AI is making incredible advancements in all aspects of our world. As industries and businesses look to take advantage of this new technology, how will it impact your future?
Join us on Tuesday, October 24 as we explore the opportunities and threats AI poses on the future of work. A panel of industry experts, alumni and a co-op student will discuss:
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How they perceive AI, including the fears and opportunities they see.
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The concerns that AI and large language models push a systemically racist and inequitable narrative.
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How to leverage the knowledge and skills of co-op students to help navigate the complex landscape of AI.
There will be an opportunity for questions and networking following the panel discussion.
Speakers:
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Joseph Fung (BASc ’07), CEO, Uvaro
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Ellen Shao (BMath ’27), Co-op Student, University of Waterloo
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Catherine Burns (BASc ’92), Associate Vice President, Health Initiatives, Canada Research Chair in Human Factors in Health Care Systems, Professor, Systems Design Engineering
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Moderator: Norah McRae, Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education, University of Waterloo
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Joseph Fung (BASc ’07)
CEO, Uvaro
Josephis the CEO of Uvaro, a tech sales career accelerator. A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Computer Engineering program,Joseph ’is a five-times technology Founder CEO, with multiple successful exits, and speaks frequently on the topics of sales leadership, diversity, and corporate social responsibility. He is an active early-stage investor who ensures that the majority of his investments are into women-led companies.Josephalso sits on the board of Communitech and led Uvaro’s commitment to Pledge 1%, where the company has donated a portion of its equity to charities focused on diversity inclusion.
Catherine Burns (BASc ’92)
Associate Vice President, Health Initiatives
Professor, Systems Design Engineering
Catherine M. Burns works at University of Waterloo as a professor in Systems Design Engineering and associate vice president, Health Initiatives at the Office of Research. In her role as AVP, Health Initiatives she is responsible for advancing Waterloo research in health and health technology. Catherine holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Human Factors and Healthcare Systems, has contributed to more than 300 publications and is the co-author of seven books. She is also the principal investigator on an Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program in biomedical technology and entrepreneurship which has trained over 40 graduate students. Her current research program focuses on the need for human-centered artificial intelligence to support human decision makers, with a particular focus in healthcare.
Ellen Shao(BMath, ’27)
Senior Marketing Intern, Dundas Life
Ellen is a second-year student studying financial analysis and risk management in the Faculty of Mathematics at Waterloo. Recently, she completed her first work term at Dundas Life, an insurance startup based in Toronto, Ontario. During her co-op work term, she harnessed the power of AI to enhance the searchability of Dundas Life and elevate their online presence. In her role, she experienced the fascinating capabilities of AI and learned how we, as humans, can leverage AI’s potential. Ellen is excited to share her insights and learn from others in the AI space.