DTS hosts successful annual conference on AI and emerging tech

Thirty-seven speakers from 14 colleges and units presented during the symposium's 15 Bearcat-led breakout sessions.

“This year’s ‘Bearcats AI Ready!’ theme showcased how UC students, faculty and staff are supporting responsible, innovative AI adoption across the university,” said UC Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Bharath Prabhakaran.

“From everyday AI workflows to advanced research and design, these sessions showed how our community is moving beyond experimentation toward practical, responsible AI use that improves learning, research, and the future of work.”

Expert panelists included:

• Chris Carper, director, Solution Engineering, Microsoft.
• Eric T. Matson, professor, Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University.
• Josette Riep, associate vice president, Digital Technology Solutions, Integrated Data, Engineering & App Solutions, UC.
• Michael Zidar, assistant professor-adjunct, CECH - School of IT, UC.

The 2026 DTS AI & Emerging Technology Symposium was made possible through the collaborative efforts of UC’s AI Enablement Community of Practice, which played a key role in reviewing and selecting breakout session presenters. Their stewardship ensures that AI initiatives across UC remain aligned with responsible AI principles, academic excellence, and enterprise needs.

“The symposium reflects UC’s broader commitment to advancing AI in teaching and learning, research, operations, and community engagement,” said UC Associate Vice President, DTS, Josette Riep. “Through initiatives such as Bearcats AI Ready!, UC continues to position itself as a leader in responsible and strategic AI adoption in higher education.”

For more information about AI initiatives and how we’re working to support AI-driven innovation across UC, visit ai.uc.edu.