AI Lightning Talks | University of Iowa News

University of Iowa Leaders Showcase Practical AI Use Cases in Upcoming Lightning Talks

University of Iowa officials will host a special edition of their AI Lightning Talks series on Tuesday,February 3,from 1 to 2 p.m. CST via Teams, focusing on Leadership in Action and the practical request of artificial intelligence. The event aims to highlight innovative projects and foster a collaborative environment for AI adoption across the campus community.

The University of Iowa is increasingly focused on integrating AI into its core operations and academic programs. This event underscores a commitment to not just exploring the potential of AI, but actively implementing it. “Leadership isn’t just about strategy-it’s about action, experimentation, and sharing what we learn,” a senior official stated.

Did you know? – The University of Iowa launched its AI Lightning Talks series in late 2023 to promote awareness and adoption of AI technologies. The series has covered topics ranging from AI in research to AI-powered student services.

Spotlight on University Leadership

The upcoming session will feature presentations from a diverse group of University of Iowa leaders, each demonstrating how AI is being leveraged within their respective domains. Presenters include:

• Steve Fleagle, Associate Vice President and CIO, Facts Technology Services
• Barry Thomas, Associate Provost for Faculty and Strategic Operations
• Jill Tomkins, Assistant Dean of Graduate and Professional Programs, Tippie College of Business
• Ali Yildirim, Chief Marketing Officer, Office of Strategic Interaction
• Cheryl Reardon, chief Human Resources Officer and Associate Vice President

These leaders will deliver concise, high-impact talks detailing their experiences with AI, offering insights into both successes and challenges.

Goals of the AI Lightning Talks Series

the University of Iowa’s AI Lightning Talks series is built around three core objectives:

• Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating insights about the latest AI trends, tools, best practices, and real-world applications.
• Collaboration: Encouraging the exchange of ideas and fostering cross-departmental partnerships.
• Innovation: Inspiring the development of new and creative AI applications.

The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming both those new to AI and those already actively involved in projects. “Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or leading a project of your own, this event is designed to energize and empower,” according to a company release.

Pro tip – To maximize learning, attendees are encouraged to prepare questions for the presenters. The Q&A portion of the session will allow for direct engagement with university leaders.

Resources and Future Participation

Attendees can access recordings of past AI Lightning Talks and find information on available AI tools, guidance, training, policies, and committees through the AI hub on the Information Technology Services (ITS) website. The university plans to continue the series throughout the spring semester, with future sessions focusing on specific AI applications in research, teaching, and management. The university’s proactive approach to AI demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy for leveraging technology to enhance its educational and operational capabilities.

Why: The University of Iowa is hosting the AI Lightning Talks to promote AI adoption and share knowledge across campus. Who: University of iowa officials and leaders, including Steve Fleagle, Barry Thomas, Jill Tomkins, Ali yildirim, and Cheryl Reardon, are involved. What: The event is a special edition of the AI Lightning talks series focusing on “Leadership in Action” and practical AI applications. How: the talks will be delivered via Teams on February 3rd, from 1-2 p.m. CST, and resources are available on the ITS website.The series will continue throughout the spring semester, with future sessions planned.