Lunch & Learn: Artificial Intelligence

Perspectives on AI: the now, the future, and why we should be optimistic

In this talk and subsequent discussion, Alan Jamieson, Director of Computing Programs at  Northeastern University's Roux Institute in Portland, ME, will share an accessible overview of artificial intelligence’s current state, impacts on society and potential integration of artificial intelligence’s impact on daily life. This discussion includes some cool* examples, demonstrating an “under the hood” peek at common artificial intelligence uses. The conversation concludes with Jamieson’s optimistic predictions from the rapid progress of artificial intelligence, including positive impacts for society and, importantly, why it doesn’t mean the end of the world. There will be time for questions and follow up surrounding the intersection of artificial intelligence and society.

* He thinks they’re cool, your mileage may vary.

Alan Jamieson is the director of computing programs and a teaching professor of computer science at the Roux Institute. Jamieson teaches courses in the Align program and the MSCS program for Khoury College of Computer Sciences. His research interests include broadening participation in computer science, K-12 computational thinking and data science education integration, and combinatorial graph theory. Jamieson has spent his career introducing computer science to students with varying backgrounds and experiences with technology – including cool and innovative pedagogical techniques whenever he can.

Before joining Northeastern, Jamieson was a professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland for 14 years, which included serving as the computer science program coordinator and later, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. At St. Mary’s, he coordinated the development of a liberal arts focused data science program and worked to bring a multi-disciplinary fabrication lab to the college.

He received his doctoral degree in computer science from Clemson University. He is a recipient of the National Center for Women and Information Technology’s (NCWIT) Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award, named one of NCWIT’s faculty ambassador, and he has been recognized for his service as a reviewer of the Aspirations in Computing Awards. In 2019, he was selected as a member of Amazon’s inaugural AWS Educate Cloud Ambassador Program for his work integrating cloud computing concepts into the liberal arts classroom. In his free time Jamieson is a world-class consumer of coffee and donuts. He also has an eclectic non-CS background, including working as a jazz DJ in New Orleans and as a theatre kid for the Springer Opera House, the state theatre of Georgia.