2027 Session 1

Title of Talk: What is AI and how should I use it?

Jan. 30, 2027

An Interactive Session led by Brian Mayer. 

Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech.

Brian Mayer is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Computer Science Department at Virginia Tech. He is also a member of the Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech. Brian worked in industry for 5 years and then began work as a full-time researcher. As a researcher, he develops quantifiable solutions to real-world problems by leveraging information and data to improve processes and make more informed decisions. He has research experience in intelligence, natural language processing, transportation, visualization, explainability, and government applications. Now as an educator, Brian focuses on educating students to think critically through the lens of project-based learning. This also helps bridge the gap between skill development and application. Brian enjoys teaching students (and working with researchers) from various backgrounds and new to AI to educate them about the capabilities, usages, and pitfalls of AI/Data.

Students will learn what AI is and what Generative AI is. We will discuss tools and the concepts behind these tools so that when they decide to use them, they will better understand what is being done. The lecture will include unique and interesting visualizations of high-dimensional data as well as an activity replicating how a Large Language Model (LLM) works. We'll close by emphasizing the limitations, considerations, and risks of using Generative AI and LLMs.