This opening panel sets the foundation for the series by asking a core design question: how can AI be built to cultivate, rather than displace, human capacities such as learning, empathy, and creativity? Panelists will examine what it means to design AI that actively supports human growth, and how these design choices shape the broader social and institutional impacts explored in the panels that follow.
Panelists
Nitesh Chawla: Frank M. Freimann Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and the Founding Director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society at the University of Notre Dame, and the Lucy Family Director for Data & AI Academic Strategy, leading the Data, AI and Computing Initiative
Ronald Metoyer: Professor, Computer Science and Engineering Vice President and Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning
Ahmed Abbasi: Joe and Jane Giovanini Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations; Academic Director of the Ph.D. Program in Analytics IT, Analytics, and Operations
Santosh Kumar Gautam: Associate Professor of Development and Global Health Economics; Director, Master of Global Affairs Major in Sustainable Development; Director, Doctoral Program in Sustainable Development