Exploring Generative AI in the Workplace – A New World of Work Event

As part of the New World of Work Series, the Arts & Science program recently hosted an event focused on exploring generative AI from diverse disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. “The event was designed to focus on generating ideas and discussion while also facilitating connection between the Arts & Science community of students, alumni, instructors, and industry professionals working in field of AI,” says Ella Boich, a second-year Arts & Science student who is part of this year’s New World of Work Student Organizing Team.

Ella, along with Airo Marsh (level I Artsci student) and Lina Eltom Mohamed (level II Artsci student), organized this thought-provoking event, which saw attendees discussing the possibilities and risks of AI, the ethics surrounding the use of AI, and the application of generative AI in a range of workplace contexts. Attendees participated in roundtable discussions that explored the impact and influence of AI within fields such as AI tech, business/consulting, creative industries, education, healthcare, law, and public service. Table discussions were facilitated by Nathan Cupido (Artsci 2016; PhD Student, Health Professions Education Research), Rachel Guitman (Artsci 2019; Policy and Research Analyst, Elections Canada), Yasa Ibragimova (Artsci 2017; Registered Occupational Therapist and Psychotherapist), Effie Lin (Artsci 2016; Associate, Agro Zaffiro LLP), Bruce Miyashita (Artsci 1984; Lean Sensei, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario), Nick Romano (CEO, Deeplite.ai), Dr. Mat Savelli (Arts & Science Instructor), Duoaud Shah (Vice President of Clinical Partnerships, Altis Labs Inc.), and Rachelle Zalter (Artsci 2016; Screenwriter, Director, and Author).

For Jack, a second year Artsci student, the event sparked many ideas and questions such as, “should we pursue AI at all?” Moreover, Jack noted, the event also created the opportunity to consider “complex questions surrounding colonialism, justice and equality as well as practical questions about efficiency and our interaction with the internet. It has been really interesting.” Sofia, another Artsci student who attended, agreed, saying, “it was a really, really cool event – especially getting to hear from people from a bunch of different industries.” Arts & Science Program Director, Dr. Beth Marquis, echoed these sentiments, pointing out how the event provided a wonderful opportunity to bring together members of the Arts & Science community of learning for nuanced and critical discussion of a timely and important topic. “My sincere thanks to all the wonderful table facilitators who guided the insightful and engaging conversations,” Dr. Marquis said. “It is such a pleasure to be part of the Artsci community, and to take part in events like this that bring folks together to connect, share and learn from one another.”

The New World of Work Series is supported through a generous gift made by Bruce Miyashita (Artsci 1984) in honour of his late parents, Tom and Nancy Miyashita. Since its inception in 2018, the New World of Work Series (previously the New World of Work Forum) has become a signature Arts & Science initiative, which provides meaningful educational experiences that extend Artsci student learning beyond the classroom. The series offers a unique opportunity for Arts & Science students to explore emerging themes in the rapidly changing world of work and to take up topics relevant to work in the contemporary moment from a variety of perspectives. It also allows a student organizing team to accrue experience in project management and event planning.

“We’re so very grateful to Bruce Miyashita for making this event possible, and for all of the ways in which he contributes to the life of the Arts & Science Program,” Dr. Marquis emphasized. “Many thanks as well to the student organizing team and Jen Clarke for their work to bring the event to life, and to the industry partners and Artsci instructors, alumni, and students who came out to share their thoughts and experiences on this timely and important topic.”