AJ Vasiliou Named to Governor's AI Task Force

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced on Aug. 6 that AJ Vasiliou, Phillip Battell and Sarah Frances Cowles Stewart Professor of Chemistry, was among 18 Vermonters appointed to the Vermont Artificial Intelligence Economic Task Force, created by executive order in May. Its members represent 10 counties and a broad range of public- and private-sector organizations.

“The world of artificial intelligence is moving very quickly and is already changing how Vermont businesses operate and the types of skills employers need,” Scott said in his announcement. “This task force will help identify areas of concern and ways AI can be used to grow our economy, especially in rural parts of Vermont where we’ve struggled for far too long.”

In June, Middlebury President Ian Baucom appointed Vasiliou special advisor on AI and academic computing. Prior to that, she served as co-chair of the College’s strategic planning process—an experience she credits with reinforcing her belief that people must remain at the center of every decision about technology.

“Throughout the strategic planning process, we listened to a wide range of voices across our community and learned from their perspectives, values, hopes, and concerns about AI,” said Vasiliou, who teaches inorganic and physical chemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, and quantum chemistry and spectroscopy. “Our purpose and values must come from people, with technology serving as a tool to help advance them. That is the perspective I will bring to my work as an advisor and as a member of the governor’s task force.”

The committee will investigate artificial intelligence and make recommendations for the responsible growth of Vermont’s emerging technology markets. It will also examine the use of AI in state government and potential state regulation of the field, according to the task force website.