The Innovation Showcase at Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) on Friday, November 15 will highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in our ecosystem technological.
Co-sponsored by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the showcase hosted at NIU’s Engineering Building, 590 Garden Road, emphasizes CEET’s stature as a key resource for workforce development. work in the region.
Beginning with registration at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., the event is free and open to the public. It will include tours of the building, research and project posters presented by students and faculty, as well as remarks from CEET Dean Dave Grewell and program chairs from various CEET departments.
At 10 a.m., Grewell will open the event with remarks, followed by brief presentations from each of CEET’s six department and program leaders for electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, power technology. engineering, biomedical engineering and mechatronics engineering.
The highlight of the day is a panel discussion titled “Harnessing AI and Machine Learning” from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The 90-minute panel discussion will feature four professionals who work in various facets of artificial intelligence: Scott Meyer, co-founder of Chipp; Greg McFallsfounder of McFalls Technical Solutions; Brian Freemansenior data scientist at Trane Technologies; And Erin Rauleader in the commercialization of digital services in North America at Trane Technologies.
For bios of each speaker and more information about the event, visit event calendar list.
Chipp helped NIU launch its first AI tutors in calculus, consulting and physics. So far, around 80 students, mostly freshmen, are part of CEET’s AI tutor pilot project.
Grewell, who will serve as panel moderator, said the topic is extremely important to better understand the latest advances and ethical considerations shaping the future of technology.
“This provides a unique opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions and understand the implications of AI on various industries,” Grewell said. “Participating in this type of discussion also promotes networking and collaboration between professionals who are passionate about innovation. »
“So many people, so many institutions are moving far too slowly in harnessing the potential of AI,” he added. “There is a lot of fear, partly because of misunderstandings. We want to shine a light on the potential of AI and the role each of us can play in realizing that potential.
CEET Senior Associate Dean Mansour Tahernezhadi echoed Grewell’s view.
“AI is here to stay. How can we make AI a means of empowerment, a support mechanism for humanity and job creation and things like that, instead of making AI a threat? » said Tahernezhadi. “People are the gatekeepers of innovation. AI can be a great enabler and accelerator of innovation, but a machine cannot innovate itself. »
IMEC President Dave Boulay said his organization is proud to partner with CEET as part of the Innovation Showcase.
“Our long-standing collaboration helps Illinois manufacturers tap into future talent and cutting-edge research,” Boulay said. “As AI reshapes industries, events like this are critical to driving innovation and preparing the workforce to keep manufacturers competitive. »
With headquarters in Peoria, IMEC has four other offices across the state, including one at the Chick Evans Field House on NIU’s DeKalb campus.
Innovation Showcase is free and open to the public. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by November 11.th to Matt Baron, CEET Director of Marketing and Communications, mbaron@niu.edu.
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) serves as the state’s U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center. IMEC is a team of industry improvement specialists dedicated to providing Illinois manufacturers with the solutions, tools and resources needed to create a sustainable and competitive future.
IMEC drives growth through business excellence, helping organizations become more efficient through tailored solutions and support. In 2023, they supported more than 2,500 businesses and helped create or retain more than 5,200 jobs, generating an overall impact of more than $650 million on the Illinois economy.
