Fairfield Dolan Launches AI & Technology Institute

Business students, faculty, and staff posing for a group photo with a Zoom speaker after the launch of the new AI and Tech institute.
As part of Fairfield Dolan's Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology Institute launch, students, faculty, and staff posed with economist and Nobel laureate Myron Scholes, PhD, who joined via Zoom.
By Bella Podgorski

On Monday, April 28, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business launched its Artificial intelligence (AI) and Technology Institute, a groundbreaking new initiative at the intersection of technology, creativity, and innovation. Speakers at the launch event included economist and Nobel laureate Myron Scholes, PhD, who joined via Zoom.

Following a recent visit from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to a business analytics class to discuss AI applications in the workplace, Fairfield Dolan continues developing AI initiatives, including the launch of this institute on April 28. As part of the launch event, five students also showcased their AI-generated short films, produced as part of their coursework.

"The AI and Technology Institute is born from Fairfield's core Jesuit values — a commitment to serving humanity,” said Jie Tao, PhD, director of the AI and Tech Institute and associate professor of analytics. “Our focus is firmly on 'AI for the greater good,' leveraging cutting-edge AI research and expertise to empower our local communities and businesses.”

As part of the new institute, annual programming will include hosting experts such as Dr. Scholes at Fairfield Dolan. The AI and Tech Institute will also aim to offer trainings surrounding AI and emerging technologies.

Philip Maymin, PhD, associate professor of analytics and director of the Business Analytics program, shared that as part of the event, Dr. Scholes talked about “the ways in which AI can make things faster, more individualized, and more flexible, and thereby benefit myriad industries.”

As evidenced by the AI-generated films, tech-heavy coursework, and prominent speakers, Fairfield Dolan continues to lead and explore opportunities in the AI space. “We are dedicated to building practical, freely available tools and offering consultation, positioning Fairfield Dolan as a leader in putting technology ethically in service of the common good,” Dr. Tao said.

Learn more about the AI and Tech Institute at Fairfield Dolan.

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