Digital Futures Flashpoint #12, titled "The United States of Artificial Intelligence," took place on September 22 at Digital Futures building. This panel discussion, led by AI experts Drs. Raj Bhatnagar and Kelly Cohen from the University of Cincinnati, aims to delve into the complex narrative surrounding artificial intelligence, including its dangers, opportunities, and its evolving role in various sectors such as sales and security. The event will spotlight four distinguished UC Alumni now at the forefront of AI at major organizations like Google, Nike, Thales, and the U.S. White House.

The panelists are:

• Divya Sardana, a leading AI/Machine Learning Engineer at Nike and a UC Computer Science PhD graduate.
• Nick Ernest, Chief Architect at Thales and an Aerospace Engineering PhD alumni.
• Vineet Joshi, a Software Engineer at Google with a PhD in Computer Science from UC.
• Chirag Parikh, Executive Secretary at the National Space Council, The White House, holding a BS in Aerospace Engineering from UC.

The moderators expressed their hopes for the event: Dr. Bhatnagar wishes for attendees to appreciate AI's beneficial impact on society and the importance of managing its potential misuses. Dr. Cohen looks forward to demonstrating how companies like Thales, Nike, and Google are striving to make AI more responsible and ethical. They also shared their personal pride and satisfaction in seeing their former mentees contributing significantly to the field of AI, highlighting the profound impact of education and mentorship in shaping the future of technology.