“Born Before AI” lecture series returns to NKU for a third year

March 18, 2026 — The College of Informatics at Northern Kentucky University is bringing back its popular “Born Before AI” lecture series this April, offering three free sessions designed for retirees, community members and anyone curious about where artificial intelligence is taking us.

Now in its third year, the series assembles a range of NKU faculty and experts to examine AI from multiple angles. This year’s series will include fresh perspectives on AI in medicine, AI accountability, emerging AI tools and hands-on AI experience with current technology. All sessions will be held in the Rieveschl Digitorium in NKU’s College of Informatics.

“Three years in, the impact of AI is becoming more visible across fields like medicine, business, and public life,” says Kevin Kirby, Dean of the College of Informatics at NKU. “We’ve continued the series because people want to understand these changes and be part of the conversation about what comes next.”

“Born Before AI” will run on three consecutive Fridays in April, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Part 1 -- Friday, April 10

•        AI Today with Kevin Kirby, Ph.D.: What AI does, how it does it, and why it is out of control.

•        AI and Ethics with Robert Brice, Ph.D.: Personhood and accountability in the age of AI.

Part 2 -- Friday, April 17

•        AI and Medicine with Valerie Hardcastle, Ph.D.: Neither side knows what it’s doing -- and that’s actually good news.

•        Agents and Vibe Coding with Parker Kain, M.A.: What they mean for all of us.

Part 3 -- Friday, April 24

•        Experiencing AI with Shannon Eastep, M.Ed.: An informal, hands-on session with current AI tools, guided by NKU faculty and students.

The series is free of charge and made possible through the generosity of Ellen Rieveschl. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit nku.edu/bbai.