At Go Studio, we like to say innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens in a community. That’s why our partnership with Kennesaw State University (KSU) isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone. Since 2021, we’ve been proud collaborators with KSU, bridging the gap between higher education and the evolving demands of the tech world.
As a company rooted in emerging technology, this partnership is a natural extension of our mission to drive real-world solutions through an innovation mindset. This isn’t just a handshake deal, either. Go Studio’s own founder, Michael Parlotto, has served on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for KSU’s College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE) since 2021. Through this partnership and Michael’s seat on the board, we’re not only helping shape the next generation of tech leaders—we’re helping them stay ahead of the curve.
A Seat at the Table—and a Hand in the Change
KSU’s Executive Advisory Board is a prestigious group of business and industry leaders who offer industry support and guidance to help fulfill the college’s vision. These distinguished members provide strategic insight, serve as ambassadors, support key events, and foster community engagement. Members typically serve a two-year term, with eligibility for up to three consecutive terms. In special cases, the Executive Committee may extend a member’s service in recognition of exceptional leadership and commitment to the College’s advancement.
Board meetings often follow a structured agenda, driven by the dean and college administrators, and often include deep discussions around campus goals. Michael plays an active role in these conversations, along with other industry leaders, and helps to align academic goals with real-world impact. From providing curriculum feedback to supporting campus events and helping elevate community engagement, his role is part mentor, part strategist, and full innovation leader.
That leadership extends beyond conversations. Go Studio has partnered with Kennesaw State University on a number of hands-on initiatives, and Michael has directly advised on projects that have led to longstanding research for the college—particularly in areas like AI.
“Throughout the years, Go Studio has extensively explored various technologies through Kennesaw State’s Capstone project framework, including augmented reality, gamification, and machine learning,” Michael explains.
“The most significant investment of time with these projects has been dedicated to Computer Vision,” Michael continues. “We actually have a current research project underway now in Computer Vision that’s a yearlong effort, and we’re excited to see the results from the research team.”
These efforts are not happening in isolation. Collaborating with fellow board members offers fresh perspectives and deeper insights into the evolving tech landscape. It’s this shared learning environment that makes the partnership so powerful.
A Win-Win Collaboration and a Curriculum Built for the Future
Through capstone courses and research projects, Go Studio continues to shape what—and how—students learn. Our collaboration with KSU is grounded in preparing students not just to get jobs—but to build futures.
Each semester, students have the opportunity to work on real-world emerging technology projects through Go Studio’s capstone partnerships. These projects offer students invaluable experience, while also opening doors for Go Studio to explore new ideas.
“For the capstone projects, we provide direction and possible approaches, and the students use their resources to find solutions,” says Michael. “Working with the students and hearing their different ideas has allowed us to see additional ways of working through projects. “Because of their diverse perspectives, we have been able to go further within our research process and discover new concepts and ideation,” says Michael.
One of those moments came during a recent project. “In a recent capstone project, KSU students used Computer Vision to identify products and implemented a method that intrigued our team,” Michael recalls. “The team plans to dig into this research concept further to understand its potential for future projects. It’s a win-win.”
And it’s not just students who are making an impact—KSU faculty are also playing a vital role in driving innovation forward.
As an Executive Advisory Board member, Michael benefits from the expertise of KSU PhD professors and doctoral students, who possess specialized skills and knowledge in emerging technologies.
“When working on a Computer Vision research project involving running algorithms on low memory, the team ran into a challenge,” explains Michael. “The researchers at KSU guided us through several options to address the issue and helped us choose the best solution for our use case. Their specialized expertise significantly contributed to meeting the project goals.”
These kinds of collaborations demonstrate the full-circle value of our partnership. Go Studio advances innovation while supporting the academic mission of KSU, and KSU offers invaluable research support and insight.
More Than Just Code: Building Holistic Tech Talent
While it’s easy to think of a tech career as a sea of code and keyboards, Michael knows that today’s most valuable professionals bring more to the table. Through his work with the Executive Advisory Board, he’s been an advocate for a broader, more well-rounded approach to education—one that teaches both the “how” and the “why.”
“Hard skills like research, product management, and communication are non-negotiable,” Michael explains. “The ability to dig into a complex question, manage the development of a product from idea to execution, and then clearly communicate your results—those are the kinds of skills that make a leader.”
“And don’t forget the soft skills,” says Michael. “Adaptability, work ethic, and creative problem-solving are increasingly recognized as essential tools in any technologist’s toolbox. In a field where today’s groundbreaking tool could be outdated tomorrow, flexibility is vital.”
“Technologies change fast,” Michael continues. “You’ve got to be ready to learn, fail fast, and go beyond —often all in the same week. And being the person who can adapt to shifting priorities while staying focused on solving real problems? That’s a person every team wants.”
What’s Next?
Through this continued partnership, Go Studio is investing not just in academic success, but in a thriving tech ecosystem—one where innovation is inclusive, purposeful, and constantly evolving. Together with Kennesaw State University and other industry leaders, we’re building a future where today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators.
“We see our partnership with KSU as more than an academic alliance—it’s a space for learning, teaching and sparking a passion for innovation,” says Michael. “We’re not just preparing students for jobs—we’re preparing them for the possibilities of the future.”
Learn more about KSU’s CCSE Executive Advisory Board.
Are you a student at KSU interested in innovation? Stay tuned for our upcoming Go Studio Speaker Series and collaborative research opportunities that you could participate in by following us.
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