Ian Ingram, a computer science student and scholarship recipient at SOU, has committed himself to understanding and promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence. As an SOU student, he is passionate about driving community innovation. Beyond his academic pursuits, he has emerged as a dynamic community leader. He has organized events and taught workshops to illuminate the potential of AI while emphasizing the crucial role of human intentionality in its application.   

From the Marine Corps to SOU 

Ian’s path to AI was anything but linear. After graduating high school with no clear career goals, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his service, he excelled as an aviation mechanic, and later gained critical expertise in using X-rays and ultrasonic instruments to scrutinize aircraft engines. This experience led him to wonder about the “why” behind technical processes, instilling in him a curiosity that would fuel his exploration of AI. 

After leaving the Marine Corps, Ian pursued medical X-ray technology but found himself disillusioned by the hospital environment, particularly during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a series of personal setbacks, including the loss of his home in the Rogue Valley Almeda fire, he enrolled at SOU. 

A Catalyst for AI Awareness 

Recognizing the transformative power of AI and the widespread lack of understanding surrounding it, Ian has taken on the role of educator and advocate. Ian believes that “while AI is capable, it does not know what communities and organizations need,” catalyzing a critical need for subject matter experts to guide its development and application. 

During the summer of 2024, Ian devoted himself to organizing the RegenAI Summit, a two-day event that brought together AI experts, local leaders, and community members to explore the multifaceted implications of AI. This initiative, which he spearheaded with a team of local partners, was funded through a combination of personal investment, sponsorships, and grants. The summit featured presentations, workshops, and discussions on topics ranging from the impact of AI on climate change to the role of AI in tracking the spread of viruses. 

Ian says, “It was truly amazing the community response to Regen. The experience we were trying to cultivate was one of curiosity, and empowerment, highlighting the importance of human relationships and not just AI for AIs sake. I had some of the best conversations of my life and many people have reported a similar experience and for that, I’m truly grateful.” 

Collaboration and Support at SOU

Ian has found SOU to be an incredibly supportive environment for his pursuits. He highlights the exceptional support from the computer science faculty. In fact, computer science faculty member Daniel DeFreez is one of Ian’s key mentors. Professor DeFreez has guided him throughout his years at SOU and collaborated with him as a co-leader in SOU’s innovation community on the topic of AI. This program, facilitated by the on-campus Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL), allowed Ian to work with faculty members like Jackie Apodaca, Prakash Chenjeri, and Margaret Perrow to experiment with AI in education.  

Ian says,

“SOU’s faculty have been instrumental in empowering me to explore AI, providing me with the resources, motivation, and opportunities for growth.” 

Ian’s education has been supported by the GI Bill, a small SOU scholarship for his first year, and a Computer Science Faculty Scholarship. This support has allowed him to focus on his studies and pursue his passion for AI. He also received a National Science Foundation grant to teach a workshop on Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to researchers and educators. Ian credits SOU computer science faculty member Bernie Boscoe for helping him through the NSF grant process. In addition to his academic pursuits, Ian actively fosters a culture of learning and networking among his peers as the president of the computer science club. 

Grounding AI in Reality 

Recognizing the limitations of current AI models, particularly their tendency to “hallucinate” or generate plausible-sounding but inaccurate information, he partnered with Operations Director Becs Walker from SOU’s Institute for Applied Sustainability to create AI-powered climate action plans. This project aimed to address the challenges faced by small businesses and organizations that lack the resources to develop comprehensive climate action plans. 

Ian helped ground the AI’s output in real-world data and best practices. Ian says,

“This project highlighted the profound need for education on both the positive and negative impact potentials that AI has on the environment.”

The Importance of Intentionality 

Ian’s own experience using AI tools like ChatGPT has solidified his conviction that intentionality is paramount when interacting with this technology.

Ian remarks, “I contrast the approach of simply copying and pasting AI-generated content with a more intentional approach that involves identifying knowledge gaps, clearly articulating desired outcomes, and engaging in a metacognitive learning loop to refine prompts and improve the quality of AI outputs.”

By adopting this intentional approach, says Ian, users can leverage AI to enhance their learning and productivity while avoiding the pitfalls of uncritical reliance on AI-generated content.  

A Bright Future After SOU 

As he approaches graduation, Ian is actively shaping his future in the AI landscape. He founded Neuraven, an AI consulting business that focuses on guiding organizations in their adoption of AI technologies. His work emphasizes the importance of data security, particularly when handling proprietary information.  

Looking ahead, Ian aspires to grow his business and share his expertise with businesses and individuals alike. While acknowledging the challenges facing junior-level developers in the current job market, he remains optimistic about the opportunities that AI presents for those who are willing to invest the time and effort to develop their skills.  

Ian says,

“The university has fostered my intellectual curiosity and adaptability. Through collaboration with SOU faculty, I gained a deep understanding of the transformative power of AI. SOU equipped me with the tools and mindset to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.” 

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