The 2023 mini university sessions are being finalized, check back for updates closer to the event.

Saturday October 7

Session 1 (9:00 am - 9:50 am)

Ford 122
"Managing with Artificial Intelligence", by Tim Johnson
Advances in machine learning have produced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that can perform complex tasks such as computer coding, technical writing, and problem solving. These developments raise the possibility of automating work that previously required advanced technical skills, thus presenting people with a new challenge -- namely, evaluating when to use AI systems and, then, managing those AI systems when they are used. In my class session, "Managing with Artificial Intelligence," I will make the case that this new challenge requires individuals to possess both (a) deep knowledge of the arts and sciences and (b) a thorough understanding of management and business. Knowledge of the arts and sciences provides individuals with the ability to assess which objectives to pursue with the help of AI systems, while an understanding of management and business gives folks the ability to orchestrate AI workflows so as to complete projects that advance humanity's needs.
Collins 320
“The Fastest Vaccine in History”, by Alison Fisher

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global health emergency. Less than a year later, new vaccines against COVID-19 were developed, tested, and authorized for emergency use. In this session, I will discuss the new-ish technology behind COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and hopefully dispel some of the common myths about their safety.

Collins 408
"Blood and Bones", by Lucas Ettinger and Stasinos Stavrianeas
Every movement of the human body involves complex orchestration of our anatomy and physiology.  Have you ever wondered, what does this anatomy look like under the skin? How do the parts that make us up, work together to provide these complex movements? This session will start with Dr. Ettinger revealing the musculoskeletal system of real human bodies on our two prosected cadavers (9-10 a.m). Next, Dr. Stas will guide groups to measure aspects of their own physiology to make inferences regarding their own anatomy (10-11 a.m).

Session 2 (10:00 am - 10:50 am)

Ford 102
"For a Ruthless Criticism of Everything Existing": The Young Karl Marx, by Bill Smaldone

This session examines the life of the young Marx before he became a communist. What factors shaped the young Marx's worldview? Why did he come to believe that it was necessary to criticize the whole world? To answer these questions we will look at the world in which Marx matured and the ideas that shaped his vision.

Collins 410
"Blood and Boones", by Lucas Ettinger and Stasinos Stavrianeas
Every movement of the human body involves complex orchestration of our anatomy and physiology.  Have you ever wondered, what does this anatomy look like under the skin? How do the parts that make us up, work together to provide these complex movements? This session will start with Dr. Ettinger revealing the musculoskeletal system of real human bodies on our two prosected cadavers (9-10 a.m). Next, Dr. Stas will guide groups to measure aspects of their own physiology to make inferences regarding their own anatomy (10-11 a.m).
Eaton 209
"Fire, Ice, and Insect Plagues--What we can learn from the Life of Trees :Using Dendrochronology to Explore Climate and Post-Disturbance Recovery in Urban and Rural Forestry Landscapes.", by Joe Bowersox
Focusing on recent ecological events in Oregon (wildfires,  ice storms, and a changing climate) Professor Bowersox will explore how the scientific study and analysis of tree rings collectively known as "dendrochronology" can provide us with some surprising and intriguing insights into the natural and social communities within which we live and work.
Ford 122
"Managing with Artificial Intelligence", by Tim Johnson
Advances in machine learning have produced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that can perform complex tasks such as computer coding, technical writing, and problem solving. These developments raise the possibility of automating work that previously required advanced technical skills, thus presenting people with a new challenge -- namely, evaluating when to use AI systems and, then, managing those AI systems when they are used. In my class session, "Managing with Artificial Intelligence," I will make the case that this new challenge requires individuals to possess both (a) deep knowledge of the arts and sciences and (b) a thorough understanding of management and business. Knowledge of the arts and sciences provides individuals with the ability to assess which objectives to pursue with the help of AI systems, while an understanding of management and business gives folks the ability to orchestrate AI workflows so as to complete projects that advance humanity's needs.

Session 3 (11:00 am - 11:50 am)

Ford 102
"For a Ruthless Criticism of Everything Existing": The Young Karl Marx, by Bill Smaldone

This session examines the life of the young Marx before he became a communist. What factors shaped the young Marx's worldview? Why did he come to believe that it was necessary to criticize the whole world? To answer these questions we will look at the world in which Marx matured and the ideas that shaped his vision.

Ford 122
“Art History of the French Revolution”, by Abigail Susik
This Art History lecture and discussion will feature artworks from the late 1700s by French Neoclassical artist Jacques-Louis David. David worked for Louis XVI but then became an avid participant in the French Revolution. This session will dive into the turmoil of this period through a close analysis of some of David's key canvases.
Ford 201
"Managing with Artificial Intelligence", by Tim Johnson
Advances in machine learning have produced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that can perform complex tasks such as computer coding, technical writing, and problem solving. These developments raise the possibility of automating work that previously required advanced technical skills, thus presenting people with a new challenge -- namely, evaluating when to use AI systems and, then, managing those AI systems when they are used. In my class session, "Managing with Artificial Intelligence," I will make the case that this new challenge requires individuals to possess both (a) deep knowledge of the arts and sciences and (b) a thorough understanding of management and business. Knowledge of the arts and sciences provides individuals with the ability to assess which objectives to pursue with the help of AI systems, while an understanding of management and business gives folks the ability to orchestrate AI workflows so as to complete projects that advance humanity's needs.
Willamette University

Student Engagement and Leadership

Address
Putnam University Center, Second Floor
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6463 voice
503-370-6407 fax

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