AI Connect: Implications of AI for Work, Policy, and Opportunity

Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth

Join the Shelia and Robert Challey Institute at NDSU for our “AI Connect” event with talks, lunch, and a panel of leading AI policy experts.

Richard H. Barry Hall, Louise Auditorium

Human Progress and Flourishing Workshops

We invite internationally renowned scholars and speakers from across the country to present research and engage in discussion. The series focuses on solutions and policies that contribute to opportunity, innovation, & individual and societal flourishing.

Join us for the AI Connect event on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the labor market and policy. Hear talks from Revana Sharfuddin and Will Rinehart, then a panel with industry insights from Microsoft. The event is free and open to all members of the NDSU community and the public. Light breakfast and lunch are provided.<h2>Speakers</h2>Revana SharfuddinPredoctoral researcher at the Labor Policy Project at the Mercatus Center. Her work focuses on labor economics, the changing nature of work, and worker mobility. Her writing appears in The Hill, Dhaka Tribune, Reason, and her Substack, Labor Market Matters.Will RinehartSenior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He studies technology policy and innovation with a focus on how AI affects firms, workers, and regulation.Taya Spelhaug, Microsoft (Fargo)Regional leader supporting workforce development and education partnerships. She will share local industry perspectives on AI adoption and skills.<h2>Schedule</h2>Friday, November 219:30–9:45 a.m. Check in9:45–10:00 a.m. Introduction10:00–11:00 a.m. Revana Sharfuddin (AI and the Labor Force)11:00–11:15 a.m. Refreshment break11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Will Rinehart (AI Regulation and Policy)12:15–1:15 p.m. Lunch1:15–2:15 p.m. Panel session(Moderator: Jeremy Straub; panelists: Revana Sharfuddin, Will Rinehart, and Taya Spelhaug)2:15–2:30 p.m. Closing remarks<h2>Location</h2>Barry Hall, Louise S. Barry Auditorium, North Dakota State University.<h2>Tickets and access</h2>Register on this page. In-person registration is appreciated for headcount planning, but not required. Zoom registration: <h2>Cost</h2>Free and open to the public.<h2>Food</h2>Light breakfast and lunch provided.<h2>Parking</h2>Park in the Elim Lot (north of Barry Hall).  Please write down your license plate number and give that information to the check-in desk.  Staff will issue an electronic permit that is tied to your license plate.