Vanderbilt hosts AI workshop with OpenAI and Microsoft

Vanderbilt University Information Technology organized a full-day workshop on September 16 to help campus employees and students apply artificial intelligence tools in their daily work. More than 150 people attended the event, titled AI Day in Practice: Industry and Campus Collaboration. The session took place on campus and involved direct interaction with technology partners.

Representatives from OpenAI, Microsoft, Zoom, and Amplify led live demonstrations for the attendees. These industry partners guided participants through hands-on sessions designed to show how emerging technologies function in real-world scenarios. The goal was to move beyond theoretical discussions and provide concrete methods for using AI in professional and academic settings.

Natasha McClure, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-BC, delivered the opening keynote. Her presentation, titled “AI Without the Brain Strain: Building Healthier Workplace Practices,” focused on how organizations can manage the changing role of AI. McClure discussed strategies for supporting employee well-being and preparing staff for future workplace demands.

Maxwell Lieb, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer at Vanderbilt University Information Technology, presented a Cyber Spotlight session. He offered practical guidance on safe AI usage, specifically addressing data security. The talk covered how to handle sensitive information responsibly when using new digital tools.

Community panels featuring faculty, staff, and students provided a platform for candid discussions. Participants shared their experiences with AI, including opportunities they have found and challenges they have faced. The audience-driven format encouraged open dialogue about how different groups are integrating these tools into their routines.

Post-event surveys revealed positive feedback from attendees. One participant noted that hearing peers discuss their workflows provided practical ideas for their own roles. Another respondent reported that they began using Microsoft Copilot daily after the event, citing increased comfort and confidence with the tool. A third attendee described feeling energized by the discussions and ideas shared throughout the day.

The event was coordinated with VU Libraries, the Office of Learning Innovation, and People, Culture and Belonging. It is part of a continuing effort to help the university community explore emerging tools and build practical skills. One survey response stated a belief that such events will keep Vanderbilt at the forefront of this technology.