We hear about artificial intelligence (AI) in all sorts of high-tech and somewhat distant technologies like self-driving cars and robotics, but AI is here in your life right now in ways that you may not realize. Banking, insurance, medicine, education and the justice system all offer examples of how AI has been and continues to be put to use. But what are the downsides to this, and how can we harness the power of AI in ways that benefit everyone? From deciding who gets a bank loan to learning how men and women write differently, we need to have an understanding of how AI is being used, and what the implications mig We hear about artificial intelligence (AI) in all sorts of high-tech and somewhat distant technologies like self-driving cars and robotics, but AI is here in your life right now in ways that you may not realize. Banking, insurance, medicine, education and the justice system all offer examples of how AI has been and continues to be put to use. But what are the downsides to this, and how can we harness the power of AI in ways that benefit everyone? From deciding who gets a bank loan to learning how men and women write differently, we need to have an understanding of how AI is being used, and what the implications might be.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, University of Lethbridge computer science professor, Dr. Jackie Rice, will present The Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence. This is the third talk of the 2019/20 season for the Faculty of Arts & Science’s PUBlic Professor Series. The free event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge and is open to the public.
Rice earned a BSc in 1993, an MSc in 1995, and a PhD in computer science in 2003 from the University of Victoria. From 1995 to 2000 she worked as a computer consultant for various areas of industry and has been teaching at post-secondary institutions since 1995. She has taught at the U of L for the past 17 years.
Rice's experiences as one of very few women in her area have shaped how she conducts research. As well, these experiences have given her the drive to encourage diversity, and not just in computer science. As a result, Rice is active in outreach and mentoring for young people from many different backgrounds, including working with the local sea cadets as a civilian instructor. She is currently an associate dean with the Faculty of Arts & Science.
In this talk, she will explore both the benefits of the amazing recent advances in artificial intelligence, as well as the risks these present to society.