The AI Conversation is a webinar series that highlights the innovative ways Fresno State faculty utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. Each 30-minute episode is hosted by Bao Johri, vice president of information technology and chief information officer.
The series aims to be more than just a presentation, fostering open discussions on how to use AI responsibly, ethically and effectively within the campus community.
“We’re not just consumers of AI, we’re creators, critical thinkers, innovators and contributors in a growing ecosystem,” Johri said.
Johri said that the series is more than just a showcase; it’s a space to ask questions, challenge assumptions and learn how we can be responsible when using AI.
The first guest on Sept. 4 was Thanos Aris Panagopoulos, an associate professor of computer science at Fresno State, who discussed the evolving role of AI in solving real-world problems, addressing the ethical challenges of intelligent systems and the future of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Panagopoulos said that AI not only influenced his teaching and research but also the broader field of computer science.
The Sept. 5 AI Conversation featured its second guest, Holly Sowles, chair of the school of art, design and history at Fresno State, who practiced for 25 years as an interior designer before attending graduate studies at Washington State University.
While attending Washington State, Sowles said the School of Design and Construction emphasized intelligent design processes in the engineering department.
“I became interested in how buildings were being drawn, constructed and the materials used had an AI component to it,” Sowles said. “AI has been used consistently since 2000.”
She said that, from a philosophical perspective, she began studying what the future of building and design would look like 30-40 years from now.
Sowles explained that Fresno State design studios are oriented towards technology, leaning into the latest AI tools. Large language models, like ChatGPT and Dolly 2.0, allow students to type in a prompt and generate an image or build a digital twin that simulates a design.
AI can develop innovative projects that positively impact communities. Sowles’ students recently worked with Fresno Area Express (FAX) on a project to design bus stops for the city. They successfully digitally scanned and analyzed the concrete’s temperature, finding it ranged from 130-150 degrees at certain times of the day, five months a year. The AI had enabled students to perform a solar analysis and assess whether the design is cost-effective.
“All of these technologies improve the health and well-being in our community,” Sowles said. “People are standing at the bus stops when it’s too hot for them, and that’s unconscionable.”
Sowles said that the AI tools also helped students organize and find the code standard regulations that they are required to design within. ChatGPT helps them set up code sheets for their specific projects so they don’t have to spend hours looking into codes that may not even be in the right section of the code book.
She advises professors teaching traditional subjects like history and writing to view ChatGPT as a learning tool.
“No matter what your age [is], dig in and learn,” Sowles said. “An easy way to break into technology is to start with Photoshop, Illustrator and Adobe Design.”
She said that AI has enhanced her profession and career, so she takes a positive stance on its use.
“I think it can improve the quality of our life, health and well-being,” Sowles said.
The AI Conversation webinar series is free and allows viewers to ask questions in the Q&A at the end of the interview. Register for upcoming episodes, and join the AI conversation here.
