Doug Schmidt, William & Mary’s first dean of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, will present his vision for a human-centered approach to AI during the Tack Faculty Lecture on April 9. Highlighting AI’s transformative potential, he underlines the need for active participation in shaping its ethical role in society. The lecture aims to engage the community in necessary dialogues surrounding technology and ethics.
William & Mary’s inaugural dean of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, Doug Schmidt, will present a compelling vision for the future of Artificial Intelligence at the spring Tack Faculty Lecture titled “Surfing the AI Wave: A Human-Centered Approach to Innovation and Ethics”. Anticipated to take place on April 9 at 7 p.m. in the Commonwealth Auditorium, Schmidt argues that AI represents a monumental shift—akin to a tsunami, reshaping society profoundly.
Schmidt discusses how historical milestones like the printing press and the internet redefined the landscape of human thought and creativity. He emphasizes, “The question is no longer whether AI will influence our lives, but how we will shape its role in a way that preserves human ingenuity rather than diminishing it.” His lecture will delve into instilling a human-centered approach toward integrating AI responsibly in our lives, reflecting values gained during his own education at William & Mary.
With over thirty years of experience in academia and government, Schmidt is tasked with leading the creation of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, set to commence this fall. His mission encompasses ensuring students are equipped for a data-centric future, while addressing the critical divide between individuals who can lever AI effectively versus those who may be left behind. He urges active engagement in this transformative era: “We have to ensure that we’re not passive spectators but active participants in this transformation.”
The Tack Faculty Lecture Series, inaugurated in 2012, promotes faculty excellence and invites professors to share insights relevant to the community—accessible and free to all. With Schmidt’s engaging invitation, everyone on campus is encouraged to participate, emphasizing that this lecture extends beyond academia: “This isn’t just another lecture — it’s an invitation to be part of a conversation that will shape the future of education, work, and society.”
Doug Schmidt’s vision for AI at William & Mary promises to foster a human-centered approach that balances ethical considerations with innovation. His lecture, part of the Tack Faculty Lecture Series, serves as a call to action for the university community to engage with the evolution of AI responsibly. As we navigate this new frontier, Schmidt encourages participation in shaping the future rather than merely witnessing it.
Original Source: news.wm.edu
