Nov. 7, 2024
This paid piece is sponsored by Dakota State University.
Everyone seems to be looking for answers when it comes to the question of how to use artificial intelligence. Dakota State University faculty and students are helping provide solutions for businesses interested in implementing this emerging technology.
One way DSU does this is through faculty outreach, with professors and instructors who share their expertise with business leaders and policymakers.
This fall, Dr. David Zeng was invited to join a roundtable discussion on how small businesses are integrating and benefiting from AI. The event was sponsored by the ITI Institute, and panelists included several local business representatives, as well as U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Trever Johnson, head of custom engineering for US Central SLED at Google.
Dr. David Zeng (upper right) brought his expertise to a panel discussion on how businesses can integrate and benefit from AI.
Topics included how AI can bridge the gap between an idea and a startup, and how AI tools can add efficiencies with administrative tasks. The use of AI can allow more time to grow the business, which can elevate local and national economies and help the U.S. compete on the global stage.
At this event, “I took the opportunity to propose a public-private partnership to build an AI agent resource hub for small businesses in the state to drive both academic excellence and practical impact,” Zeng said. “I believe that DSU can continue to be a leader in creating more opportunities for small businesses in the state to adopt the latest AI technologies.”
Zeng also noted the essential work taking place on campus with cyber-intensive and cyber-infused degree programs.
“At the roundtable, I shared with Mr. Johnson and the participants our remarkable growth in enrollment and the fact that we are also a leader in AI workforce development by offering AI-related programs and research and development projects,” Zeng said.
Students don’t have to major in AI programs or conduct research in emerging technology to be impacted by course content covering AI.
Joelle Malacko is a senior computer information systems major, with a specialization in business analytics. She struggled to determine a specific career focus until she enrolled in two of Zeng’s classes: Fundamentals of AI in Organizations, and Applied AI and Applications.
“These classes changed the view of my degree,” Malacko said, showing her that computer information systems can have an end point that is more AI focused. “Without these courses, I never would have come to that conclusion.”
In these classes, Zeng discusses AI agents, which can transform industries and enhance human experiences. “These AI agents have both potential and challenges for reshaping our future,” he said.
“From autonomous personal assistants and customer service bots to complex multi-agent systems in health care, finance and education, AI agents are poised to become integral to our daily lives and professional environments,” Zeng said.
CIS majors like Malacko have capabilities with both technical aspects and some business savvy; these AI agents can help coordinate the two sides of the discipline. “I hope other CIS students can see there are clear paths if they apply AI,” Malacko said.
In addition to academics, DSU has helped Joelle Malacko (left) find connections and network, with opportunities as president of the university’s outreach program CybHER® and as a Peraton scholarship recipient.
She hopes companies and organizations can apply AI as well because it’s very much a tool. While there are some vulnerabilities, she feels businesses can find a balance with the emerging technology.
“They shouldn’t be afraid to dip their toes in with AI because it opens doors and can eliminate mundane tasks to create open space for human creativity,” she said.
After graduation in spring 2025, Malacko has an internship lined up to gain some crucial skills. Ultimately, she would like to work in a startup business that has an AI focus.
In addition to CIS majors, a few other examples of DSU’s AI program leadership include:
- The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Organizations is an interdisciplinary degree that bridges business, management, information systems, business analysis, statistics and computer science. It prepares students to make data-driven decisions in their companies, optimizing business processes and workflows, minimizing costs and maximizing revenue by utilizing AI tools and applications.
- Master of Science in Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence was created because data is messy but critical, and advanced training is needed to solve crucial data-driven issues and assist with analytic-driven decisions. Through coursework in this program, students learn to use AI analytics to work with big data sets.
- The MBA AI specialization, DSU’s unique online Master of Business Administration degree, integrates technology, analytics and artificial intelligence, preparing students to lead any organization into the future. The online MBA program is designed for working professionals with flexible asynchronous courses and affordable tuition.
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