ROOM: Performance Hall

First, we will explore “Skills for the AI Era,” highlighting the competencies needed for individuals to excel. As automation and AI technologies reshape job roles, adaptability becomes paramount. For example, professionals and academics need to constantly update their skills to leverage AI tools effectively. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making in guiding AI development and deployment, ensuring these technologies align with societal values. To this end, university curriculums must integrate courses on AI ethics, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and continuous learning methodologies.

Next, we will examine “Human-AI Collaboration.” Effective collaboration between humans and AI systems is key to maximizing their combined potential. This section will cover strategies for leveraging the unique strengths of both parties, such as AI’s data processing capabilities and human intuition and empathy. For instance, in healthcare, AI can assist with diagnostic processes, while doctors provide the nuanced understanding and compassionate care that machines cannot. We will present practical examples and frameworks for fostering synergistic partnerships that achieve shared goals, suggesting that current science and engineering disciplines incorporate more human-centric AI design principles into their programs.

Finally, we will investigate “Workplace Dynamics and Organizational Culture” in the context of AI integration. The impact of AI on job design, employee roles, and organizational culture is profound. For example, AI can enhance employee well-being by automating mundane tasks, allowing workers to focus on more meaningful and creative endeavors. We will analyze how AI is transforming industries like manufacturing, where collaborative robots (cobots) are becoming common, and propose solutions to create a positive and resilient workplace environment. This necessitates a redesign of university curriculums to include more experiential learning opportunities, such as internships with AI companies and project-based courses that reflect real-world AI applications.

Presenter

Dr. Harun Pirim received his Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Mississippi State University. He is currently an assistant professor at the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, NDSU. His work focuses on leveraging machine learning, deep learning, graph theory, and discrete optimization for various applications. These include social media network analysis to identify individuals with specific traits, using machine learning and deep learning to predict the functions of hypothetical proteins, and conducting multilayer network analysis of power grids. He has published numerous papers in reputable journals and conference proceedings, authored several book chapters, and edited two books on data analytics. He founded the CELL (Connect, Elicit, Learn Lab) at North Dakota State University (NDSU). Outside his academic endeavors, he has a keen interest in science, philosophy, and metaphysics.

ROOM: Choral

The rapid pace of Artificial Intelligence development is drastically changing how society functions and how we view and value humans. Its impact is perhaps greater than any other technological development in its potential for change and disruption. Historically, these global disruptors, such as the printing press or nuclear capabilities, have fallen into two categories: those that negatively shape human existence and those that are harnessed to enhance it. In this panel, we will discuss the need to move beyond approaches to AI that focus on the technical aspects of AI development and view AI as an expedient tool for replacing human-based activities. This approach is limiting and dangerous. We wish to broaden and flip this perspective by emphasizing the human skills of collaboration, interdisciplinary perspective-making, and creativity as key to more effectively harnessing and using AI capabilities. We will argue against allowing AI to displace or shape our humans but, instead, for using our uniquely human skills to harness and apply AI in ways that promote – not replace – our strongest human abilities.

Specifically, this three-person panel from UND’s Initiative of AI and Human Innovation, will use evidence-based arguments to address issues of the emerging trends of AI replacement of humans in education, the workplace, and entertainment industries. We will advocate for flipping our narrative of human – AI interaction, emphasizing how the human skills of collaboration and perspective-taking can lead us to partner effectively with AI in the creation of stronger, more equitable educational practices, more robust work-place environments, and more inclusive and unique artistic endeavors. A Q&A session will be included.

In the 45-minute panel each member will bring a unique perspective to the discussion of a human-centered approach to AI. Professor Oliver, a theatre scholar will discuss the impact to the Arts and the potential for inclusion. Ms. Kinney an expert in writing and AI will explore pedogeological principals to incorporating AI in the classroom. Professor Carmichael, a scholar in interdisciplinary studies, English, and Theatre will connect the dots between research and the classroom to explore how the disruption of AI can expand our potential if utilized ethically.

Presenters

Emily Cherry Oliver is currently Professor and chair of the Theatre Arts Department at the University of North Dakota. In addition to her work in theatre, Emily is the Co-Director of the University of North Dakota’s AI and Human Innovation Initiative, where she explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity. Her areas of scholarship include directing and performance. Emily has an impressive portfolio of professional directing and acting credits and at UND, she has directed numerous productions. She is also currently serving as the co-vice chair for Region 5 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Tami Carmichael, Professor of English and faculty member in the Theatre Department at the University of North Dakota, is a distinguished scholar specializing in interdisciplinary studies. She served as program director of the Integrated Studies program for seventeen years and is now the associate director of the University’s AI and Human Innovation Initiative, focusing on AI’s influence on pedagogy and assessment. Professor Carmichael also coordinates the American College of Norway program and has previously chaired the North Dakota Humanities Council, showcasing her extensive contributions to academia and leadership in educational innovation.

Anna Marie Kinney, serves as Coordinator of the University Writing Program, and brings experience supporting faculty in developing an understanding of AI and its impact on curriculum and pedagogy. At the University of North Dakota, she is Co-Director of the AI and Human Innovation Initiative and she leads workshops educating faculty on ethically navigating AI use for improved student outcomes. Additionally, she serves on the North Dakota University System AI Forum and have served the state as a speaker on AI in higher education. Her experience includes developing writing curriculum, supporting best practices for inclusive pedagogy, and supporting faculty development.

Room: CFA 222

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have been utilized in healthcare for decades, assisting professionals in diagnosing, treating, and communicating with patients. AI technology has exploded greatly in recent years to include robotic surgery and the ability to trend data, thus leading to improved patient outcomes. There is tremendous potential in expanding AI technology but also substantial challenges that require ethical, financial, and professional consideration. Healthcare professionals care for people; the nursing profession meshes art and science to provide caring behaviors such as presence, touch, listening, and coming to know the patient. A humanoid robot that assists in lifting and turning patients has been utilized in Japan in elder care for the past two decades. But can this “hugging” robot provide the caring behaviors we all crave and need? This presentation will discuss the ongoing nursing shortage, AI technologies currently being used in healthcare, evaluate potential concerns with newly emerging AI technology, and share insights into the healing power of caring behaviors.

Presenter

Dr. Mary Beth Johnson obtained her BSN from the University of Mary (then Mary College) and began her nursing career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. She obtained her Master’s in Perinatal Nursing from the University of Washington in Seattle. Mary Beth was in leadership positions including the Director of Maternal Child Nursing at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT for 18 years. Her nursing experience has always been in the Maternal-Child arena. Mary Beth began teaching at the University of Mary in the fall of 2007 and has taught courses in maternity, pediatrics, ethics, law and policy, and nursing leadership. Her interest in bioethics began during the early years of her nursing practice experience. She earned her Master’s in Health Policy in 2016 and her Doctorate in Bioethics in 2020 from Loyola University – Chicago. Mary Beth was an RN board member on the ND Board of Nursing from July 2015 until June 2022. She is a member of several professional nursing organizations.

ROOM: CFA 240

How do people with disabilities use technology to access digital content? The number of people with disabilities is estimated to be 15% of the global population (approximately 1 billion people). Dr. Lacey Long, Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) and Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) Member for ND Assistive, will present information on how artificial intelligence (AI) technology can improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Long will define and share examples of assistive technology (AT) and explain how these programs and products can be utilized in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI), specifically for individuals who are blind or have low vision, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, individuals who have physical disabilities or mobility needs, and/or individuals who have learning differences or cognitive disabilities. She will also share information on ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines for state and local government agencies about the accessibility of web content and share resources for accessibility training, with a focus on using plain language and the four principles (POUR) of web accessibility.

Presenter

Dr. Lacey Long is a Research Associate for the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) at Minot State University. She is currently the Project Director for the ND Dual Sensory Project, the state’s deafblind project. Lacey has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Special Education, and a doctoral degree in Educational Practice and Leadership from the University of North Dakota. Lacey is a certified teacher of students with visual impairments, a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing, an orientation and mobility specialist (COMS), and an assistive technology instructional specialist (CATIS). She lives in Bismarck, ND (where she was born and raised) with her husband, Jackson, and two sons, Reuben and Louis.