Lt. Gov. Jon Husted leads AI panel at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub

Speaking to a capacity crowd, a forum of AI experts explored its capabilities and discussed how Ohio can prepare for a global innovation economy driven by the constantly evolving technology.

Husted highlighted the potential of AI for today’s students. He noted that artificial intelligence could serve as a personal tutor, aiding students with tasks such as homework and concept clarification.

"This represents the most recent addition to the technological landscape," Husted said, acknowledging the evolution of technology through the years, from the internet to Wikipedia and now generative AI.

He emphasized that instead of eliminating jobs, AI has the potential to create new roles and equalize access to resources. Teaching Ohio students how to effectively utilize AI in various facets of their lives will help ensure they are well-equipped for the tech-driven landscape they'll encounter upon graduation, he said.

John Pestian, MD, professor and director of computational medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, presented a video showing how algorithms already are assisting clinicians in identifying critical mental health issues such as depression and suicidal ideation. AI can detect the language of suicide, identifying keywords to help social workers at schools identify potentially at-risk teens.  

Pete Blackshaw, CEO of Cintrifuse, expanded on AI's transformative potential, stating, "This isn't just the right topic at the right time; this is the defining topic of our era." Blackshaw urged participants to get ahead of this technology to ensure it augments rather than replaces the workforce.

Addressing concerns about job displacement due to AI, panelists acknowledged that this technology brings forth new challenges that require human ingenuity to navigate. Refining algorithms and comprehending their optimal applications remain pivotal tasks. Speakers also acknowledged AI's current limitations, including the potential for generating erroneous information and bias based on input data.

The forum highlighted AI's present and future potential while underscoring the importance of proactive adaptation and education. Speakers acknowledged AI as a transformative force, not solely a technological advancement, capable of propelling Ohio into a new era of innovation and leadership with appropriate guidance and utilization.

More coverage of the forum is available from WLWT.

Featured image at top: Lt. Gov. Jon Husted speaks at a forum held at the University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub. Photo/Olivia Bransford