In this episode of AI & Impact, Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with Janelle Marietta, PhD candidate, instructor, and nonprofit leader, about the growing role of artificial intelligence in nonprofit organizations, education, and community-based work.

The conversation explores how AI tools can help nonprofits address long-standing capacity challenges, improve marketing and donor engagement, and support evaluation and analysis—while also highlighting the risks of over-reliance on automation, biased data, and inauthentic communication.

Key topics include ethical considerations in AI adoption, the limits of AI in qualitative and community-engaged research, and the importance of maintaining human-centered approaches in equity-focused and decolonization work. Janelle also discusses the skills nonprofit leaders and emerging professionals need to use AI effectively and responsibly, even in low-resource environments.

This episode is particularly relevant for nonprofit leaders, educators, researchers, and students interested in social impact, community development, and responsible AI use.

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

Episode Notes

AI in the Classroom and Beyond

In this Season 2 premiere of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro is joined by Dr. Jason Satel to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, research, and professional expertise.

The conversation explores the realities behind AGI hype, the rapid adoption of AI tools in universities, and why traditional assessment and certification models are under growing pressure. Dr. Satel discusses practical approaches to teaching students how to use AI effectively, rather than attempting to prohibit it, and explains why iteration, context, and critical judgment are now core skills.

Key topics include:

• AI’s impact on higher education and assessment design

• Teaching AI literacy to students and faculty

• The limits of current models in creativity, humor, and context

• AI as a research assistant: literature review, coding, and data analysis

• Hardware constraints, industry–academia gaps, and access to compute

• Bias, synthetic data, and model alignment

• What AI means for future careers, expertise, and certification

This episode offers a grounded, candid discussion on adapting educational and research practices in a world where AI is becoming a standard tool rather than a novelty.

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

Closing Season One with Innovation and Insight

Welcome to the final episode of Season One of AI in Action! In this episode, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro reflects on the transformative journey through the world of artificial intelligence, wrapping up a season packed with insights, innovations, and expert discussions. Key Highlights of the Episode:

1. The Democratizing Power of AI:
   • AI's ability to simplify complex tasks and empower individuals without technical expertise.
   • Examples of generative AI applications, including coding assistance, app creation, and productivity tools.
2. Ethical and Environmental Considerations:
   • Balancing AI's potential with its environmental cost and ethical challenges.
   • Using AI responsibly to optimize efficiency without excessive resource consumption.
3. AI in Education and Creative Fields:
   • How AI is reshaping learning, from creating engaging educational tools to enhancing translation and communication.
   • The evolving relationship between artists, creativity, and generative AI tools.
4. Challenges and Limitations:
   • The scalability and cost-effectiveness of generative AI.
   • Issues with contextual understanding in AI outputs and the need for better multimodal models.
5. Innovative Applications and Real-World Examples:
   • From student-built Kickstarters to industry solutions boosting productivity.
   • Real-life success stories and cautionary tales about integrating AI into workflows.

Reflection on the Journey: Dr. Shapiro shares insights from conversations with experts across various disciplines, emphasizing how AI's impact varies dramatically depending on context and implementation. He also discusses the excitement and challenges of navigating this rapidly evolving field, with a hopeful but grounded perspective on its future. Thank You: Special thanks to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the University of Lethbridge for their support in making this podcast possible.

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

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