AI in Action – Season 2, Episode 4Featuring Jenni Hayman

In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with educator, researcher, and senior academic leader Jenni Hayman about the rapidly evolving role of generative AI in education. Their discussion moves beyond surface reactions to explore how institutions, faculty, and students can respond thoughtfully to technological change while maintaining academic integrity, equity, and rigor.

Jenni reflects on the pace of AI adoption in post-secondary education and the shift from fear-based conversations about academic misconduct to a more constructive focus on AI literacy and instructional redesign. She highlights the growing reality that students are often early adopters of generative AI tools, challenging traditional assumptions about expertise in the classroom.

The conversation examines several critical themes:

Lifelong learning in an AI eraWhy this moment represents a defining opportunity for educators to engage in continuous learning and model intellectual agility for students.

AI literacy and critical thinkingHow to teach students to question, triangulate, and analyze AI-generated outputs rather than rely on them uncritically. Jenni emphasizes deconstruction exercises and comparative analysis across tools as effective instructional strategies.

Equity and accessThe implications of paid versus free AI tools in the classroom, and how faculty can create a level playing field through intentional tool selection and structured assignments.

Assessment challengesHow generative AI complicates traditional grading models, particularly in online and digitally submitted coursework. The discussion explores the tension between maintaining learning outcomes and managing faculty workload.

Research, bias, and knowledge creationThe risks of AI-generated research proliferation, concerns about bias embedded in training data, and the importance of including dissenting perspectives in scholarly work.

Copyright and intellectual propertyOngoing uncertainty around ownership of AI-generated outputs and the ethical implications of training models on scraped content.

Preparing students for an AI-driven economyRather than focusing narrowly on tools, Jenni argues for foundational capabilities: adaptability, collaboration, communication, innovation, and the ability to evaluate and integrate new technologies responsibly.

The episode concludes with practical guidance for educators at different levels of technological comfort, including the importance of institutional support, peer learning, and contextual integration within disciplines.

This episode was made possible through support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the University of Lethbridge.

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In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Mahammad Ayan Shaikh, Computer Programming student and CPIN Lab Monitor at Cambrian College, to explore how artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are converging to power the next generation of embedded systems. Drawing from his hands-on experience designing and troubleshooting IoT prototypes, Mahammad discusses how AI enhances connected devices by transforming real-time sensor data into intelligent, autonomous decision-making.

The conversation highlights one of his most ambitious projects: a real-time collision-detection and automated emergency-notification system. Designed to activate in the event of an accident, the system detects impact, captures GPS location and environmental data, and transmits critical information to emergency contacts or services. Through this example, listeners gain insight into the technical and operational challenges of integrating hardware, sensors, edge processing, and secure data transmission into a reliable safety solution.

Dr. Shapiro and Mahammad also examine broader trends shaping the industry, including the rise of edge computing, increased device-level intelligence, and the shift away from cloud-dependent architectures. They address the growing importance of cybersecurity, encryption, and responsible data governance as IoT devices collect and process sensitive information at scale. The episode further explores the gap between academic prototypes and real-world deployment, outlining the technical, organizational, and talent-related barriers businesses face when adopting AI-driven IoT solutions.

For students and professionals entering the field, Mahammad shares practical advice on building foundational programming skills, working with microcontrollers such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, and gaining hands-on experience through applied projects. This episode provides a grounded perspective on how embedded systems, AI, and IoT are reshaping industries through intelligent automation, real-time responsiveness, and connected innovation.

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In this episode of AI & Impact, Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with Janelle Marietta, PhD candidate, instructor, and nonprofit leader, about the growing role of artificial intelligence in nonprofit organizations, education, and community-based work.

The conversation explores how AI tools can help nonprofits address long-standing capacity challenges, improve marketing and donor engagement, and support evaluation and analysis—while also highlighting the risks of over-reliance on automation, biased data, and inauthentic communication.

Key topics include ethical considerations in AI adoption, the limits of AI in qualitative and community-engaged research, and the importance of maintaining human-centered approaches in equity-focused and decolonization work. Janelle also discusses the skills nonprofit leaders and emerging professionals need to use AI effectively and responsibly, even in low-resource environments.

This episode is particularly relevant for nonprofit leaders, educators, researchers, and students interested in social impact, community development, and responsible AI use.

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AI in the Classroom and Beyond

In this Season 2 premiere of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro is joined by Dr. Jason Satel to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, research, and professional expertise.

The conversation explores the realities behind AGI hype, the rapid adoption of AI tools in universities, and why traditional assessment and certification models are under growing pressure. Dr. Satel discusses practical approaches to teaching students how to use AI effectively, rather than attempting to prohibit it, and explains why iteration, context, and critical judgment are now core skills.

Key topics include:

• AI’s impact on higher education and assessment design

• Teaching AI literacy to students and faculty

• The limits of current models in creativity, humor, and context

• AI as a research assistant: literature review, coding, and data analysis

• Hardware constraints, industry–academia gaps, and access to compute

• Bias, synthetic data, and model alignment

• What AI means for future careers, expertise, and certification

This episode offers a grounded, candid discussion on adapting educational and research practices in a world where AI is becoming a standard tool rather than a novelty.

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Welcome to the final episode of Season One of AI in Action! In this episode, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro reflects on the transformative journey through the world of artificial intelligence, wrapping up a season packed with insights, innovations, and expert discussions. Key Highlights of the Episode:

1. The Democratizing Power of AI:
   • AI's ability to simplify complex tasks and empower individuals without technical expertise.
   • Examples of generative AI applications, including coding assistance, app creation, and productivity tools.
2. Ethical and Environmental Considerations:
   • Balancing AI's potential with its environmental cost and ethical challenges.
   • Using AI responsibly to optimize efficiency without excessive resource consumption.
3. AI in Education and Creative Fields:
   • How AI is reshaping learning, from creating engaging educational tools to enhancing translation and communication.
   • The evolving relationship between artists, creativity, and generative AI tools.
4. Challenges and Limitations:
   • The scalability and cost-effectiveness of generative AI.
   • Issues with contextual understanding in AI outputs and the need for better multimodal models.
5. Innovative Applications and Real-World Examples:
   • From student-built Kickstarters to industry solutions boosting productivity.
   • Real-life success stories and cautionary tales about integrating AI into workflows.

Reflection on the Journey: Dr. Shapiro shares insights from conversations with experts across various disciplines, emphasizing how AI's impact varies dramatically depending on context and implementation. He also discusses the excitement and challenges of navigating this rapidly evolving field, with a hopeful but grounded perspective on its future. Thank You: Special thanks to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the University of Lethbridge for their support in making this podcast possible.

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In Episode 25 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Frank Ọnụ, a doctoral researcher and instructor, to discuss the critical intersections of AI, ethics, and social justice. Frank brings a wealth of expertise in prompt engineering, misinformation, and the broader societal impacts of AI, making him a vital voice in understanding these complex issues. Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Frank’s journey into research at the crossroads of AI, ethics, and misinformation.
• The role of AI in amplifying and mitigating misinformation in the digital age.
• Insights into the "Inclusive Research" initiative, which focuses on increasing access to digital research tools for African scholars.
• Ethical considerations in prompt engineering and the responsible use of generative AI tools.
• The geopolitical implications of AI and what policymakers need to consider.
• Frank’s vision for how academia and industry can collaborate to create equitable and socially responsible AI applications.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co

In Episode 24 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro welcomes Ankit Mukherjee, a dynamic young professional and final-year undergraduate at the University of Lethbridge. Ankit brings a unique perspective, blending his roles as a marketing associate, peer learning mentor, and student leader with his vision for integrating AI into business and education. Key topics covered in this episode:

• Ankit’s journey balancing academics, leadership, and professional responsibilities.
• Insights into how AI is reshaping marketing for startups and the broader business landscape.
• The potential of AI tools to enhance mentorship and educational experiences for students and educators.
• The importance of community building in business and education and AI’s role in fostering collaboration.
• Challenges faced by young professionals entering the AI field and strategies for overcoming them.
• Ankit’s vision for the future of AI in driving innovation and creating meaningful change in industries.

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In Episode 23 of the AI in Action Podcast, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with Ryan Rota, a data architect and neuroscientist with over 14 years of experience in advanced analytics and business data systems. Ryan’s career uniquely bridges neuroscience research and practical AI applications, providing valuable insights into how these fields intersect. Key topics discussed:

• How Ryan’s background in neuroscience, including neural network mapping and circadian rhythm research, informs his approach to data systems and AI.
• Current challenges in AI development and where the technology might evolve in the next decade.
• The importance of fit-for-purpose AI solutions for organizations and how businesses can adopt them effectively.
• Parallels between neuroscience and business analytics, focusing on feature selection and pattern recognition.
• Insights into applying theoretical concepts like Hebbian learning to practical AI and business problems.

Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co