Artificial intelligence topic of Oct. 30 Common Reading Lecture

The Washington State University Common Reading Program hosts a lecture on artificial intelligence by Matt Taylor, assistant professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at 5 p.m. Mon., Oct. 30 in CUE 203. The event is free and open to the public.

Taylor holds the Allred Distinguished Professorship in Artificial Intelligence in the school.  At the lecture, he will discuss the potential benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) over the next 10 years. He will also focus on the ways AI will change our lives in both the physical world and the new space of virtual reality.

Taylor’s intelligent robot learning laboratory focuses on developing autonomous robots that can be used in a variety of fields such as education, agriculture, manufacturing, and the military.

The WSU-wide common reading program is exploring the theme of “frontiers of technology, health, and society.” This year’s book, Ready Player One, highlights applications of technology in a variety of fields but also encourages exploration into ethical dilemmas and changing senses of identity that arise in an increasingly digital world.

The Common Reading Program began in Pullman in 2006-2007 to help students, their teachers, and the community better engage in academically centered critical thinking, communication, research and learning around a body of shared information presented in a single, specially selected book.

The Common Reading program is currently accepting book nominations for the 2018-19 academic year. For more information about the Common Reading program, nominating a book, this year’s book, and upcoming events visit https://commonreading.wsu.edu/.

Contact

Karen Weathermon, WSU Common Reading Program co-director, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-5488, kweathermon@wsu.edu

Emma Epperly, Communications and Marketing Associate, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-9458, emmaepperly@wsu.edu