UC Digital Futures

Another incredible #CincyAI Meetup for Humans event in the books! It’s always a pleasure to host at #UCDigitalFutures. A big shout out to Kendra Ramirez and Helen Todd (Human) for their outstanding efforts in making these events a reality. The meetup was packed with valuable insights from a dozen speakers, thought-provoking questions from the attendees, and, as always, engaging conversations and networking opportunities that continue to foster the AI community in Cincinnati. A special highlight was Rob Richardson's announcement of MidwestCon, which reinforces our commitment to not just advancing #AI, but emphasizing #ResponsibleAI and its impact on our society. These events sell out quickly, so be sure to register early!

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting our partner Adopt A Class’s special reception for two outstanding leadership cohorts from Shroder High School. Adopt A Class is our invaluable in-house nonprofit partner, dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between students and mentors. Through their programs, AAC provides students with real-world experiences, academic enrichment, and career readiness opportunities, bridging the gap between education and the workforce. This event celebrated the completion of a new pilot program designed to inspire and educate 7th-grade students. The program uniquely combines career education with opportunities in both trades and higher education. The students had the chance to engage with experts who discussed financial literacy and leadership skills, setting them on the path to success. A huge thank you to AAC for their dedication and innovative approach to mentorship. We are proud to support such impactful initiatives and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of these remarkable young leaders. #UCDigitalFutures #AdoptAClass

Last week’s CincyAI Meetup for Humans at UC Digital Futures offered another inspiring evening as we navigated the evolving world of #AI! This month's AI 101 session, led by Mike Woodring, an expert in the field of sales, delved into integrating AI tools to enhance buyer experiences, emphasizing the balance between technology and human touch. Helen Todd (Human), co-founder of CincyAI with Kendra Ramirez, captivated attendees with her insights from SXSW 2024, sharing the latest on humanoid robots and the push towards #EquitableAI — vital discussions that are shaping the future of the industry. The “Quick Byte” section featured a dynamic lineup of about a dozen speakers, including Willie F. Caldwell from PLAY Audio Agency, Charlie Hall from Seven Hills, and Jeffrey Heinichen from the Center for Great Work Performance, who each brought unique perspectives and valuable insights to our vibrant discussions. Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributing to the rich exchange of ideas and experiences. We're excited to continue this journey with you, exploring and shaping the future of AI together! #UCDigitalFutures #UniversityofCincinnati #CincyAI #ArtificialIntelligence

Flashpoint: The Convergence of AI, Society, and Culture Panel Overview: Day 3 of our upcoming Research + Innovation Week 2024 (May 1st), we are hosting an insightful Flashpoint panel discussion titled "The Convergence of AI, Society, and Culture." This panel, moderated by Jai Chabria will dive deep into the intersections of #AI with our social structures and cultural contexts, discussing the transformative impacts of AI on businesses, non-profits, government, and humanity at large. Panelists: Kelly Cohen - With over a decade at UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, Dr. Cohen brings a wealth of knowledge in aerospace engineering and education. As the leader of the #UCDigitalFutures AI Bio Lab and the Chief Scientific Advisor for Brandrank.ai, his work focuses on #ResponsibleAI and brings an important and critical view on the role of AI in business and beyond. Kendra Ramirez - As CEO of KR Digital and co-founder of the incredible CincyAI Meetup for Humans (held here at Digital Futures!), Kendra is a powerhouse in digital strategy and innovation. Recognized globally and adorned with several prestigious awards such as the John Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Award and Cincy Chic Woman of the Year, she brings a forward-thinking approach to leveraging digital technologies and AI in business. Rashmi Jha - An esteemed Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Jha’s expertise spans solid state electronics, nanoelectronic device design, and AI systems. Her impressive portfolio includes 13 US patents and leadership in cutting-edge research, making her a vital voice in discussions on AI and technological advancements. Stay tuned as we share key insights and developments from this discussion, aiming to spark conversations that drive real-world impact. Follow #ResearchWeek2024 for updates and join us in exploring innovative solutions at the nexus of AI and societal development. #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

Research + Innovation Week 2024 Flashpoint: Solving Problems that Matter - Together Panel Overview: This April 30th, during the University of Cincinnati's Research + Innovation Week 2024, we're hosting an exclusive session, "Solving Problems that Matter - Together." This event promises to be a melting pot of ideas, bringing together esteemed local business leaders, educators, community advocates, and government officials. They'll be engaging in a vital conversation about harnessing mentorship to unlock the potential of disadvantaged youth and creatively solving workforce challenges. Panelists: @LaNae Barnes - Bank of America's Market Executive in Cincinnati, LaNae Barnes, is pivotal in linking businesses and individuals with financial solutions, driving socio-economic well-being and inclusive growth through community partnerships and leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. @Todd Foley - Dr. Todd Foley, partnering with @Adopt A Class at #UCDigitalFutures, leverages data to enhance nonprofit impacts on community development, showcasing how strategic partnerships can address social issues effectively. @Sonya Fultz - Sonya Fultz's dedication to education for marginalized communities emphasizes the importance of accessible education and community engagement in building global citizenship, aligning with the panel's vision for societal growth. @Sheryl Long - Cincinnati's City Manager, Sheryl Long, exemplifies impactful government leadership through diverse city projects and policy advocacy, highlighting the significance of government roles in fostering community welfare and engagement. Stay tuned as we share pivotal insights and breakthroughs from this discussion, sparking conversations that matter. Follow #ResearchWeek2024 for updates and join us in driving forward innovative solutions for societal progress. #CommunityEngagement  #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityImpact

Expanding the Frontiers of Global Health: The Journey of the Digital Epidemiology Lab In the realm of global health, where challenges are as vast as they are complex, the Digital Epidemiology Lab at Digital Futures stands out. Under the stewardship of Dr. Diego F. Cuadros, our team is pioneering efforts to address some of the most devastating diseases in developing countries, including HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, with a focus on the African region. The lab’s approach is multidimensional, integrating spatial analyses, biostatistics, mathematical modeling, and advanced computer simulations. This comprehensive methodology is not just about understanding the spread and evolution of epidemics; it's about crafting impactful intervention strategies that can save lives. However, the heart of the lab’s success lies in collaboration. They have built strong partnerships across Africa, including with Strathmore University in Kenya, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, among others. These collaborations are vital, allowing them to confront immediate health challenges and design and evaluate targeted intervention programs, especially against the HIV epidemic. Equally important is the lab’s commitment to capacity building. By conducting workshops to teach essential methodological skills in data analysis and quantitative methods, they are empowering local professionals and researchers. This initiative ensures sustainability and advances the collective mission. According to Dr. Cuadros, "Our work transcends scientific discovery. It's about fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment among our international partners." This ethos is what makes the Digital Epidemiology Lab not just a research lab, but a beacon of hope in the global fight against infectious diseases. To learn more about the Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, visit https://lnkd.in/gtnZyKuB

We're delighted to share insights from our recent Sip & Share event at Nippert Stadium, dedicated to the Fulbright Scholar Program, coordinated by Neil Ayres. This networking event underscored the University of Cincinnati Office of Research's dedication to fostering international academic partnerships. Our faculty scholars engaged in meaningful discussions about leveraging this program to advance global collaboration and innovation, with past scholars highlighting their experiences to entice and encourage people to apply and share in these experiences. Initiatives like these are central to our mission of building a worldwide network of knowledge and to expand UC’s international prominence. Interested in the Fulbright Scholar Program? Join us in our journey towards creating impactful international connections by contacting [email protected]. 

Step into the future with us! Last Friday, we brought together architects from GBBN Architects and a construction crew from HGC Construction to commence the beginnings of Phase 2 of Digital Futures's construction. Using Augmented Reality in a new way, we walked through the empty floors with the 3D plans projected onto iPads, enabling team members to visually navigate the upcoming spaces. This innovative approach not only enhances collaboration but also underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in academic environments. #UCDigitalFutures #InnovationInAction #Research2030

Another incredible evening of AI exploration at the March CincyAI Meetup for Humans, hosted by UC Digital Futures!   It was a privilege to provide the space for AI enthusiasts of all levels to come together and dive into the latest tips, tools, and ideas shaping the future of AI across various sectors.   Even if you have no AI experience, CincyAI has something for you! Before the main event, Kendra Ramirez led an enlightening "AI 101" session, perfect for those new to the field, focusing on setting up an OpenAI account and exploring the capabilities of ChatGPT.   The main event featured an impressive lineup of 16 speakers, introduced by Helen Todd (Human), including notable industry experts like Dino Martis from Genexia Health and Kelly Cohen and Michael Beck, MBA from AI Catalyst. Each speaker brought invaluable insights and showcased new tips and tools, sparking engaging discussions and networking opportunities among attendees, some traveling from as far as Dayton and Columbus.   In addition to the esteemed speakers, we were thrilled to host the announcement of the launch of brandrank.ai, a promising new company in the AI landscape.   A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a resounding success!   #UCDigitalFutures #UniversityofCincinnati #CincyAI #ArtificialIntelligence 

Digital Futures Leap Day Celebration with Adopt A Class   What an incredible leap into community collaboration we had at Digital Futures! 🚀 Attendees enjoyed an energizing morning of coffee, networking, hopscotch, origami, and fun new shirts! 🧡   A huge thank you to Adopt A Class for being an incredible partner in our journey as we elevate the future and rethink the where. Let's continue to leap forward together!   #UCDigitalFutures #AdoptAClass #UrbanFutures