World-Renowned Mathematics Expert Speaks at Stony Brook University

From left: Aleida Pérez, Manager of University Relations and DOE Programs, BNL; Peter Diplock, Vice Provost for Continuing, Professional and Online Education, SBU; Po-Shen Loh, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University; Cindy Lawrence, Executive Director and CEO, MoMath; and Arthur Kalish, Program Manager, ICPS. Photos by Sabrina Liguori.

More than 200 people flooded into the Charles B. Wang Center Theater on September 20 to hear inventor, social entrepreneur and decorated mathematician Po-Shen Loh speak on AI and the future.

The event was hosted by Stony Brook University's Institute for Creative Problem Solving (ICPS) in partnership with the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL).

Recent advancements in AI have reignited longstanding concerns about the technology taking jobs away from humans in the workforce. While increased automation capabilities may reduce certain staffing needs, Loh argues that the human perspective will never become obsolete, and that staying relevant in the workforce is just a matter of adapting to the "new normal" brought on by generative AI.

AI can solve extremely difficult math problems, write its own code, and perform statistical analysis better and quicker than most humans can, but it does so in response to questions asked by people. Unlike us, it cannot form interpersonal relationships in order to further the development of mankind. AI programs are here to stay, and they're rapidly evolving. According to Loh, humans must embrace this and utilize the technology for what we do best - fostering understanding and improving communication skills.

His talk, "How To Thrive in the Age of AI," marked the start of a new ICPS lecture series co-sponsored by MoMath and BNL. Known as Convergence, the series aims to connect ICPS participants and the broader Long Island community with established leaders in STEM to explore pressing topics affecting the field and its workforce.

"This event was even more successful than we imagined," said Arthur Kalish, program manager for ICPS. "I look forward to continuing our partnership with MoMath and BNL as we bring in more speakers who spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and engage not only the ICPS community, but the general public as well."