Ferris State University is actively participating in Tech Week Grand Rapids, spotlighting the expanding influence of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, particularly in healthcare.
Taking place from September 14 to 19, Tech Week Grand Rapids is a community-focused “unconference” comprising around 160 events throughout the Grand Rapids area, featuring panels, workshops, showcases from students, and networking sessions, all offered free to the public. Full event details can be found online.
Sessions during this week will delve into how AI, data, and emerging technologies are revolutionizing clinical practices, drug development, and patient care, with contributions from leading health tech organizations in the region.
Ferris State faculty and staff will host several noteworthy discussions, including:
**AI, Digital Equity, and Rural Education: Closing the AI Divide in Rural and Tribal Communities** Scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Kendall College of Art and Design, this presentation will address the lack of focus on rural and Tribal areas in the ongoing AI revolution. As technological advancements predominantly benefit urban and suburban communities, the session will analyze the educational disparities faced by rural and Tribal populations in Michigan and propose solutions to bridge these divides.
**Leading AI Adoption: People Drive Success** On the same day from 1 to 2 p.m., this interactive session will explore the human dynamics of AI integration within organizations. It will highlight how leadership, effective communication, and change management are crucial for successful AI adoption—beyond just the technology itself. Attendees will engage in discussions and gain actionable insights applicable across industries.
**AI at the Bench: PKS Engineering Case Studies** Taking place on Thursday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to noon, this session will focus on the role of AI in engineering polyketide synthases (PKS), which are vital for producing chemicals used in biotechnology. Two student presentations will illustrate how AI can enhance the design-build-test-learn cycle in scientific inquiry, positioning AI as a collaborative tool rather than a standalone entity.
**CHARM: Practical AI for Healthcare Data** Also on September 17, from 1:15 to 2 p.m., attendees will learn about CHARM (Collaboration to Harmonize Antimicrobial Registry Measures), which utilizes healthcare data for improved antibiotic stewardship via interactive dashboards. This session will feature two AI-driven projects that streamline prescription data processing and leverage machine learning to detect outlier prescribing patterns, enhancing both accuracy and patient privacy.
**AI Adoption for Healthcare and Public Health: Practical Steps for Responsible Healthcare AI Adoption** That same afternoon, from 2:15 to 3 p.m., a presentation will discuss the transition from AI experimentation to effective implementation within healthcare systems. It will cover essential applications and address potential risks linked with privacy and bias, supported by a real-world case study illustrating how advanced data pipeline techniques can enhance antimicrobial stewardship.
**Applied LLMs in Pharmacy Practice: AI Projects Improving Pharmacy Workflows and Decisions** Concluding the day on September 17, from 3:15 to 4 p.m., this session will unveil innovative AI applications designed to support pharmacy practice. One project enhances access to data through a user-friendly conversational interface on a centralized dashboard, fostering faster and more efficient information retrieval while ensuring compliance with privacy standards. The second project automates various routine tasks in pharmacy service planning, significantly reducing manual workload and allowing professionals to concentrate more on patient care and strategic decisions.
Through these engaging sessions, Ferris State University aims to illuminate the pivotal role of AI in evolving healthcare and education, ultimately fostering a better understanding of its implications and potential in both urban and rural contexts.
