Significant discoveries, inventions and breakthroughs are emerging at an unprecedented rate, rapidly changing the way we live, work and communicate—in fact, experts predict that humans will experience 20,000 years’ worth of technological change over the next 100 years. Developments like chatbots, smart devices, facial recognition software and pharmacogenomics, to name a few, speak to the power of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), neural networks, quantum computing and nanotechnology, which promise new ways of unleashing human potential.
AI, the most prominent of these, enables machines to think, reason and learn like humans. Proponents believe AI could eventually accelerate advancements in nearly every field, developing breakthroughs faster than humans ever could. But what are the threats associated with AI and other leading-edge technologies? And do their benefits outweigh these risks?
The Flagstaff Festival of Science will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2024 through “Accelerating Innovation,” a theme intended to spur exploration of advanced technologies by engaging the community in meaningful discussion about their impact on our world. The Festival will take place Sept. 20-29.
To launch the free, 10-day adventure, the Festival will bring featured speaker Jana Eggers, a noted authority on AI, software product management and enterprise innovation, to share her expertise as she delivers the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium. In “AI: The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful,” Eggers will focus on the latest developments in the field of AI, potential threats posed by AI—both perceived and real—and the promise AI holds for the future.
”"We’re so excited to welcome thought leader Jana Eggers to engage our community in an exploration of AI’s potential for our future.” says Board President Chrissina Burke.
With a degree in mathematics and computer studies from Hendrix College and graduate studies in computer science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Eggers began her professional career at Los Alamos National Laboratory modeling electron transfer in conducting polymers using high-performance computing and AI. She joined the business world in 1994, where she has held leadership roles in the field of AI for more than 25 years, garnering experience at several start-ups as well as at large global companies like Intuit, Lycos and American Airlines.
Today, Eggers is CEO of Nara Logics, a neuroscience-inspired artificial intelligence company providing a platform for recommendations and decision support. Her passions are working with teams to define and deliver products customers love; algorithms and their intelligence; and inspiring teams to do more than they thought possible. Eggers is a frequent speaker, writer and mentor on AI and startups. She is also a marathoner and an Ironman.
In addition to technology-themed events, Festival participants will have the opportunity to learn about ancient cultures, the environment, wildlife, astronomy and biology, as well as many topics at the intersection of the sciences and the arts. The Festival offers a wide variety of presentations, hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, classroom talks and guided tours led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists and STEAM professionals. All events are free!
Board member, Adam Marsh, and lead paleontologist at Petrified National Forest, works with a team of scientists to uncover an approximately 300 million-year-old fossil skeleton discovered at Canyonlands National Park in Utah (June 2024)