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