Vanderbilt and the Data Science Institute announce the university’s first ever AI Training Day. This daylong event, scheduled for March 5, is open to the public and offers something for everyone who wants to learn more about artificial intelligence. Participants will explore modern training methods and architectural models in AI and ensure that they are up to date in this rapidly evolving landscape. For faculty and students that will be teaching AI models or using AI models in their classroom or research, this event offers essential information.
“At Vanderbilt University, we approach problems differently. We take a highly interdisciplinary approach to education and research—it’s ‘radical collaboration,’” said Jesse Spencer-Smith, interim director and chief data scientist of the Data Science Institute and professor of the practice in the Department of Computer Science. “Generative AI is helping us dramatically accelerate research, learning and innovation, bringing great minds together to solve the most complex and imperative problems that we face.”
During the first half of the day, in-person and virtual attendees will learn the essentials of artificial intelligence, beginning with the foundations of AI and with reviewing generative and diffusion AI models like ChatGPT and DALL.E 3. Presenters will also cover the wide range of AI services that can assist with research and education.
Participants will get hands-on experience in the afternoon with building, training and running custom AI models for teaching and research. By the end of the day, attendees will understand the logistics and strategies for running AI models and when, why and how to train models. For participants that are working on a proof of concept or first pilot project, and looking for funding, AI Training Day will be a fruitful investment of time.
This hybrid event is free, and registration is required.
DATE: Tuesday, March 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. CT
LOCATION: VU Student Life Center (310 25th Ave. S.) and online
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Everyone in the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities is welcome. This event will enhance understanding and skills for people that have never typed a prompt into an AI chatbot and for those already building models.
AGENDA
9 a.m. – AI Foundations: Comprehensive overview of fundamental AI concepts, including generative models like ChatGPT.
10:30 a.m. – Coffee break
10:35 a.m. – AI Services: Explore the spectrum of AI services available today to enhance research, development and innovation.
Noon – Lunch and AI Showcase winners’ presentations
1 p.m. – Running Models: An in-depth look at logistics and strategies for efficiently running AI models.
1:30 p.m. – Model Training Overview: A crucial session for understanding the nuances of AI model training.
2 p.m. – Training Your Model: Get hands-on and set training loops, identify compute resources and navigate the entire training process for successful model development.
5 p.m. – Vanderbilt University’s first AI Training Day comes to a close.