LeadersConnect Presents AI in Action

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations innovate, make decisions, and serve their communities. In this LeadersConnect event, industry and academic leaders will explore how AI is being applied in real-world environments, from enterprise-scale machine learning systems and responsible AI governance to the evolving role of generative AI in education and technology services. Our speakers will share practical insights on how organizations can harness AI to drive smarter decisions, enhance learning and productivity, and build systems that remain ethical, accessible, and centered on people.

Colleen van Lent, PhD, Teaching Professor, School of Information, University of Michigan

Colleen van Lent is a Teaching Professor in the School of Information at the University of Michigan, where she teaches courses on programming, web design, and accessibility. Her work focuses on helping students understand how computing tools shape the way people learn, work, and communicate, with a particular interest in how emerging technologies such as generative AI can support learning, creativity, and problem-solving across many fields.

Colleen received her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh, where her research explored artificial intelligence applications through the Nursebot Project, a robotic assistant designed to support elderly care. Prior to joining UMSI, she served as an Associate Professor at California State University and held research and technical roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the National Security Agency.

James Carson, Senior Director of Data Science, Rocket

James Carson is Senior Director of Data Science at Rocket, where he leads artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives that power critical business decisions across mortgage finance and capital markets. Over his decade-plus career at Rocket, James has built and scaled teams that develop production AI systems used daily across the organization, from risk management to ethical AI governance.

James cofounded Rocket’s Responsible AI practice, helping establish frameworks that ensure AI systems are both powerful and fair. His work on machine learning for hedge risk modeling has earned national recognition from TDWI. Passionate about making AI practical and accessible, he focuses on translating complex technology into real business value while keeping people at the center of decision-making.

Robert “Bob” Jones, Assistant Vice President, Emerging Technology & Support Services

University of Michigan Information and Technology Services

Robert “Bob” Jones is Assistant Vice President of Emerging Technology and Support Services in the University of Michigan’s Information and Technology Services (ITS). With more than 23 years at the university, he has played a key role in advancing innovation, strengthening service delivery, and guiding forward-looking IT strategy across the institution.

He currently leads the development of an ITS AI service platform and oversees a division that delivers comprehensive technology support to the U-M community. His leadership spans multiple product areas, including Microsoft and Google services, enterprise desktop services, campus computing sites, and accessibility services, helping ensure technology effectively supports the university’s teaching, research, and administrative missions.

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