A.I.101: Intro to Artificial Intelligence

Join in on this enlightening conversation about the world of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) with distinguished guests Julie Parks, Dean & Executive Director Workforce Training & Tassell M-Tec, GRCC, and Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean of S.T.E.M. at GRCC. In this insightful conversation, these two accomplished leaders share their expertise and perspectives on the transformative impact of A.I. on education, business, and beyond.

Key Highlights:

·       Navigating the A.I. Landscape: Julie Parks and Kristi Haik bring their extensive experience to the table as they discuss the current state of A.I. and its implications.

·       Educational Frontiers: Gain valuable insights into how A.I. is reshaping the landscape of education. Learn about what educational institutions must consider as they harness the power of A.I. for the benefit of students.

·       Challenges and Opportunities: The conversation delves into the challenges posed by A.I. and the opportunities it presents for growth and advancement. Discover how these leaders navigate the delicate balance between embracing innovation and addressing ethical considerations.

·       Future Prospects: As A.I. continues to evolve, find out what the future holds for education, technology, and society at large. Julie Parks and Kristi Haik share their thoughts on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, as well as a cautionary tale.

NOTE: 80% of this intro was written by A.I. ;)

BIO: About Julie Parks & Kristi Haik, PhD

·       Julie Parks: Julie Parks is GRCC’s Executive Director of Workforce Training, and the GRCC Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC overseeing multiple programs that last year touched the lives of more than 20,000 people.  She is intensely focused on helping people gain in-demand skills for rewarding careers.

Parks is an advocate for the underserved and under skilled and has been instrumental in bringing over $50 million in grants to the Tassell M-TEC since 2010, offsetting training costs to students who may not otherwise be able to attend training. 

She is recognized as a leader nationally. Recent honors include the 2019 Bellwether Award Finalist for Public Works Academy, the 2019 Innovation of the Year from the League of Innovation, the 2018 and 2019 Impact Award Recipient from West Michigan Works!, the 2018 Community Partner of the Year from Connect Explore Achieve with Career Readiness, and the 2017 Special Project Award from the Michigan Association of Continuing Education & Training. She also received the GRCC Employee Excellence Award in 2010.

Parks has a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree from CMU in Education.

Full bio at www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/ai-julie-parks-kristi-haik

·       Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean at GRCC: Kristi Haik holds a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental Psychology with a Neuroscience Concentration from Central Michigan University. She has also served as Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Director of the Center for Integrative Natural Science & Mathematics (CINSAM), NKU’s STEM Center, and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Ferris State University. In addition she has served as the Sr. Director of Fund Development at the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore.

Dr. Haik has presented at over 100 different occasions, nationally and internationally. She also co-created Project SOAR (Scholarships Opportunities Achievement & Results) to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate first- generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in STEM. The outcomes of SOAR and SOAR-Three have benefited thousands of students. 

Dr. Haik strives to provide access and opportunity for those in college or our community who do not have it.

Full bio at www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/ai-julie-parks-kristi-haik