On Nov. 15: Algonquin business consultant to serve on AI panel at NIU

When it comes to artificial intelligence, Greg McFalls is one of the region’s foremost experts on engineering business solutions with a focus on safety, quality and productivity.

That’s why the Algonquin business owner has been selected as a panelist to discuss the myriad facets of artificial intelligence and machine learning’s growing role in our technology ecosystem.

On Friday, November 15, McFalls will be a featured speaker at an event called Innovation Showcase at Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET).

Cosponsored by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the showcase at NIU’s Engineering Building, 590 Garden Road, emphasizes CEET’s stature as a key resource for the region’s workforce development.

Starting with registration at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 3 p.m., the event is free and open to the public. Individuals are encouraged to register in advance. The day will include tours of the building, research and project posters by students and professors on display, and remarks from CEET’s dean, Dave Grewell, and program leaders of CEET’s various departments.

At 10 a.m., Grewell will open the event with remarks, followed by brief presentations from each of CEET’s six department and program leaders for electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, engineering technology, biomedical engineering and mechatronics engineering.

Anchoring the day is a panel discussion, “Harnessing AI and Machine Learning,” from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.

A resident of Algonquin since 2016, McFalls is founder of McFalls Technical Solutions. Incorporated in 2015, the company’s mission is to provide smaller businesses with technologies and solutions that enable them to compete with bigger companies.

“It’s been a privilege to work with great companies as we take their market-changing ideas and turn them into market-leading businesses,” McFalls said. “I enjoy transforming processes that were once difficult and frustrating so they become easy and enjoyable for everyone.”

In addition to McFalls, the 90-minute panel session will feature three other professionals who work in various facets of artificial intelligence: Chipp co-founder Scott Meyer; Brian Freeman, senior data scientist at Trane Technologies; and Kristy Schomaker, North America Digital Services Commercialization Leader at Trane Commercial.

Chipp helped NIU launch its first AI tutors in calculus, advising and physics. So far, about 80 students, mostly freshmen, are part of piloting CEET’s AI tutor.

Grewell, who will serve as the panel’s moderator, said the topic is enormously important to gain insights into the latest advancements and ethical considerations shaping the future of technology.

“It provides a unique opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and understand the implications of AI on various industries,” Grewell said. “Participating in these types of discussions also fosters networking and collaboration among professionals passionate about innovation.”

Innovation Showcase is free and open to the public; registration is required.

The NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) provides affordable access to a world-class engineering education. Its fully accredited programs emphasize hands-on experience, with small classes taught by experienced, dedicated faculty that help a diverse array of students explore and ignite their passions in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Learn more by visiting the CEET website.