In this episode, Megan and Nicole discuss the first annual AI Portland Science Fair, highlighting the diverse projects presented by community members. They explore the practical applications of AI, creative uses in art and design, and technical innovations from academic contributors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the inspiring potential of AI to enhance everyday life and address real-world challenges. They also reflect on the event's success and share plans for future gatherings.

Special thanks to our science fair participants.

Cia Mooney: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cia-mooney/

Victor Agostinelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-agostinelli/, preprint: https://github.com/OSU-STARLAB/Simul-LLM

Seth Raphael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magicseth/

Mark Swain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-swain-1a43b6/

Elizabeth Goltz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-goltz-68470645/

Arun Sirimalla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsru/:

Robbie Ellestad (Oddly Robbie): https://oddlyrobbie.blog/

Pete Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterblee/

Josh Aller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshaller/

Robert Bates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bates-1042a2201/

Suzame Tong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzametong/

Ron Bronson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbronson/

Steve "Elan" Taylor https://www.linkedin.com/in/syntheticconsciousai/

In this episode, Julia Stoops, a visual artist and UX/UI designer, discusses her creative process and how she incorporates generative AI into her artwork with cohosts Megan Notarte and Nicole Mors. She shares examples of her work, which includes blending images and using AI to create unique and surreal pieces. Julia also explores the concept of ownership and the value of physical artwork in the age of AI, and shares her thoughts on the use of her artwork in Midjourney and the distinction between online sharing and AI-generated art. She showcases examples of her artwork and the blending of physical and digital techniques.

Because Julia shows so much of her art, this is best enjoyed as a video (Youtube).

In this episode, Nicole Mors and Megan Notarte dive deep into a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Donna Davis, director of the Oregon Reality Lab and the new Immersive Media Communication master's program at the University of Oregon in Portland. They explore the fascinating and sometimes unsettling intersection of AI and human interaction, discussing everything from media literacy to the ethical implications of AI companions. Dr. Davis' insights into the potential of virtual worlds for social good and the importance of maintaining real-world connections create a compelling narrative about the future of human-AI relationships. Whether it's the joy found in virtual support groups or the dangers of AI misuse, this episode challenges listeners to consider how we balance innovation with humanity.

Chapters:

02:18 The Importance of Media Literacy in the Age of AI

13:24 Navigating the Blurring Lines Between Human and AI Interactions

16:40 The Dual Nature of Technology

22:30 Balancing the Digital and Physical Realms

32:32 The Power of Virtual Worlds

40:10 The Importance of Human Connection

44:47 The Dark Side of Technology

49:11 The Challenges of Being Human

In this episode, Nicole and Megan recap a recent AI Portland event that featured three speakers who discussed their experiences using AI in their creative processes. Elizabeth Goltz talked about using AI to tap into the collective unconscious and create artwork that served as a cultural exorcism. Sprk used AI to create an immersive AR/VR experience that took users through a specific time period. Julia Stoops embraced the chaos of AI and used it to enhance her traditional artwork. The speakers discussed topics such as artistic flow, intention, and ownership.

Related links:

• Julia Stoops | website | instagram
• Sprk’s Lewis and Clark experience

Does generative AI help or hinder creativity? Are we destined to live in a world of sameness? Nicole and Megan welcomed Mike Creighton, the Director of AI Research and Development at Instrument, to discuss the impact of generative AI on creativity. They discuss the creative potential of generative AI and the importance of leveraging taste and personal experiences in the creative process. He emphasizes the ability of AI to generate new and innovative ideas by synthesizing disparate concepts and creating meaningful connections and ways that these tools can inspire and unlock creativity in everyone.

Related links:

• “What Can AI Do for Me” demo from Instrument
• Golden record demo
• RAG discussion on a past episode with Juma Stevens
• June AI Portland meetup

Should you get an AI friend? Should Nicole get knuckle tattoos? In this episode of (Super)charged by AI, hosts Megan Notarte and Nicole Mors delve into recent developments in AI, focusing on OpenAI and Google's latest announcements. They discuss a recent AI Portland panel on 'human in the loop,' addressing deep fakes, AI companions, and the societal impacts of generative AI. Key topics include the trustworthiness of AI, ethical considerations, and the evolving nature of work. The conversation extends to AI's role in fostering or replacing human connections and the intrinsic need for active human participation and critical thinking. Notable mentions include panelists Dr. Donna Davis, Lindsay Richman, Janet Johnson, and Pedro Luraschi, who provide insight into AI's potential to transform both personal and professional realms.

Related links:

• Hard Fork podcast
• iOS bug exposes deleted photos
• AI Portland Human in the Loop event

00:00 Introduction

00:54 AI Developments This Week

01:41 Humanity in the Loop: AI's Brave New World

02:25 The Influence of AI on Social Media and Identity

06:24 Exploring AI Companions and Emotional Connections

11:18 Trust and Privacy in the Age of AI Companions

16:26 The Future of Work and Critical Thinking Skills

22:54 Reflections on the Panel Discussion and AI's Impact

29:00 Closing Thoughts

In this episode, co-hosts Megan Notarte and Nicole Mors talk with Juma Stevens, a seasoned software engineer, about his journey into AI and development, specifically his early experimentation with GPT models. Juma shares his self-taught path, his first project integrating GPT for a recipe app, and how his curiosity led him to explore more sophisticated AI tools. The conversation also covers the potential fears and implications of AI in various professions, the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, and tips for developers integrating AI into their applications. The episode navigates the technical aspects of working with AI, such as fine-tuning models and understanding compute and financial costs, providing insights for both tech enthusiasts and professionals.

Just what does it mean for an image to be AI-generated? That’s part of what Nicole and Megan discuss in today’s episode, recapping the spicy Generative AI Images panel from AI Portland. The conversation explores the impact of AI on the field of art and creativity, the challenges faced by artists and designers, the role of AI in the creative process, and the question of ownership and value in AI-generated art. They also touch on the future of art education and the need for artists to adapt and learn how to use AI tools. Overall, the conversation highlights the complex and evolving relationship between AI and the creative industries. The conversation explores the fear and uncertainty surrounding the impact of AI on jobs and how the current tech job market adds to the heightened concern. They also touch on the historical pattern of job displacement and the emergence of new jobs.

Related links

• Freelancer's union SPARK events
• How Best Take makes your group photos better
• EU AI act
• The Great Believers
• Nice Aunties
• What can history teach us about technology and jobs