Navigating the AI era: Georgia Southern hosts Carnegie Mellon’s Po-Shen Loh for discussion on practical applications and community effects
As businesses and communities navigate the growth of AI, the Department of Mathematics at Georgia Southern University’s College of Science and Mathematics is hosting Po-Shen Loh, Ph.D., professor of mathematical sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, to discuss what this growing technology means for the people it impacts. Reflecting Georgia Southern’s leadership in charting the responsible use of AI in education and industry, the lecture will inform attendees on the practical uses of AI, the societal effects of its implementation and the infrastructure required to support it.
“What is the best way for people to handle the future? What kinds of skills are people going to need? What is different between humans and machines?” Loh asked. “People who attend will get directions for how they can lead their own future in a world where AI is strong.”
Loh envisions the lecture as both an informative presentation and an open discussion where people can share their own hopes and concerns. His work brings him into discussions with leaders of AI development companies where he shares feedback he receives from attendees at his forums.
“The way I usually do my talks is I look at the audience, I try to find out what they care about, and we talk about some of those things,” said Loh. “I like making it interactive.”
Loh believes the ability for people to discuss and find solutions together is the age-old solution to the newest challenges.
“Even in a world where there are very powerful machines and people are getting more lonely, we can build a community that has thoughtful people,” said Loh. “We can still find meaning and cohesion at a time when it feels like technology is pulling us all apart.”
Professor of Mathematics Education Heidi Eisenreich, Ph.D., sees Georgia Southern as an important source of knowledge in conversations that matter to the region.
“Georgia Southern has such a strong connection with the local area,” said Eisenreich. “It’s a family-oriented place and we make sure to support our community like family. This talk bridges the topics of math and education while providing a place for our neighbors to join a bigger conversation about our future together.”
The lecture is Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on the Statesboro Campus in the Russell Student Union Ballroom. It is free and open to the public.
The discussion is part of the Stone Distinguished Lecture Series. The series is endowed in honor of Professor Emeritus of Mathematics David R. Stone, Ph.D., who taught at Georgia Southern University for 49 years. He arrived in 1968 as an assistant professor, retired from his full-time position in 2008 and taught part-time through 2017.