Bridging the Future: Graphene, AI, Atomic Batteries, and the Quantum Leap
Speaker: Kireet Kokala
Affiliation: Hitachi Vantara
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (doors open at 1:15 pm) - Student Center East, Room 203

Join Kireet Kokala, the main author of the upcoming book The Graphene Bridge, for an exploration of graphene's transformative potential at the intersection of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and sustainable energy. The talk will unpack how this extraordinary material forms the backbone of technologies reshaping our world and future. Using real-world examples from his book, Kireet will explore the synergy between these groundbreaking fields, offering students a glimpse of what’s possible when science and innovation converge.

NOTE: Seating is limited for this event, so you must RSVP in PIN in order to be admitted.
RSVP: https://pin.gsu.edu/event/10965487

About the Speaker: Kireet Kokala is a Georgia State alumnus with an M.S. in Computer Science. He earned a B.S. in Biology (pre-medicine) from the University of Georgia. With over 18 years of combined experience in IT, he currently serves as Director of Data Science at Hitachi Vantara, where he drives innovation in data science and AI initiatives. A Distinguished Toastmaster, Kireet is also a seasoned communicator, blending technical expertise with a passion for motivational speaking.

Everyone welcome!
Free refreshments!

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Navigating Challenges as an AI Startup CEO
Speaker: Ron H. R. Johnson
Affiliation: Tacilent.ai
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (doors open at 1:15 pm) - Student Center West, Room 466/468

What does it take to transition from leading intelligence operations in high-stakes environments to founding and scaling a cutting-edge AI startup? In this talk, I’ll share my journey from the military and FBI to building Tacilent.ai, a platform transforming enterprise risk and strategy. I’ll discuss the challenges of being a startup founder, including navigating funding, building teams, and balancing innovation with ethical AI. This session will inspire students with lessons on resilience, leadership, and using AI to tackle real-world problems.

About the Speaker: Ron H. R. Johnson is the founder and CEO of Tacilent.ai, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing risk and strategy management. With 20 years of experience as an FBI intelligence chief, Ernst & Young senior executive, and Special Operations intelligence officer with deployments to Iraq and the Horn of Africa, Ron has led teams through life-and-death crises and complex transformations. A Harvard Senior Fellow and lecturer on responsible AI, he now empowers organizations to thrive through actionable intelligence and ethical innovation.

Everyone welcome!
Free refreshments!

Sponsored by Perplexity

Adventures of a Software Developer
Speaker: Sheneeka Ward
Affiliation: Thoughtworks, Inc.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (doors open at 1:15 pm) - Student Center West, Room 466/468

Come hear about the career path of software developer and GSU graduate Sheneeka Ward, including an internship at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center. After her talk, there will be plenty of time for an “ask me anything” session!

About the Speaker: Sheneeka Ward describes herself as a growing technologist wanting to give back. A Georgia native, Sheneeka earned an undergraduate degree in computer science at Georgia State University. She enjoys serving as a mentor for GSU hackathons (HackGSU and PantherHack), RISE in Computing, the BDPA STEM programs, Girls Who Code, WomenLead, Digital Learners to Leaders, and more. Her hobbies include attending community tech meetups, bicycle riding on flat greenways, video games, and anime/manga.

Everyone welcome!
Free refreshments!