Free Public Forum
Understanding AI: And its impact on our community
Wonder how AI will effect the lives of average people? This free forum helps to bring the future into focus when it comes to artificial intelligence. Hear what area experts have to say regarding the ways AI will become common place in our daily lives.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7 pm
Wilcox Theater at PARC
650 Church St, in Plymouth. Free, on-site parking is available.
Panelists:
• Kurt Skifstad, Exec. Dir. Univ. of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship
Kurt is a seasoned entrepreneur and 5-time founder with over 30 years of experience in tech startups. He serves as a professor focusing on AI and entrepreneurship.
His comments will focus on: Giving a primer on artificial intelligence and its rapid development—from early machine learning to today’s generative tools. How generative AI works (in plain language); major milestones and technological breakthroughs; emerging opportunities and ethical challenges.
• Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General
Dana is the state’s chief legal officer representing Michigan in major legal matters, including consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, and high-profile litigation.
She also issues formal legal opinions, defends state laws in court, and works with local and federal partners to protect the public and hold bad actors accountable.
Her comments will focus on: the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s efforts to educate the public about AI scams, protect Michigan rate payers from shouldering the cost of AI infrastructure, and plan to accommodate the upcoming strain on our state’s electrical grid.
• Claire Sparklin, Professor at Washtenaw Community College
Claire is a professional faculty member in the communication department at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in online and blended learning, utilizing gamification, and active learning. She is also the Chair of the Online Faculty Committee and a proponent of Open Educational Resources (OER).
Her comments willfocus on: AI in the classroom and curriculum, affecting students and instructors.
Moderator:
Nick Moroz, Dir. Entrepreneurial Practice, Univ. of Michigan
Click Here to pre-register (required). Limited seating is available.
At the time of registration, you may submit a written question for the panel.
Due to time constraints, not all questions will be answered, but the panel will try to address your questions during their opening comments.
*This event is intended to be an informative forum about artificial intelligence, presented in a respectful and civil manner. The presenters reserve the right to remove anyone who is disrespectful, uncivil, or tries to disrupt the event.