WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield and Innovate Springfield will host Doug Hamilton, head of artificial intelligence (AI) research at Nasdaq and a UIS alum, for a keynote speech on “The Current State of AI.” His speech will be followed by a panel discussion on the topic with UIS and outside experts.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023

WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., Springfield

DETAILS: Hamilton will discuss the recent increase in the introduction of AI models and applications, such as ChatGPT. He will also address how AI is being applied in financial trading and other major industry sectors, such as healthcare, business services and government. Hamilton earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UIS in 2012. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he earned his master’s in engineering and management.

The panel discussion will include Elham Khorasani Buxton, UIS associate professor of computer science; Hei-Chi Chan, UIS associate professor of mathematical science and astronomy-physics; and Jeff Schneider, founder and CEO of BrandOps, a marketing performance platform. Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation, will moderate the discussion.

The event is free and open to the public, however advanced registration is required at go.uis.edu/StateofAI. Lunch will be provided thanks to a generous gift from the Edmund L. Kowalczyk Fund for Leadership. Seating is limited and registration will close once capacity is reached.