Spring 2025

"Surfing the AI Wave: A Human-Centered Approach to Innovation and Ethics"

Through the Tack Faculty Lecture Series, a William & 玛丽 professor will address the community at least once a semester.

Spring 2025

Dr. Douglas C. Schmidt, Inaugural Dean of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m.
Sadler Center | Commonwealth Auditorium

AI is reshaping society, much like past technological revolutions like the printing press, the steam engine, electricity, and the Internet. As AI advances at an increasingly rapid pace, it is crucial to harness its capabilities while preserving human creativity, ethical responsibility, and lifelong learning. Although AI’s potential is vast, measured skepticism is essential in refining its applications, addressing its limitations, and ensuring its development remains both effective and equitable.

This Tack Faculty Lecture explores how William & 玛丽 can lead in human-centered AI by integrating responsible AI use into education, research, and career development. It will also examine the growing “digital chasm” between those who use AI effectively and those at risk of being left behind, emphasizing the need for proactive education and critical engagement with AI. By fostering fairness, transparency, and accountability—as well as embracing measured skepticism—we can ensure AI serves society responsibly.