Event Summary
Join the Austin Forum for a thought-provoking evening exploring the chilling realities and potential futures depicted in the hit series "Black Mirror," specifically focusing on the episodes "Be Right Back" and "Jane Is Awful."
We'll screen these two captivating episodes that delve into the complex relationship between humans and AI, raising profound questions about grief, identity, and the ethical implications of rapidly advancing technology.
Following the screenings, we'll host a dynamic panel discussion featuring leading AI professionals who will unpack the depictions of AI presented in the episodes. We'll explore:
What is or might be possible soon? Separating science fiction from near-future reality.
Do these episodes represent valid concerns about the future of AI? Discussing the ethical and societal implications raised.
The potential impact of AI on our lives: Examining the broader themes presented in the episodes and their relevance to our present and future.
And more! Audience Q&A will be a key part of the panel discussion.
This special event provides a unique opportunity to engage with complex questions surrounding AI in a relaxed and engaging setting. Whether you're a "Black Mirror" fan, an AI enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of technology, this event will leave you with much to ponder.
Moderators
Numa Dhamani, Head of Machine Learning, iVerify
Numa Dhamani is the Head of Machine Learning at iVerify and the co-author of Introduction to Generative AI (Manning Publications). She is a natural language processing expert with domain expertise in trust, safety, and security. Numa has developed machine learning systems for Fortune 500 companies and social media platforms, as well as for start-ups and nonprofits. She has advised industry leaders and organizations, served as the Principal Investigator on the United States Department of Defense’s research programs, and contributed to multiple international peer-reviewed journals. She is also deeply engaged in the technology policy space, supporting think tanks and nonprofits with data and AI governance efforts. In addition to her industry and research contributions, she has taught AI courses as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin and Georgetown University. Numa is passionate about working toward a safer digital ecosystem, building responsible artificial intelligence, and advocating for transparency and accountability in technology. She holds degrees in Physics and Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin.
Adam Ghetti, Adapter
As an entrepreneur, investor, and creator, Adam has been involved in numerous ventures over the years. As the Founder of Ionic Security,​ he has been recognized by Forbes as a 30-under-30 thought leader in technology and by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer. Additionally, he served on the inaugural Global Future Council on Cybersecurity on behalf of the World Economic Forum.
Steve Kramer, KUNGFU.AI
Dr. Steve Kramer, Chief Scientist of KUNGFU.AI, is a computational physicist and data science entrepreneur with 32 years of post-Ph.D. experience in AI, data science, research, software, and business management. He earned a Ph.D. in physics in the Center for Nonlinear Dynamics at The University of Texas at Austin. Steve has extensive research experience spanning data mining, machine learning, anomaly detection, bot/cyborg detection, clustering, network graph analysis, deep learning, spatiotemporal forecasting, predictive analytics, social media analytics, and pattern discovery/recognition. In 2014, he patented a robust method for dynamic anomaly detection based on chaos theory. Steve spoke at Data Day Texas in 2014 and 2018 and at Data Day Seattle in 2016. Since 2011, he has served as a program committee member and reviewer for the ACM KDD and IEEE Security and Intelligence Informatics conferences. He recently acted as the Principal Investigator on multiple subcontracts for DARPA's Information Innovation Office and on multiple prototype contracts for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). He is proud to serve on the Board of the Austin Forum on Technology and Society and as a member of Board of Technical Advisors for data.world.