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vitalvoices 2024-2025

The vitalvoices Speaker Series serves as a forum to bring scholars and practitioners alike to speak to students, faculty, alumni and community partners at UHD's College of Public Service. It is our hope that those we invite to speak will share, from the heart, their professional experiences, their knowledge, and how the work they do impacts society as a whole. We like to feature people whose work is interdisciplinary and touches upon the fields social work, criminal justice and urban education.


AI Demystified: It’s Not as Scary as You Think

Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

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Do you feel a bit confused by all the high-tech jargon surrounding AI? Do you feel like you’re being left behind? Are you apprehensive about how fast technology is changing and how it will affect you? If so, you are definitely not alone. Join UHD Drs. Lin Hong and Azedeh Izadi of to learn more about AI; its origins, its present day uses, and a look into future implications. We guarantee you’ll leave the session more knowledgeable and less intimidated by this ever-growing technological trend.

Speaker: Dr. Hong Lin’s
Dr. Hong Lin

Hong Lin received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Speaker's Full BIO

Speaker: Dr. Azadeh Izadi’s
Dr. Azadeh Izadi

Dr. Azadeh Izadi is an Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence, specializing in knowledge representation, reasoning, and advanced AI methodologies.

Speaker's Full BIO

 


Bridging Technology and Compassion: The Impact of AI in Education and Social Services

Wednesday, November 13th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

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Join UHD alumna, Kayla Almaguer, a respected educator and passionate advocate as she uncovers how technology can support traditional practices in education and social work to make both more inclusive and efficient. She will demystify AI and other digital tools, showing how they can make educational and social work practices more effective and accessible. Whether you are a professional in these fields or simply curious about the potential of AI, Kayla’s insights will provide valuable guidance and inspire innovative approaches to everyday challenges.

 
 
Speaker: Kayla Almaguer
Kayla Almaguer

Kayla Almaguer is a respected educator, passionate advocate and UHD alumna. She will speak to us about the practical innovations related to AI in learning and social services.

Speaker's Full BIO


 

For more information contact Steven Villano, director of the Center for Public Service and Community Research at villanos@uhd.edu.