NUARI Experts Provide Training to Vermont General Assembly Committee

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, subject matter experts from Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) provided a comprehensive 90-minute training session to the Vermont General Assembly's House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure members. This Committee addresses critical issues related to energy, utilities, telecommunications, broadband, information technology, cybersecurity, and other similar policies.

The training began with a presentation by Rachel Sickler, Senior Developer and Machine Learning Engineer at NUARI. Rachel delivered a background on artificial intelligence and offered forward-looking suggestions in her presentation titled "AI for Policy Makers." Following her presentation, Rachel engaged in a Q&A session with the representatives, discussing the importance of ethics, transparency, trust, data governance, and privacy. Reflecting on the session, Rachel remarked, "There is so much hype about AI; it was good to talk to our legislators about what AI can and can't do, as well as the costs and implications of using it."

Next, NUARI President Phil Susmann addressed the Committee on cybersecurity concepts, focusing on safeguarding Vermont's future cybersecurity and cyber resilience. He provided insights into areas requiring attention and engaged in a lively discussion with the representatives. Phil expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to Rep. Kathleen James for allowing us to brief the Committee and her commitment to understanding and addressing these issues. I've discussed including cyber components in risk assessment for decades and appreciated the Committee's engagement and interest in the topic. Being willing to ask the tough questions required for a risk assessment is the only way to be ready to defend against, mitigate, and recover from cyber attacks."

John Kidder, Director of IO Research at NUARI, discussed information warfare and nation-state-based activities, emphasizing individual privacy. He highlighted the importance of awareness regarding the vast amount of information available online and its potential influence. John stated, "Everyone needs to take seriously the amount of information available online and what can be done with it to influence you and others."

Sherman Patrick, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at NUARI, also attended the session. He shared his thoughts: "NUARI was grateful to support our home state's lawmakers with our expertise. It's good to be represented by citizen legislatures who take seriously their role in understanding and addressing the biggest issues facing Vermonters."

NUARI's experts provided valuable insights and guidance, ensuring that Vermont's legislators are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of these critical topics.

A video of the session can be viewed below.