UMaine Artificial Intelligence Webinar Series

UMaine AI Webinar
Thursday, April 3, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST

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“Honey, AI shrunk the Archive: Large Language Models as Compression Algorithms”

Whether wielded by AI critics or champions, animistic metaphors like stochastic parrots and godlike oracles obscure important dynamics of large language models. Drawing on insights from the science of thermodynamics and software compression, this talk explores what mechanistic comparisons reveal about generative AI that analogies to living beings conceal. Just as a JPEG discards fine details to shrink an image, large language models smooth over anomalies and erase outliers, reducing knowledge to probabilistic patterns that privilege predictability over contradiction. The danger is not just that knowledge is retrieved imperfectly, but that it is remade, replacing archives with derivative reconstructions that risk becoming their own self-referential sources. Understanding how compression works can help us apply AI effectively while avoiding a future where knowledge is not stored but continually rewritten, and where the archive itself risks being compressed out of existence.

Moderator: Ali Abedi, Associate Vice President for Research


Speaker: Jon Ippolito, Professor of New Media and Digital Curation, University of Maine. Artist, writer, and curator who teaches New Media and Digital Curation at the University of Maine. Winner of Tiffany, Lannan, American Foundation, and Thoma awards, Ippolito is co-founder of the Variable Media Network for preserving new media art, UMaine’s Digital Curation and Just-in-Time Learning programs, and Learning With AI, a toolkit for educators and students that makes it easy to filter for AI assignments and resources by discipline or purpose. Ippolito has given over 200 presentations, co-authored the books At the Edge of Art and Re-collection: Art, New Media, and Social Memory, and published 90 chapters and articles in periodicals from Artforum to the Washington Post. His AI focus is creators—writers, programmers, and media makers—and how the technical, aesthetic, and legal ramifications of generative AI empower and frustrate them.

UMaine AI Webinar
Thursday, April 17, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
“AI: Unexplained, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable”

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Moderator: Julia Upton, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics, Certified AI Expert™, AI Developer™ and AI Red Team Professional (AIRTP+)

Speaker: Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy is a tenured faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Louisville. He is the founding and current director of the Cyber Security Lab and an author of many books including “AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable.” Dr. Yampolskiy’s main area of interest is Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security.

Catch up on all of our previous webinars:
2025

UMaine AI Webinar
Thursday, March 6, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
“AI and Maine’s Schools: A Conversation of Support and Strategy”

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Moderated by Sarah K. Howorth, Ph.D., BCBA-D Associate Professor of Special Education, Special Education Program Coordinator, Director: PEERS® Lab @ UMaine

Justin Dimmel, Ph.D., is an Associate Dean for Academics and Student Engagement at the University of Maine. He earned his Ph.D. in mathematics education at the University of Michigan. His research is based on a mixed-methods study of the communication practices that are used by teachers and students when doing proofs in high school geometry. Prior to earning his Ph.D., Justin worked for 5 years as a high school mathematics teacher at adventure-based boarding schools in New England and the Bahamas. He has broad interests in how people learn to represent mathematics and communicate their mathematical ideas to others.
James D. Basham, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His work is focused on developing future-ready learning environments that are equitable, beneficial, and meaningful for all learners. He has several federally and privately funded research and technical assistance projects, including the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL). He is well-published, has given hundreds of talks, and serves on various national and international boards for journals, companies, and education organizations. He has served on the technical workgroup for the last two National Educational Technology Plans (NETP) and was an advisor for the U.S. Department of Education’s Toolkit for AI Integration.
Jill Conley, M.Ed., is a valued faculty member at RSU 26 in Orono, Maine, specializing in Special Education, IEP Compliance, and Chapter 504. Her well-rounded experience across multiple areas of Special Education, along with her time as a General Education teacher demonstrates her commitment to student success and well-being. She is dedicated to supporting students, teachers, administrators, and all other stakeholders in the continued growth and enrichment of the school community.
Sara Flanagan, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of special education at the University of Maine. Her current interests and work with teachers are on evidence-based practices in written expression for students with and without high-incidence disabilities, Universal Design for Learning, technology, and teacher preparation for literacy.

UMaine AI Webinar
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
“Emergent Themes of State AI Guidance for Educators”

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Talk Description: As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, states are beginning to develop guidance to support educators in leveraging these technologies responsibly and effectively. This presentation explores the emerging themes in state-level AI guidance for educators, highlighting priorities such as equity, ethical use, professional development, data privacy, and fostering student-centered learning. This session will provide educators with actionable insights into how AI can enhance teaching and learning while addressing the unique needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

Moderator: Sarah K. Howorth, Ph. D., BCBA-D, Associate Professor of Special Education, Special Education Program Coordinator, Director: PEERS® Lab @ UMaine

Speakers:

James D. Basham, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His work is focused on developing future-ready learning environments that are equitable, beneficial, and meaningful for all learners. He has several federally and privately funded research and technical assistance projects, including the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL). He is well-published, has given hundreds of talks, and serves on various national and international boards for journals, companies, and education organizations. He has served on the technical workgroup for the last two National Educational Technology Plans (NETP) and was an advisor for the U.S. Department of Education’s Toolkit for AI Integration.

Matthew T. Marino, Ph.D. is a professor at the University of Central Florida. His research involves technology, executive function, and Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Marino is a Co-PI of the National Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning where he coordinates the tech alliance for Maine, Idaho, and Washington. He also leads a team as principal Investigator at Inclusive Education Services, which provides independent living and vocational preparation for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities aged 18 – 28.

Yerin Seung, is a doctoral student in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas and a graduate research assistant at the Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL). Her research centers on using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalized learning experiences in inclusive settings. She is currently analyzing the themes of state-level AI guidance for K-12 education.

“Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Power of AI in Transforming Patient Care”

Thursday, February 6, 2025

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Moderator: Dr. Julia Upton, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Husson University & Certified AI Expert™ and AI Developer™

Speaker: Ghada Konsowa, Simulation Education Center Director, Husson University

Speaker Bio: Ghada Konsowa has over ten years’ experience in Healthcare Simulation. Currently working at Husson University Maine as Simulation Education Center Director. Previously worked at the University of South Florida and Douglas College Vancouver Canada, as Simulation Center Manager. Her top choice to further her career in healthcare as its mission and vision align exceptionally well with her training and career aspiration. Simulation was a new era in her career path that aligned with her commitment to helping in providing exceptional education and training to healthcare providers.

She was fortunate to reach high professional peaks throughout her life, holding two degrees and working for a top pharmaceutical company on medicine and research. Pharmaceuticals was an experience in which she explored the business world and was exceptionally successful in leadership and management.

Ghada holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). She also holds a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery, MB, BCH. She has Medical Licensure. She also holds certificates as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist from the Society of Simulation in Healthcare. She is a co-chair for the Mindfulness Group in Simulation Society of Healthcare. She sits on the organization committee of the IMSH Conference. She is certified as a mental health first aid from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is a member of Commit to Kids, from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Additionally, she is working on her PhD in Healthcare Education.

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