AI Days 2025
AI is now essential in research, education and industry. We will build our community of AI researchers, educators, and users by providing training on the foundations of AI, the skills necessary to work confidently with AI models, ethical and social implications of AI, presenting the latest research employing AI at Vanderbilt and applications of breakthrough technologies in multiple areas, while encouraging the building of research collaborations across domains.
Vanderbilt Data Science invites you to join us for the second ever, "AI Days"
COME WITH AN IDEA. LEAVE WITH A SOLUTION.
AI Days offers attendees hands-on experience with the latest AI models through interactive workshops, while providing insight into the latest research and applications in education and industry. The event includes panels with thought leaders and insights from industry leaders in various sessions. This event is designed to expand participants' AI skills and provide networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Date: Tuesday, March 5th-6th, 2024, 9:00 – 5:00 Central Time
Location: VU Student Life Center, (310 25th Ave S)
The event will cover essential topics such as:
- AI Foundations: Gain a solid understanding of AI models, including generative AI models like ChatGPT and diffusion models.
- AI Services: Explore the range of AI services and how they can be integrated into your work.
- Building, Training, and Running Custom AI Models: Dive deep into the practical aspects of AI model development, from conception to deployment.
Special emphasis will be placed on:
- Train the Trainer: Aimed at trainers, educators, and researchers, this session focuses on equipping you with the knowledge to effectively communicate AI concepts.
- Running Models and Training Overview: Detailed walkthroughs on running AI models and a comprehensive overview of model training.
- Training Your Model: An intensive, hands-on workshop on the end-to-end process of AI model training.
The event will follow this schedule:
- 8:30 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Morning sessions including AI Foundations and AI Services
- 12:00 pm: Lunch and AI Showcase Winners Presentations
- 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Afternoon sessions focused on building, training, and running custom AI models
Morning Session: Train the Trainer
The morning kicks off with a series of engaging sessions with a focus on AI’s core principles and applications:
- 9:00 AM – AI Foundations: This session provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental AI concepts, essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how AI models, including generative models like ChatGPT, function and can be applied across various domains.
- 10:30 AM – Coffee Break: A brief interlude to refresh and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- 10:35 AM – AI Services: Explore the spectrum of AI services available today. This segment focuses on how these services can be utilized to enhance research, development, and innovation in your projects or organizations.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch and AI Showcase Winners Presentations: Enjoy lunch while listening to presentations from winners of the AI Showcase. This is a perfect opportunity to see real-world applications of AI and the innovative solutions emerging in the field.
Afternoon Session: Building, Training, and Running Custom AI Models
The afternoon is dedicated to more specialized topics, with a focus on the practical aspects of AI model development:
- 1:00 PM – Running Models: An in-depth look at the logistics and strategies for efficiently running AI models. This session covers everything from choosing the right platforms to optimizing model performance.
- 1:30 PM – Model Training Overview: A crucial session for those looking to understand the nuances of AI model training. It will cover the when, why, and how of training models, including considerations for domain-specific training and task optimization.
- 2:00 PM – Training Your Model: This extensive workshop offers hands-on experience in AI model training. Participants will learn about setting up training loops, selecting compute resources, and navigating through the training process for successful model development.
- 5:00 PM – End of Training Day: The day concludes, leaving participants with new insights, skills, and connections in the AI field.
To secure your spot at AI training day register here.
We look forward to an engaging and informative session that promises to elevate your AI skills and knowledge.
AI Showcase: Experience the Future
Join us on December 6, 2024, for an afternoon showcasing Vanderbilt’s brightest minds in artificial intelligence. The Fall Showcase features student-led innovations that were worked on over the past semester, providing a platform for the next generation of AI pioneers to present their projects. Whether you’re deeply embedded in the tech world or simply curious about the future of AI, this event promises to engage and inspire. Attendees can look forward to interactive presentations, networking opportunities, and a celebration of technological advancement.
The Inaugural Un-Hackathon 2024
Vanderbilt University Data Science, the Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative, and the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing successfully hosted their inaugural Un-Hackathon, bringing together students to explore the ethical implications of generative AI, guided by leaders from Atlanta's corporate innovators.
Event Date: November 1-2, 2024 Location: Microsoft Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA Duration: 24 Hours of Innovation
AI Fridays at the DSI
Every Friday from 10am to 4pm, starting January 26th, the DSI opens its doors for a series of AI and data science-focused activities. Whether you’re struggling with data, seeking advice on models, or looking for data science partnerships, AI Fridays have something for everyone:
- Drop-In Consultations (10am – 12pm): Open office hours for advice on data science projects, best practices, tooling, and technical guidance. Ideal for researchers, students, and lab groups.
- AI Deep Dive (1pm – 2pm): A focused session for exploring complex research problems with the potential for deep learning solutions. Brainstorm with DSI data scientists and the broader research community to kickstart new projects or directions.
Read More about AI Deep Dives. - Demos (3pm – 4pm): Weekly sessions showcasing the latest data science projects at DSI. Present your work for feedback or learn from others’ updates in an informal setting.
We're located in the 18th Ave South and Horton building (formerly called the Sony Building), across from the Commons on Peabody's campus. We'll be in room A2116 - the main Data Science Team space.
AI Fridays are open to Vanderbilt University faculty, staff, researchers, and students. Join us at the 18th Ave S and Horton Building to dive into data science, find new collaborators, and engage with the DSI community.
AI Summer
This Summer, dive deep into the world of AI with our intensive data science program. From understanding the basics of large language models like ChatGPT to deploying them for real-world applications, our program covers it all. Aimed at researchers, educators, and students, the AI Summer program is a perfect opportunity to enhance your skills, collaborate on projects, and contribute to the field of AI. With limited capacity, priority is given to those with a clear research or educational project in mind. Join us for a transformative experience designed to push the boundaries of AI research and application.
