Buffalo State hosts in-demand workshop on augmented human intelligence and AI
On Saturday, April 19, Buffalo State University hosted a workshop titled “Augmented Human Intelligence in the Age of AI” at the Jacqueline Vito LoRusso Alumni and Visitor Center. The free, open-to-the-public event was capped at 80 participants and quickly reached capacity due to interest from Buffalo State students, faculty, staff, and the larger community. The workshop explored the intersection between human intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI), offering attendees hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and strategies designed to enhance human capabilities.
The event was organized by Joaquin Carbonara, professor of mathematics, lead faculty in the data science and analytics M.S., and associate director of data science for the Center for Integrated Studies in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; Angela Thering, lecturer in the Higher Education Administration and Adult Education Department; Naila Ansari Catilo, assistant professor of theater and Africana Studies; and Zhen Liu, lecturer of data science and analytics; reflecting Buffalo State’s multidisciplinary effort to engage the campus community and broader Buffalo region in critical conversations about the future of AI in society.
“Learning how to use AI wisely is a critical skill for educators, professionals, and students,” said Amitra Wall, Buffalo State University provost. “In this age of accelerated change, understanding AI is no longer optional—it's essential. At the intersection of human intelligence and machine learning lies a powerful opportunity not to replace human insight, but to enhance it. Generative AI, when guided by thoughtful, ethical, and skilled users, becomes a partner in learning, creativity, and innovation. As educators, professionals, and lifelong learners, we must lean into this moment—not just to keep pace, but to lead with purpose.”
“Generative AI, when guided by thoughtful, ethical, and skilled users, becomes a partner in learning, creativity, and innovation.”
The afternoon began with hands-on concurrent workshops where participants explored practical AI applications. The workshops were followed by a keynote address, a special presentation, and a networking reception, fostering discussions among students, faculty, professionals, and community members.
These concurrent workshops, held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., allowed attendees to delve into practical AI through two parallel, deep-dive tracks: CR202 and CR204. In CR202, the Independent Health team guided participants in mastering local large language models, followed by Daniel McSkimming’s Ollama-based tutorial and a presentation on AdsorbCast by Mounika Goruganthu and Sesha Vermutti. Simultaneously, CR204 offered sessions where Thering and Catilo covered prompt engineering strategies; Brian Barrey and Navya Mehta demonstrated an AI assistant for AP Calculus; Carbonara showcased generative AI applications; and Liu explored AI for personal finance.
The keynote speaker, Po-Shen Loh of Carnegie Mellon University, delivered an inspiring talk titled, “AI Is Here. How Can We Help All the Humans?” Loh’s address emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to uplift and support humanity and challenged attendees to think about ethical, inclusive approaches to technological development.
The event also featured a special presentation by Ernest Fokoue of the Rochester Institute of Technology, titled “Artificial Intelligence as an Invitation to Transformation and Evolution: Embracing Humility, Harnessing Potential, and Rediscovering Ourselves.” Fokoue invited participants to reflect on the profound personal and societal transformations AI can drive when approached thoughtfully.
The success of the workshop highlights Buffalo State University's broader commitment to preparing students, faculty, and the local community for emerging technological trends. By bringing diverse voices together to explore AI’s possibilities and challenges, Buffalo State continues to position itself as a leader in innovation and applied learning.
For more information about the event and future programming, please visit the event website.
Pictured: Angela Thering (left); Joaquin Carbonara; Amitra Wall; Naila Ansari Catilo; Zhen Liu.
Photo by Lorraine Thering.
