AI, Ethics, and Social Justice with Frank Ọnụ

In Episode 25 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Frank Ọnụ, a doctoral researcher and instructor, to discuss the critical intersections of AI, ethics, and social justice. Frank brings a wealth of expertise in prompt engineering, misinformation, and the broader societal impacts of AI, making him a vital voice in understanding these complex issues. Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Frank’s journey into research at the crossroads of AI, ethics, and misinformation.
• The role of AI in amplifying and mitigating misinformation in the digital age.
• Insights into the "Inclusive Research" initiative, which focuses on increasing access to digital research tools for African scholars.
• Ethical considerations in prompt engineering and the responsible use of generative AI tools.
• The geopolitical implications of AI and what policymakers need to consider.
• Frank’s vision for how academia and industry can collaborate to create equitable and socially responsible AI applications.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Leadership and Innovation: A Student's Perspective with Ankit Mukherjee

In Episode 24 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro welcomes Ankit Mukherjee, a dynamic young professional and final-year undergraduate at the University of Lethbridge. Ankit brings a unique perspective, blending his roles as a marketing associate, peer learning mentor, and student leader with his vision for integrating AI into business and education. Key topics covered in this episode:

• Ankit’s journey balancing academics, leadership, and professional responsibilities.
• Insights into how AI is reshaping marketing for startups and the broader business landscape.
• The potential of AI tools to enhance mentorship and educational experiences for students and educators.
• The importance of community building in business and education and AI’s role in fostering collaboration.
• Challenges faced by young professionals entering the AI field and strategies for overcoming them.
• Ankit’s vision for the future of AI in driving innovation and creating meaningful change in industries.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Neuroscience and AI in Business Innovation with Ryan Rota

In Episode 23 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with Ryan Rota, a data architect and neuroscientist with over 14 years of experience in advanced analytics and business data systems. Ryan’s career uniquely bridges neuroscience research and practical AI applications, providing valuable insights into how these fields intersect. Key topics discussed:

• How Ryan’s background in neuroscience, including neural network mapping and circadian rhythm research, informs his approach to data systems and AI.
• Current challenges in AI development and where the technology might evolve in the next decade.
• The importance of fit-for-purpose AI solutions for organizations and how businesses can adopt them effectively.
• Parallels between neuroscience and business analytics, focusing on feature selection and pattern recognition.
• Insights into applying theoretical concepts like Hebbian learning to practical AI and business problems.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

The Future of AI: Exploring Language Models and Chatbots with Reza Ardestani

In Episode 22 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro engages with Reza Ardestani, a chatbot developer, language model engineer, and data scientist. Reza, a recent MSc graduate from the University of Lethbridge, is known for his innovative work in natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and AI ethics. Topics covered in this episode:

• Reza’s recent project developing a language model using Graph Attention Networks at the University of Lethbridge.
• The role of chatbots and language models in revolutionizing communication, information access, and automation.
• Insights into essential tools like Python and PyTorch for modern AI development, and advice for those entering the field.
• The biggest challenges in NLP, including data privacy, bias, and scalability, along with strategies to address them.
• The balance between theoretical AI concepts and practical implementation in cutting-edge projects.
• Emerging trends in AI that excite Reza, and predictions for the next big breakthroughs in NLP and reinforcement learning.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

AI and Software Development

In Episode 21 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro brings together four dynamic software developers—Divya Khemani, Athif Shaffy, Shubham Dhamane, and Hannan Ahmad Shaikh—for a collaborative discussion on AI’s transformative impact on the software industry. This marks our first multi-guest panel, providing diverse perspectives from these accomplished developers, each contributing unique expertise to AI-powered software. Key topics include:

• The transition from traditional software development to AI-enhanced projects, with insights into their journeys and inspirations.
• A closer look at innovative projects such as the Cambrian Alumni App and Vanguardian showcasing the practical integration of AI into real-world software applications.
• The ways AI is reshaping the software development lifecycle, from coding and debugging to deployment and optimization.
• Ethical challenges and governance considerations include addressing AI bias, data privacy, and decision-making transparency.
• Advice for students and professionals aiming to integrate AI expertise into their software development careers.
• A forward-looking discussion on the trends and technologies will define the next decade of AI in software.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

AI in Modern Libraries with Carlo Iacono

In Episode 20 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Carlo Iacono, University Librarian and previously AI Strategy Development Adviser at Charles Sturt University. With a distinguished career spanning over 27 years across Australia and the UK, Carlo has pioneered leveraging AI to modernize library services and enhance access to information in education and research. Topics covered in this episode include:

• Carlo’s career journey and what inspired his focus on integrating AI in academic libraries.
• The transformative impact of AI on education, research, and library services, including innovative use cases.
• Strategies for balancing technological innovation with practical, human-centered solutions in library services.
• Key collaborations with industry and academia for the successful implementation of AI initiatives.
• Ethical and governance considerations for responsible AI use in academic settings.
• A forward-looking perspective on the role of libraries and AI in shaping the future of education and information accessibility.

This episode delves into the intersection of AI and library services, showcasing how innovation and strategic leadership can make information more accessible, efficient, and equitable. Join us for this insightful discussion and better understand how AI is transforming education and research.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Exploring AI in Humanities with Dr. Barbara Bordalejo

Notes go hereIn Episode 19 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Dr. Barbara Bordalejo, an Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Lethbridge and a leading voice in the application of emergent technologies in humanities research. With over two decades of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Bordalejo brings a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from medieval textual studies to equity and inclusion in digital spaces. Key discussion points include:

• Dr. Bordalejo’s academic journey and how she became involved in digital humanities and AI.
• The transformative role of AI in digital scholarship, including its impact on research methodologies and academic collaboration.
• Ethical considerations in AI, particularly in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia.
• Real-world examples of AI applications in textual criticism and medieval studies.
• Insights into how universities can better prepare students for an AI-driven academic and professional landscape.
• Reflections on the future of AI in the humanities and beyond.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

Unlocking the Power of AI: Insights with Dr. Sidney Shapiro and Host Zach Fisher

In this episode of AI in Action, host Zach Fisher welcomes Dr. Sidney Shapiro, an Assistant Professor of Data Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business, to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. Together, they explore how these technologies are reshaping industries, solving complex problems, and driving innovation. The conversation also delves into the ethical challenges of AI and the skills needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving field. Key Topics Discussed

1. Introduction to AI and Data Science
   • The role of data science as the foundation for AI.
   • How AI is transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
2. Real-World Applications of AI
   • Examples of how businesses are leveraging AI for decision-making and efficiency.
   • A project from Dr. Shapiro’s work showcasing the impact of AI in practice.
3. Ethical Considerations in AI
   • Challenges around transparency, fairness, and bias in AI systems.
   • The importance of responsible AI development.
4. Skills and Trends in AI
   • Key skills for students and professionals entering the AI field.
   • Emerging trends and the future of AI in business and society.

Guest Bio Dr. Sidney Shapiro is an Assistant Professor of Data Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business. With extensive experience in academia and industry, Dr. Shapiro works on applying data-driven solutions to real-world challenges, focusing on the intersection of AI, business, and ethics. Host Bio Zach Fisher, a final-year student at the Dhillon School of Business, is the host of AI in Action. With a passion for exploring how technology drives innovation, Zach brings fresh perspectives to the conversation, connecting listeners with leading voices in AI. Closing Thoughts Dr. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of balancing technical advancements with ethical considerations, urging businesses and individuals to adopt AI responsibly. Zach highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptability in this fast-changing field. Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to AI in Action, leave a review, and share it with others interested in AI and its impact on our world. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on the future of technology.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

The Future of AI-Driven Content Strategy

Notes go hereIn this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro interviews Jeff Coyle, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at MarketMuse. With over 25 years of experience in content optimization and AI, Jeff has pioneered new ways to help businesses elevate their marketing strategies. MarketMuse uses AI to help marketers identify content gaps, improve search engine rankings, and optimize content quality. Jeff shares his journey and insights into how AI is revolutionizing the world of content marketing.

<h4>Key Highlights:</h4>

1. The Birth of MarketMuse:
   • Jeff discusses what inspired him to co-found MarketMuse and how AI plays a central role in its mission to enhance content quality and performance.
2. How MarketMuse Works:
   • An in-depth look at how the platform leverages AI and machine learning to deliver actionable insights, identify content gaps, and recommend improvements.
3. Scaling Content Creation:
   • Jeff explains how businesses can scale their content production while maintaining quality and adhering to their brand’s voice.
4. Ethics and AI in Content Strategy:
   • Insights into how MarketMuse approaches data privacy, transparency, and ethical considerations in AI-driven content recommendations.
5. Emerging Trends in Content Marketing:
   • Jeff shares his thoughts on the future of AI in content strategy, including the impact of large language models and the importance of topical authority.
6. Practical Advice for Content Marketers:
   • Actionable tips for businesses and marketers looking to integrate AI into their content planning and creation workflows.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

AI-Powered Marketing: How Tailwind is Transforming Small Business Growth

In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro welcomes Daniel Maloney, CEO and Co-Founder of Tailwind, a leading AI-powered marketing platform designed to help over 1.5 million small businesses grow their brands. Drawing on experience with major tech companies like AOL and Google, Daniel discusses how Tailwind leverages AI to democratize marketing by making complex tools accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes.

<h4>Key Highlights:</h4>

1. The Inspiration Behind Tailwind:
   • Daniel shares his motivation to create a platform that simplifies marketing for small businesses, making expertise and advanced tools available to everyone.
2. AI in Action at Tailwind:
   • Real-world examples of how Tailwind supports business owners by automating tasks such as content creation, ad campaign management, and marketing plan development.
3. Overcoming Challenges in AI Accessibility:
   • A deep dive into the hurdles of designing AI tools that balance power and simplicity, ensuring usability for non-technical entrepreneurs.
4. Emerging Trends in AI-Driven Marketing:
   • Daniel’s perspective on the next big innovations in digital marketing, including predictive analytics and hyper-personalization.
5. Ethics in AI Development:
   • How Tailwind addresses critical issues like data privacy, algorithm transparency, and the responsible use of AI.
6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
   • Practical insights for integrating AI into new products and services to drive value and innovation.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co