The AI Conversation is a 30-minute webinar series hosted by Bao Johri, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Each session features a faculty or staff member sharing how they use AI to enhance teaching, streamline operations, transform research and enrich campus life. The series fosters dialogue about using AI responsibly, ethically and effectively.

Goals of the series:

• Encourage thoughtful integration of AI in higher education.
• Inspire cross-disciplinary exploration.
• Discuss ethics, academic integrity and institutional strategy.
• Build a campus culture where AI is understood and applied with care.

Interested in presenting? Complete an Interest Form to propose a discussion topic or present on how you use AI in your teaching, research or administrative work.

Meet this week's guests

Thursday, Dec. 4 | Noon - 12:45 p.m.
Dr. Hovannes Kulhandjian, professor of electrical and computer engineering, explores how AI drives his research and student mentorship, guiding projects that integrate AI to solve real-world challenges. The conversation highlights innovations such as his patented detection system, CrossBot, and SARDOG agricultural robot, while examining how training students in AI-powered research can lead to impactful solutions and potential products that benefit society.

Friday, Dec. 5 | 9 - 9:45 a.m.
Dr. Diego Freire is a research associate in the Department of Viticulture and Enology contributing to the F3 Farms Food Future Project and advancing agricultural technology through applied research. He holds a doctorate in computer science from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, with expertise in machine learning, remote sensing, and precision agriculture.

Dr. Freire is dedicated to developing practical, data-driven tools that enhance farm productivity, sustainability and informed decision-making throughout California’s Central Valley and beyond.

Visit The AI Conversation website to register today.