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Cameron University's 13th academic festival, "Being Human in the Age of AI," will feature experts and researchers discussing the benefits and perils of artificial intelligence from August 2026 through Spring 2027. The festival aims to explore how AI is impacting various sectors, from modern warfare to state government operations, and delves into the ethical and safety aspects of AI.
Speakers' presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including AI's impact on modern warfare, its use in Oklahoma government for modernizing state agencies, and the ethical, safety, and security risks it poses. Each expert will conduct a students-only session in the afternoon, followed by a public presentation in the evening. Most community presentations will be held at the University Theatre on the Lawton campus, with one exception at the Simmons Center in Duncan.
Tai Phan, Oklahoma's Chief Artificial Intelligence and Technology Officer, will open Festival XIII on August 27. His presentation, tentatively titled “Using Artificial Intelligence to Amplify Human Potential,” will delve into the state government's strategy for deploying AI and digital modernization across over 180 agencies. Phan is responsible for overseeing AI systems in public safety, health, transportation, and financial services, as well as establishing ethical standards, safeguards, and best practices for transparency and data privacy.
Former Oklahoma Congressman Brad Carson, now president of Americans for Responsible Innovation, will speak on September 10 in Duncan. His topic, “Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence,” will explore the thoughtful governance and safety safeguards necessary for emerging technologies like AI. His organization advocates for responsible innovation in technology.
On September 17, Angus Fletcher will present “What Distinguishes Us from AI” in the University Theatre. A practitioner of story science with dual degrees in neuroscience and literature, Fletcher’s research uses a blend of laboratory experiments, literary history, and rhetorical theory to study the psychological effects of different narrative technologies. His work also investigates why children are more creative than AI and how literature, art, and stories can boost innovation, resilience, and joy.
Paul Scharre, Executive Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security, will discuss “AI and Warfare” on October 27. A decorated former U.S. Army Ranger and award-winning author, Scharre previously helped draft policy on autonomous weapons in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in AI” in 2023, he holds a Ph.D. in War Studies.
Brian Christian, renowned for his bestselling books on the human and societal implications of computer science and artificial intelligence, will speak on January 27, 2027. His talk, “What Artificial Intelligence Teaches Us About Being Alive,” draws from his works like 'The Most Human Human,' which explores communication tests and human nature, and 'The Alignment Problem,' which investigates the ethical and safety challenges surrounding AI.
The festival will conclude on March 2, 2027, with computer scientist, author, and professor Roman Yampolskiy. A leading expert in AI safety, security, and cybersecurity, Yampolskiy is the founder and director of the Cyber Security Lab. He specializes in AI safety, alignment, existential risk, behavioral biometrics, and digital forensics, known for arguing that artificial superintelligence is fundamentally uncontrollable. His works include 'Artificial Superintelligence: A Futurist Approach' and 'AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable.'
Cameron’s academic festival series, initiated in 1991, quickly became a triennial event due to its popularity. Each festival explores an academic theme or societal issue through diverse activities such as lectures, exhibits, conferences, symposia, workshops, concerts, and theatrical productions. Past topics have included globalization, health, 21st-century expectations, Middle East complexities, sustainability, and evolving American identities. These festivals have provided significant opportunities to bring renowned and emerging speakers to southwest Oklahoma.
Previous festivals have hosted distinguished figures such as professor Cornel West, media personalities James Burke, Al Roker, Michele Norris, and Fareed Zakaria; Nobel Prize recipients Oscar Arias and Paul Krugman; retired generals Stanley McChrystal and Jack Keane; actor/activist Ed Begley; former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders; author George Will; former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel; and celebrity chef Rick Bayless. The McCasland Foundation of Duncan is the primary sponsor of the series, with additional financial support from the McCasland/AmQuest Bank Endowed Chair, the Cameron University Foundation, and the CU Lectures and Concerts Series. All festival events are open to the public.