- Dr. Camille Dempsey – Inaugural director of the PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies; associate professor and coordinator of the M.Ed. Educational Technology Advanced Studies Program.
- Nathaniel Burola - AI and environment researcher; expert in environmental policy, climate technology, AI governance and sustainability; founder of the AI & Environment Research Hub.
- Ali Crawford - AI research analyst at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET); TeachAI Advisory Committee member.
- Dr. Lisa Kovalchick - Professor and chair of Computer Science and Information Systems at PennWest University; state president of the PA Association of Computer & Information Science Educators.
- Patrick Mondi - CEO of Thoro.AI, an autonomous mobile robotic company based in Pittsburgh.
- Benjamin Phillips - Student AI and technology ambassador at PennWest; undergraduate Mathematics and Computer Science major.
PennWest University is set to unveil its groundbreaking Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies with an official launch event 2-3 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Baron-Forness Library on the Edinboro campus.
A panel of experts in the field of artificial intelligence will discuss the impact of AI on education, industry and society:
The event is open to all faculty, students, staff and community members interested in exploring the future of AI and its potential impact on education and beyond. Register here
About the PennWest AI Center
The PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies serves as a dynamic hub to prepare students, employees and community partners for the responsible adoption and innovate use of AI and emerging technologies.
The center will help faculty navigate the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies on education by providing tools, knowledge, and training to integrate AI effectively into their teaching. It will foster an inclusive environment where students can become proficient, adaptable, and career-ready users of AI in a rapidly evolving world.
Additionally, the center will facilitate meaningful dialogue and thought leadership to address the economic, ethical, cultural, educational, political, and legal challenges AI poses. Collaboration with community partners — including schools, nonprofits, governments, and industry — will help meet the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future.