Lawson State University
Maurice Johnson, Florida A&M University
Kenya Jones, Clark Atlanta University
Sosanya Jones, Howard University
Ishwari Kunwar, Fort Valley State University
Nancy Linden, Savannah State University
Johnny Lowery, Claflin University
Marisela Martinez-Cola, Morehouse College
Ariana Mbemi, Jackson State University
Ouida McAfee, Coahoma Community College
Muhsinah Morris, Morehouse College
Christina Muhammad, Morehouse School of Medicine
Steven Onukwull, Bishop State Community College
Charmayne Patterson, Clark Atlanta University
Sylvester Polk, Bethune-Cookman College
Kimetta Reynolds Hairston, Bowie State University
Detrice Roberts, Jackson State University
Tytianna Rungstaff, Simmons College
Ruth Smith, Bethune-Cookman College
Steven Starks, Clark Atlanta University
Toni Stevens, Spelman College
Adria Welcher, Morehouse College
Avery Williams, Morehouse College

As PROPEL Center celebrates the accomplishments of its faculty fellows representing 25 HBCUs, it sets the stage for a new cohort poised to further elevate the educational landscape within HBCUs. “With a focus on honing leadership and tech-enhanced ways to facilitate learning, the HFFA stands as a beacon of teaching innovation in the HBCU ecosystem,” said Herring. 

2024-2025 HHFA Participants
Jarralynne Agee, Miles College
Monique Anderson, Lane College
Herbert A. Brisbon, Dillard University
Angela L. Charlton, Coppin State University
Satyanarayan Dev, Florida A&M University
Biswadeep Dhar, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Takisha Durm, Alabama A&M University
Agbor A. Ebot, Livingstone College
Valeree Ellis-Barnes, Rust College
Dwedor W. Ford, Prairie View A&M University
Kristi Garrett, Morris Brown College
Rosalyn D. Harrington, Winston-Salem State University
Jerry L. Haywood, Jr., Fort Valley State University
Farzana Hussain, Huston-Tillotson University
Renita J. Irving, Clinton College
Stacy J. Jones, Jackson State University
Rhonda L. Lucas, Bishop State Community College
Nathalie Mizelle, University of the District of Columbia
Anisha Moorhead, Harris-Stowe State University
Krystal Peters, Cheyney University
Jeremy Allen Pittman, Coahoma Community College
Amanda Plain, Miles College
Yasmeen Rawajfih, Tuskegee University
Erica R. Russell, Norfolk State University
Karen E. Stewart, Tennessee State University
Morris Thomas, Howard University
Geneene N. Thompson, North Carolina A&T State University
John Wagner Givens, Spelman College
Reshid Xavier Walker, Delaware State University

For more information on future HFFA opportunities, visit propelcenter.org.

Media Contact:
Erik Burton
erikburton@propelcenter.org | 770-294-8475

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Ampace Spotlights AI-Ready Battery Solutions for Gigascale Infrastructure at DCW Washington 2026

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ampace, a global leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology, is participating in Data Center World 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Booth 206), where active visitor engagement reflected growing industry focus on how power infrastructure must evolve for the AI era.

This year, Ampace is showcasing how battery systems are becoming an increasingly important enabler of gigascale AI infrastructure. From cell-level technologies to system-level deployment, spanning applications from commercial and industrial energy storage to UPS systems, Ampace is presenting solutions designed to help data centers manage rising power volatility, improve resilience, and scale more efficiently.

At the center of the showcase is the PU Series, Ampace’s AI-ready battery platform engineered for the increasingly dynamic conditions of modern compute environments. As AI clusters drive 100kW+ rack densities, millisecond-level load spikes, and frequent workload transitions, conventional backup systems are being asked to do far more than emergency support. Ampace’s PU Series is designed to absorb rapid fluctuations, maintain stable output, and support uninterrupted operation under highly variable AI workloads.

A key highlight of Ampace’s presence this week will be its featured TECH TALK session with Eaton on April 22, from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM (Room 209ABC), titled Powering Gigascale AI: How Advanced Batteries Stabilize Extreme Training Loads.

The session will bring together shared industry perspectives from Aaron Schott, UPS Sales Manager at Ampace, and Jon Hymel, Product Manager at Eaton, two professionals working closely with hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, and mission-critical customers navigating the next wave of AI infrastructure growth.

Together, the speakers will explore how established UPS architectures and advanced lithium battery systems are increasingly working in tandem to meet the operational realities of AI data centers. The discussion will examine how battery technologies can support real-time load balancing, improve reliability, and help operators prepare for the transition from megawatt-scale campuses to gigawatt-scale compute ecosystems.

Their joint appearance reflects a growing alignment across the power infrastructure ecosystem: scalable AI requires not only more electricity, but smarter coordination between UPS systems, energy storage, and facility operations. As data centers evolve, battery-enabled continuity is becoming a shared priority across technology providers, operators, and infrastructure partners.

Built for demanding AI applications, Ampace’s platform is engineered to respond rapidly during ramp-up and ramp-down events, while maintaining stable operation under continuous partial-load cycling. Its semi-solid cell technology further enhances intrinsic safety by reducing leakage risk and lowering thermal runaway gas generation, while cabinet-level validation under UL 9540A standards reinforces readiness for mission-critical deployments.

At Ampace’s booth, visitors have been exploring how advanced battery systems can help reduce infrastructure oversizing, relieve pressure on grid connections, and improve continuity in facilities originally designed for steady-state demand. The strong response reflects a broader market shift: batteries are no longer viewed only as standby assets, but as active components of modern AI power architecture.

Visit Booth 206 to meet the Ampace team, experience the PU Series on site, and join in-depth discussions on how advanced battery solutions are helping build a more resilient, scalable, and efficient AI infrastructure. On-site specialists are available throughout the show for live demonstrations, technical briefings, and media inquiries.

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TÜV Rheinland Opens Advanced Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana

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Empowering automotive industry capabilities through precision testing, international compliance, and innovative solutions for next-generation mobility.

MANESAR, India, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing, inspection and certification services, today announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Automotive Component Testing Laboratory (ACT Lab) in Manesar, Haryana. The ACT Lab will support manufacturers in meeting evolving regulatory requirements, adopting emerging technologies, and accelerating time-to-market.

As the world’s third-largest mobility market, India is developing rapidly, and demand for trustworthy, globally recognized testing services continues to rise. TÜV Rheinland’s ACT Lab supports the development of safer and high-performance automotive products.

Strategically located in Manesar, the facility is well-positioned to unlock growth opportunities within India’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem, while advancing next-generation transport solutions.

Technological Excellence and Advanced Capabilities

The ACT Lab is equipped with advanced testing systems from leading international manufacturers, ensuring precision, reliability, and global acceptance of results.

Its capabilities include structural testing, corrosion and durability assessments, and environmental simulation under extreme conditions. The facility also offers fatigue and lifecycle testing for critical automotive components, alongside comprehensive material analysis for metals and polymers, delivering deep insights into performance under real-world conditions.

By providing end-to-end testing, inspection, and certification solutions under one roof, the lab distinguishes itself through its ability to replicate operational environments, meet global and OEM standards, and deliver highly reliable, traceable results.

Platform for Collaboration, Innovation, and Trust

Commenting on the inauguration, Dr. Matthias Schubert, Executive Vice President Mobility at TÜV Rheinland Group, said: “Our investment in the Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar reflects TÜV Rheinland’s long-term strategic commitment to India as a key growth market. As the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation, this facility enables us to support manufacturers with advanced testing capabilities that not only ensure compliance but also drive innovation, safety, and global competitiveness.”

Highlighting the broader strategic intent, Thomas Quernheim, Senior Vice President Mobility, TÜV Rheinland Group, said, “India represents one of the most dynamic opportunities within our global mobility portfolio. This investment reflects our vision to build resilient, future-oriented capabilities that not only respond to market evolution but also shape the standards of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem.”

Rajendra Kisanrao Bandal, Vice President, Mobility at TÜV Rheinland India, added: “This facility goes beyond a conventional testing laboratory – it is a platform for collaboration and innovation. Combining global expertise with local insight, it enables manufacturers to enhance quality, reliability, and performance, while strengthening India’s position in the global mobility landscape.”

About TÜV Rheinland:

TÜV Rheinland is a leading provider of testing and inspection services worldwide. For over 150 years, the company has helped make the world a safer place. Today, more than 28,000 employees test, inspect and certify products, plants and processes, while also providing training for people in a wide range of professions. Operating from 500 locations in more than 50 countries, TÜV Rheinland helps safeguard key areas of business and everyday life. Headquartered in Cologne and generating annual revenue of close to €3 billion, the company plays a key role in quality assurance worldwide. TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2006, demonstrating its commitment to anti-corruption and sustainability.

Website: Click here

Media Contact:

Samrat Sinha
Communications & PR
TÜV Rheinland
Email: Samrat.Sinha@ind.tuv.com

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EZVIZ joins the United Nations Global Compact, starting a new chapter of its unwavering journey to long-term sustainability and further expanding its contribution to key environmental issues

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HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZVIZ, an advocate for greener smart homes, is proud to announce its participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development on this Earth Day. As a smart home pioneer joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, EZVIZ will align its award-winning EZVIZ Green initiative with the UNGC’s Ten Principles, making a transformative impact through responsible business in environmental protection.

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies to adopt ten universal principles in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 25,000 participants across 167 countries, the UNGC is keeping the earth green and clean with its growing influence.

Though new to the initiative, EZVIZ has been implementing SDGs in its development, operations and management, including establishing an ESG committee directed by the Board. On April 10, the company published its 2025 ESG report under its commitment “Our Planet. Our Actions” for transparency and awareness. Over the past year, EZVIZ has received international recognition like the European Green Awards, the SEAL Sustainability Business Awards, and the Indigo Design Award with the “Design for Social Change” honor.

To safeguard a green planet, EZVIZ has addressed land degradation, global warming, plastic recycling, community empowerment and more. Partnering with Treedom, EZVIZ has planted 4,190 trees with local farmers, reducing approximately 738.2 tons of CO2. Together with Plastic Bank, EZVIZ has prevented over 1,000,000 plastic bottles from polluting vulnerable environments. The partnerships are reinforced by internally recycling plastics and minimizing waste. In 2025, EZVIZ incorporated over 30 tons of recycled materials into its RE7 Edge robot vacuum’s design and reduced CO2 emissions by 73.1 tons through greener packaging.

“Becoming part of the UNGC is a significant milestone for us. It means our efforts in building a better planet, have been recognized globally,” said Jingwen Cao, EZVIZ Board Secretary and Director of the ESG Committee. “This participation provides us the confidence to further expand our environmental protection, as well as to set stricter boundaries to avoid sacrificing the environment for commercial gain.”

With green in its brand gene, the company has also developed green technology with a low carbon footprint. The AOV low-energy consumption tech, and the ColorFULL low-light night vision mode help reduce energy consumption and light pollution resulted from 24/7 home security. Firstly embedding self-patented wild animal detection in outdoor cameras, EZVIZ continues to implement responsible AI to balance human safety and wildlife protection, according to Sophie Zhang, EZVIZ Global Brand Director.

“We believe in the power of technology and always strive to benefit not only our users, but also everyone and every life,” said Zhang. “Alongside other industry leaders in the UNGC, EZVIZ is motivated to contribute to a better future for generations to come.”

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