AI for the Greater Good: Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, Norwich University, and NUARI, Partner on Humanitarian Disaster Response Initiative

On November 16, 2024, the Norwich University AI Center, in collaboration with Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI), hosted a unique one-day event focused on "AI and Humanitarian Disaster Response" for high school students and new Norwich students hoping to learn about AI, all inspired by a challenge from Vermont Senator Peter Welch.

Vermont is no stranger to natural disasters, with flooding a significant concern. The event addressed specific emergency response topics, providing students with insights into AI's role in enhancing disaster preparedness and response. In a video greeting, Senator Welch challenged participants to think bigger about AI's potential than the use cases we usually hear about, emphasizing innovation and technology's importance to help people who are under the greatest threat.

Senator Welch reflected after the event, “As a world leader in tech, the United States has a responsibility to set a gold standard for safe and ethical use of AI and emerging technologies. That includes supporting initiatives and scholarship opportunities that will help us advance AI technologies and public service opportunities. It was great to meet with the next generation of critical thinkers at Norwich University to share how my new bill will spur innovation to improve humanitarian work abroad and disaster relief at home.”

Throughout the day, students acquired a primer on how AI can be used to solve problems, assessed some of the key problems with disaster response with a case study of Vermont’s own experience during the July 2023 flood, and learned how to imagine what AI could help uncover. Norwich’s Dr. Adam Sevi demystified topics as complex as hydrology and existing means for measuring and predicting floods, Dr. Brian Glenney led a provocative consideration of ethical considerations around the use of AI, and Seamus Leary ‘94 shared his real-world experience with the complexities of running major disaster response.

Throughout it all, the AI Center faculty and students provided peer guidance and encouragement to the students. Four experienced AI Center students, Austin Ayars and Jayden LaVecchia, Amrutaa Vibho, and Lakshya Shah, shared their research on AI-empowered drones for search and rescue, investigating tropical storm behavior and flood detection, respectively. All was done with Norwich’s signature emphasis on enhancing future leaders’ decision-making and effectiveness.

"We can create a more resilient future by bridging the gap between technology and humanitarian efforts. Norwich University and NUARI are proud to lead this effort, leveraging AI for the greater good." - Dr. Ali Al Bataineh, AI Center Director

The event concluded with a contest for students to conceive their own AI solutions for addressing a problem they identified to help humans in disaster prediction and response. With encouraging words and a spirited Q&A on the future of AI from Senator Welch in person, the students demonstrated competence in conceiving plausible uses for technology to help people.

"I am deeply grateful to Senator Peter Welch for challenging us to think critically about the use of AI in ways that can significantly impact our communities. This event showcased how Norwich University's unique blend of hands-on learning and NUARI's cutting-edge research can cultivate the next generation of leaders who will use their curiosity and genius to serve others ethically and effectively." - Phil Susmann, President, NUARI

Norwich University President, LtGen Broadmeadow ‘83, USMC (Ret.) delivered closing remarks and witnessed the presentations and announcements of outstanding participants.

The NUARI VP of Strategy, Sherman Patrick, reflected: "The event showcased Norwich University's hands-on competency-based education, teaching leaders to serve others ethically. Thank you, Senator Peter Welch, for challenging us to dedicate time to AI's humanitarian potential."

“The Disaster Response event was a classic example of how our approach to computing education is accomplished.  The students quickly adapted their thinking by integrating AI, Cyber and Computer Science in order to address a contemporary problem.  I was impressed at how quickly they adapted and then respectfully addressed Sen. Welch with insightful questions.” - Dr. Michael E. Battig; Director, Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing

This event underscored Norwich University's commitment to developing leaders in AI and disaster response, building a resilient community ready to face future challenges.