More moments from an incredible experience speaking and serving as a panelist at the Create@UH Showcase hosted by the Cullen College of Engineering @uhengineering at the University of Houston Katy Campus.
It was an honor engaging with students, faculty, researchers, and fellow professionals on the future of AI, digital literacy, cybersecurity, engineering, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing world.
One thing that stood out to me throughout the conversations was this:
The future will not simply belong to the people with access to technology.
It will belong to the people who can think critically, communicate clearly, adapt quickly, and use technology responsibly.
During my session, we discussed:
• AI and decision-making
• Digital literacy in the age of misinformation
• Cybersecurity awareness and protecting systems
• The importance of human judgment in an AI-driven world
• Future-ready skills for engineers and emerging professionals
As part of the visit, I was also honored to offer copies of my books — Facts, Filters & Traps and How to Stay in Control in the AI Era — to the school library to support continued student learning and conversations around responsible AI adoption, digital awareness, and critical thinking.
I’m grateful to the University of Houston team, the Cullen College of Engineering, fellow speakers, organizers, and students for the opportunity, hospitality, and thoughtful engagement throughout the event.
Special thank you to Deepa Ramachandran, Dr Chu Meh Chu and the entire Create@UH team for organizing such a meaningful experience and for creating a platform that empowers students to think beyond technical skills and prepare for leadership in the future of innovation.
Excited for more collaborations, conversations, and opportunities to support students and institutions navigating the AI era responsibly.
#UniversityOfHouston #CreateUH #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalLiteracy #Cybersecurity #Engineering #Leadership #Innovation #FutureReady #AI #WorkforceDevelopment #StudentSuccess
Attending the Create@UH Showcase was truly eye-opening, especially seeing how emerging professionals and students are gearing up to meet the challenges of the AI era. One crucial takeaway I gathered from the event is how technology access alone isn't enough anymore; critical thinking and adaptability have become vital skills. During the panel discussions, the emphasis on AI’s role in decision-making highlighted the balance we must strike between leveraging automation and maintaining human judgment. In particular, digital literacy stood out as a powerful tool against misinformation. In today’s fast-paced digital world, being digitally literate means more than just tech skills—it’s about discerning credible information from noise. This was especially resonant given the cybersecurity conversations, which reminded me how protecting data and systems is foundational to sustaining trust in technological advancements. What also impressed me was the focus on future-ready skills beyond technical expertise. Soft skills, such as clear communication and adaptability, are equally important for engineers who will lead innovation tomorrow. It’s encouraging that the Cullen College of Engineering is fostering such holistic growth, supported further by contributions like Eric Bannav-Sheikh ElBaShiro’s books, which deepen understanding of AI’s societal impact. For anyone interested in preparing for a future shaped by AI and digital innovation, participating in events like Create@UH offers invaluable learning and networking opportunities. It encourages us to think critically about responsible AI adoption and the evolving workforce landscape—lessons that extend well beyond the classroom and into real-world applications.
