AI in Action: Preparing for the Future of Work

Jeff Rule, Product Director on Capital One’s Machine Learning Experience team, and Dr. Paul Shapiro, Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, bring industry and academic perspectives to the rapidly changing role of AI in business. Shapiro teaches courses in managing information systems, systems analysis and design, and project management.

In this episode, Rule and Shapiro explore how AI is transforming the workplace—from fraud detection, customer service, and software development to hiring, data-driven decision-making, and the emergence of “vibe coding.” They discuss the challenges facing entry-level workers, the growing importance of adaptability and AI fluency, and how students can stand out through hands-on projects, internships, networking, and demonstrated results. The conversation also examines algorithmic bias, human accountability, and why critical thinking, communication, curiosity, storytelling, and adaptability may become even more valuable as AI takes on more routine tasks.

Dr. Jimmy Azarnoosh is a faculty member in the Biocomputational Engineering (BCE) program within the Fischell Department of Bioengineering. His expertise includes medical image processing, machine learning, and computational modeling and simulation in bioengineering.

In this episode, Dr. Azarnoosh explores how AI is changing engineering—from deep learning and medical image processing to computational modeling, simulation, and AI-assisted coding. He discusses how these tools can dramatically accelerate engineering workflows while emphasizing the importance of validating AI-generated results and maintaining strong foundations in math, programming, and engineering principles. The conversation also examines how AI is reshaping entry-level engineering work, the risks of overreliance on AI, and the need to balance innovation with safety, ethics, and human responsibility.

Dr. Faisal Quader is a cybersecurity and data science expert, adjunct professor in the University of Maryland College of Information, and president and co-founder of Technuf LLC, a Rockville-based technology firm.

In this episode, Dr. Quader explores how artificial intelligence is transforming both sides of the cybersecurity landscape—from helping organizations detect threats, identify unusual behavior, and automate security testing to giving cybercriminals increasingly sophisticated tools. The conversation covers generative AI as a threat vector, ransomware, phishing and security awareness, AI-assisted coding, adversarial testing, ethics and bias, and the growing role of agentic AI. Dr. Quader also discusses the skills students will need to succeed in an AI-enabled cybersecurity workforce, emphasizing strong technical fundamentals, systems thinking, prompt engineering, and the ability to understand and evaluate AI-generated solutions.

Jennifer Schnur, M.Ed., is Towson University’s undergraduate program director for Elementary Education and the Special Education Integrated Program at The Universities at Shady Grove. Sean Makulowich is the founder and CEO of IdeaFire™, a Bethesda-based digital marketing and AI consulting firm.

Together, they explore how AI is changing education—from lesson planning, personalized learning, and special education to language support and AI-powered tutoring. They discuss how educators and future teachers can use AI responsibly while maintaining human judgment, protecting student privacy, addressing bias, and preserving the critical thinking and productive struggle essential to learning.

Dr. Cory Stephens explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping nursing education and clinical practice, from virtual teaching assistants and AI-powered simulations to electronic health records and clinical decision support. The conversation examines AI literacy, critical thinking, bias, patient safety, and the importance of keeping human judgment at the center of care—while offering practical advice for nursing students preparing to enter an increasingly AI-enabled workforce.

In this episode, recorded in February 2026, Dr. Diane Alonso and Dr. David Banks explore the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in psychology and healthcare. From mental health chatbots and clinical decision-making to privacy, bias, and AI in the classroom, the conversation examines why human judgment, empathy, and critical thinking remain essential in an AI-enabled world. The guests also discuss how students and professionals can use AI as a supportive tool without sacrificing the skills and human connections at the heart of their work.