Artificial Intelligence Tech Shop

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a set of techniques and algorithms that enable machines to perform functions we associate with human minds, such as perceiving, reasoning, interacting with the environment, and learning. Machine Learning, a subset of AI, provides techniques that enable computers to learn from data instead of being explicitly programmed.

For decades, AI was the subject of academic research universities, research institutions, and science fiction. Today, you encounter AI in games, facial recognition systems, airport security, personalized learning, chatbots, and voice recognition. Even the Roomba 980 vacuum cleaner uses AI “to scan room size, identify obstacles and remember the most efficient routes for cleaning.”

AI and Machine Learning systems are increasingly adopted to aid or automate manufacturing and business processes and administrative decision-making. Automated manufacturing, investment transactions, forecasting, and fraud detection are examples of AI used in business.

This discussion will leave participants with a clearer understanding of the basics of AI, its applications, and possible careers. It will also direct the audience to additional resources so that they can learn more about this important subject.

Our panelists from business and education include experts in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and its application in app development and decision-making systems. The panel will overview AI/ML technologies and discuss the process, techniques, and technology used to create apps. The panel will also discuss how our institutions are keeping pace with AI, discuss career opportunities and the skills needed to enter the field.

The virtual panel consists of local educators and industry professionals. You have an opportunity to listen and ask questions.

Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2138841522932339

Live Event Link (will only be active when the event starts)
https://www.facebook.com/TechPrizeOfficial/Live

Some topics that will be covered include:

What is AI?
What is Machine Learning?
How is AI being used today and in what industries?
How is it impacting our lives already?
What are the future uses of AI?
Q&A

The following individuals will take part in the panel discussion.

Ray Koukari (moderator) – Ray Koukari, Jr is the Dean of Academic Affairs for the SC Johnson iMET Center and the Dean School of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Information Technology. Ray started his career at Gateway as an adjunct faculty member teaching IT courses. He became a full-time faculty member in August 2004,
teaching IT on the Racine campus. In January 2008 his accepted a position as Associate Dean of Business and IT. In July 2009, he was promoted to the Dean of Business and IT. In January 2018, Ray became the Dean School of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Information Technology. This new position was created to address the changes in the Manufacturing and arrival of Foxconn.  Prior to joining Gateway, Ray was the chair of the IT programs for the University of Phoenix, Waukesha Campus in Wisconsin as well as a faculty member teaching strategic planning at the graduate level for six years. He spent 25 years in the IT field working his way up from a computer keypunch, computer operator, network administrator, programmer, manager, director, and CIO.  Ray is a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years obtaining the rank of staff sergeant. Ray holds an MBA degree in Financial Controls from Regent University, which he earned in 1999.

Cameron Vetter – Cameron is a technologist with 20 years of experience using Microsoft tools and technologies to develop software. He has experience in many roles including Development, Architecture, Infrastructure, Management, and leadership roles.  He has worked for both large and small companies globally creating a unique perspective across many different industries and company environments. Cameron is the Principal Architect at the Octavian Technology Group, where he helps clients develop Technical Strategies including Architecture, Design, and Develop software focusing on Deep Learning / Machine Learning, Cloud Architecture, Mixed Reality, and Azure.  Cameron shares his expertise by speaking at national, regional, and local conferences, including THAT Conference, Microsoft Ignite, The Midwest Architect Community Conference, Milwaukee Code Camp, and at various technology user groups.  Cameron was named a Microsoft MVP for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2019 – one of the first such honorees in the US and received a second MVP in 2020. Cameron co-authored a book on Machine Learning in 2021 with other MVP’s from around the world. In his spare time, Cameron co-organizes the Milwaukee Azure Group and runs the Milwaukee Global AI Group which draws more than 5,000 participants from around the world.

Takis Kinis – Ty has worked in IT for over 25 years, amassing a wealth of knowledge and expertise on a variety of hardware and software platforms. Ty spent many years as an entrepreneur founding and running several area companies. Ty also served as an instructor for Cardinal Stritch University, University of Phoenix, and the Art Institute of Wisconsin. Takis holds a Masters in Computer Science Education (1996), and 2 Bachelors degrees in Computer Science, and Business Administration (1994), all from Cardinal Stritch University. He also earned an Associates degree in Business Management from Milwaukee Area Technical College (1988), and a Guitar Studies diploma from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (1989). Ty was also a professional musician between 1987 and 1994, releasing 2 albums with his band Realm on Roadrunner Records. Ty lives in Milwaukee with his wife and 2 teenage children. He enjoys playing guitar, live music, and science fiction.

Matt Kirchner – (pronounced “Kirk-ner”) is an international speaker, author, and podcast host on topics of interest to educators, public policymakers, and private employers. On a mission to secure the American Dream for the next generation of STEM and Workforce talent, Kirchner hosts the weekly TechEd PodcastTM, featuring leaders in industry and education, and serves as President of ATS/LAB Midwest, the leading distributor of world-class curriculum, eLearning, and training equipment. Kirchner writes monthly leadership columns appearing in Products Finishing and Production Machining magazines and is the author of “Teaching the Industrial Internet of Things: Preparing Students and Learners for Industry 4.0.” Previously Kirchner led three world-class manufacturing companies during a 20+ career as an industrial CEO. He and his partners sold their last company, American Finishing Resources, to DuBois Chemicals in 2014. Kirchner serves on the boards of directors of several American companies and among his many volunteer activities, he is First-Past President of the Education Dealers Association and holds a seat on the board of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. He is a graduate of the Marquette University School of Business.