WTSC Lecture Series

The WTSC presents major lectures each year and brings outstanding scientists to the area by partnering with a variety of organizations. Recent presentations include:

Jane Goodall in partnership with the Grace Museum of Abilene.
Tom Barns, Superintendent of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory, presented a lecture on the history of the Observatory.
Andy Cloud, Director of the Center for Big Bend Studies, presented the Archaeological History of the Texas Trans-Pecos.
David L. Lambert, Director of the McDonald Observatory, presented on the Origin of the elements in water.
Karl Gebhardt, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Texas at Austin and leader of the team that discovered the largest known black hole in the universe, presented the team research.
Dr. Linda Hicke, Dean and Professor College of Natural Sciences, Molecular Biosciences, the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Hicke made a presentation on "Texas Science for the 21st Century".
Lindley Johnson, NASA Planetary Defense Officer, did a presentation on the asteroid threat to planet Earth and the mitigation possibilities when an asteroid poses danger.

WTSC Lecture Series: AI, Human Intelligence, and Education

September 19, 2024 at Hardin-Simmons University

Lecture Abstract:

Are you curious about the profound impact of artificial intelligence on education and human intelligence? Join us for a thought-provoking lecture that delves into the latest advancements in AI and its potential to revolutionize learning and cognition. Discover how AI is being used to personalize instruction, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster creativity. Explore the ethical implications and challenges associated with AI in education, and gain insights into the future of human-AI collaboration. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the cutting edge of AI and its implications for our world.

Dr. Ashby completed his Ph.D. from Northcentral University. His dissertation was titled “Effectiveness of Machine Learning Algorithms on Predicting Course Level Outcomes from Learning Management System Data.” He also holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech, focusing on interactive intelligence. Before that, he completed an M.Div. in pastoral ministry from Logsdon Seminary at HSU.

Earlier this year, Dr. Ashby joined Howard Payne University as dean of online education and associate professor and chair of the Department of Computer Information Systems. Dr. Ashby previously served at Hardin-Simmons University for 20 years, where he taught computer science and directed the online bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Dr. Wade Ashby will lead the September Lecture Series Event on Artificial Intelligence at the Houston-Lantrip Center at Hardin-Simmons University on September 19, 2024.

Everyone is welcome!

Houston-Lantrip Center
Hardin-Simmons University
2241 Pine St
Abilene, TX 79601

Doors will open at 10:00 a.m. and the hour-long lecture will begin at 10:30.