AI@AU initiative to host pair of lectures exploring AI, ethics and creative expression
Published: Oct 15, 2025 10:00 AM
By Joe McAdory
Auburn University's AI@AU initiative will host two lectures, Friday, Oct. 31 and Friday, Nov. 7, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), ethics and creative expression.
The presentations, held in-person at the Biggio Center, are open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. They can be viewed via Zoom here: https://auburn.zoom.us/j/81706339239.
The series features Matthew Salzano, assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Stony Brook University, who will speak on Oct. 31, and Al Smith, founder of Purpix Media and producer of AI Film Lab, who will present on Nov. 7.
“AI@AU is thrilled to continue hosting distinguished speakers who bring diverse perspectives on artificial intelligence,” said Gerry Dozier, director of the Auburn University Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Engineering and the Charles D. McCrary Eminent Chair Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
“These forums provide our community with invaluable opportunities to explore not just the technical capabilities of AI, but also its ethical implications and creative potential. We encourage everyone to participate in these important conversations shaping the future of this transformative technology.”
Salzano's presentation, “Wrong Problems, Wrong Solutions: Three Critical Concepts for Approaching AI,” examines how organizations often misidentify challenges with generative AI, focusing on technical glitches rather than deeper institutional shortcomings and will be held in Biggio 259A. Currently an IDEA Fellow in Ethical AI at Stony Brook's School of Communication and Journalism and Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Salzano's research explores generative AI's impact on identity, advocacy and teaching practices.
His recent work includes a 2025 publication on AI integration in public relations and a 2024 report with undergraduate students titled “AI and Advocacy: Maximizing Potential, Minimizing Risk.”
Smith’s presentation, "What's Art,” explores how AI is reshaping creativity, performance and authorship. Using AI actress Tilly Norwood as a focal point, Smith examines how machine-generated performers are taking center stage alongside human artists.
Before founding Purpix Media, a creative education company specializing in digital media and AI storytelling, Smith built a career in brand marketing with companies including McDonald's and Coca-Cola. This year, Purpix launched AI Film Lab, which has become the company's flagship brand empowering students and educators to explore AI-driven storytelling.
This presentation will be made in the Biggio Center Foy 246 seminar room.
Each presentation will be recorded and available at https://eng.auburn.edu/ai-au/forum#Fall-2025-forum for on-demand viewing.
Media Contact: , jem0040@auburn.edu, 334.844.3447
The forums will explore not just the technical capabilities of AI, but also its ethical implications and creative potential.
