Nationally Known Strategist to Join RSU Discussion Panel on Artificial Intelligence Nov. 7

Rogers State University's Department of Technology and Justice Studies will host a discussion panel about the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and the workplace.

"AI in Education & Workforce: Preparing for a Changing Landscape" will be held 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in Room 226 of Herrington Hall on RSU's Claremore campus.

According to RSU Technology and Justice Studies Department Head Dr. Curtis Sparling, the discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping educational and professional spheres, emphasizing skills, strategies, and ethical considerations necessary to navigate this ongoing transformation.

Panelists will examine the role of AI in enhancing personalized learning, bridging the skills gap, expanding access to a diverse range of educational resources, and addressing workforce implications, including the evolution of job roles, continuous professional development, and the critical collaboration between industry and academia in aligning curricula with real-world demands.

This panel will also explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education and the workforce, focusing on essential skills, ethics, and future readiness.

Scheduled panelists for this discussion include:

Dr. Lisa Palmer, who is an internationally renowned AI strategist, former financial services Chief Information Officer, and researcher. With 20+ years in big tech, including executive roles at Microsoft, Gartner, and Splunk, and a 2023 doctorate focused on enterprise AI, she is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of "Dr. Lisa AI" and a stealth startup that will be unveiled in 2025. Palmer equips Fortune 500 boards and executives to harness AI for competitive advantage while avoiding risks. Frequently featured by media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, CIO Magazine, and the Financial Times, she is known for making complex AI concepts accessible.

Dr. Brian Andrews, Department Head of Psychology and Sociology. Andrews is an anthropologist and archaeologist who has studied and published extensively on the earliest human inhabitants of North America. His research focuses primarily on social organization, technology, behavioral ecology, and sociocultural evolutionary trends among hunter-gatherer societies. He is also involved with research and teaching in social theory and environmental sociology, including topics dealing with climate change and modern environmental policy.

Dr. Nitindra Chowdary Pavuluri is an assistant professor at RSU. Prior to joining RSU, he obtained his doctorate in computer science from Texas State University. His research interests include data analytics, information management and high-performance computing. Chowdary strives to create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment and integrates real-world applications in his courses, enabling students to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in their career. He is also a key faculty member in developing the AI degree option at RSU.

Abhilash Minukuri holds a master's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and is an instructor at RSU with expertise in game design, programming, and interactive media. At RSU, he has improved the game design degree by introducing new courses and played a key role in shaping the AI degree. He is also involved in STEM outreach programs, where he teaches K-12 students about game development and programming.

Dr. Sara K. Moon-Seo is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Sociology at RSU. Moon is a motivational educator with a passion for fun, effective teaching and collaborative research. She teaches Introduction to Psychology, Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Adolescence, Psychology of Well-being, and Research Methods I. Her research interests include parenting, children's play, mindfulness, and college students' well-being. Recently, she has focused on fostering a collaborative learning environment in her classes through open communication.

Dr. Jerrett D. Phillips serves as vice president for student affairs at RSU. He holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Oklahoma State University, a master's in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Northeastern State University. Prior to beginning his higher education career 25 years ago, Phillips worked for Wal-Mart, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security. He is a member of state and national organizations and is here today to speak to AI in the career search process.

Sai Tharuni Samineni is an instructor at RSU, with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and programming. She holds a master's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University. At RSU, she played an integral role in shaping the AI degree. She is also involved in the STEM outreach program. Prior to joining RSU, she worked as a programmer at Gonzalez-Hernandez lab at Cedars-Sinai, where she worked on various research studies pertaining to health language processing and large language models. She also has experience working as pega senior system analyst at Capgemini.

Serving as moderator will be Dr. Curtis Sparling, who holds the O.D. Mayor Endowed Chair at RSU. He has developed new degree programs in cybersecurity, UAS technologies, national and information security, and eSports. Sparling founded RSU's competitive cybersecurity and robotics teams, both nationally ranked, and established RSU's STEM outreach program, which serves 2,500-3,500 K-12 students each academic semester. Prior to joining RSU, he served 22 years in the Navy, concluding his career as a commanding officer at sea.

By providing insights into the challenges, opportunities, and ethical implications of AI integration, this session aims to equip attendees with actionable perspectives for cultivating future-ready learners and adaptable professionals.

"AI in Education & Workforce: Preparing for a Changing Landscape" will be broadcast live on RSUTV2. Limited seating is available for attendees.