Public Professor

Up next

AI and Us: Building a Human Future in a Machine World

Understanding how intelligent systems are reshaping work, learning, and society.

Light appetizers. Cash bar.
Pre-registration required.
Free, everyone welcome!

Learn more

Register for the talk

About the talk

What happens when intelligence itself becomes a shared resource, no longer limited to people, but distributed across systems, algorithms, and machines? Artificial intelligence has evolved beyond novelty to become an integral part of modern life, shaping how decisions are made, creativity is expressed, and power is distributed. 

This talk explores the current state of AI, a moment marked by the tension between rapid capability growth and the need for human-centered governance. Drawing on examples from business, education, and public policy, it examines how organizations are leveraging AI to augment productivity and decision-making while grappling with ethical, environmental, and cultural implications. More importantly, it asks how we can ensure that in building intelligent machines, we also strengthen the intelligence, empathy, and accountability of the humans who guide them.

Dr. Sidney Shapiro is an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Lethbridge, with a wealth of experience in data science and business analytics. 

With over a decade of expertise in developing and automating data, Dr. Shapiro has worked extensively at the intersection of AI, data engineering, and business intelligence. Formerly a Data Science Manager in the occupational health and safety sector, Dr. Shapiro focuses on advancing theoretical and practical applications of data and business analytics. His research spans AI adoption trends, data privacy, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies in business and education.

Preview the talk

Thank you to our sponsors!

The 2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series 
has been generously supported by 

University of Lethbridge Senate,
Knud Petersen,
Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD ’17),
Dave and Kathy Greenwood,
Dr. Michelle Helstein,
Dr. Digvir and Manju Jayas,
Deborah Lucas, and 
Dr. Dena McMartin

About the series

In June 2014, the Faculty of Arts & Science launched something special: the PUBlic Professor Series. In 2023, we expanded the series to include talks by researchers from across the University. This monthly lecture series is designed to spark thought-provoking discussions and bring a diverse group of experts and researchers from our campus right into the community.

While the series' scope has grown, its core mission remains unchanged. These talks will continue to offer valuable insights into topics that pique interest, inspire questions, and foster open and engaging conversations. The PUBlic Professor Series provides an excellent opportunity for the community to come together, connect with one another, and dive into meaningful discussions.

This series is a natural extension of the popular Public Professor column, co-edited by Dan Johnson and James Linville, which you may have enjoyed reading in the Lethbridge Herald. Over the span of three years, they published a total of 146 regular Saturday columns, each penned by our talented faculty, sharing intriguing aspects of their research with you.

Together, let’s explore the fascinating world of knowledge, one conversation at a time.

Explore research at ULethbridge