Dr Maryam Shahpasand, a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at Staffordshire University London, recently embarked on a journey to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit on Generative AI in Los Angeles, California. Amidst the vibrant tech community, the summit gathered speakers for the keynote from some of the brightest minds in artificial intelligence. The keynote speakers included Dr Matt Wood, VP of AI at AWS, Chris Whyde, SVP, Engineering & Data Science at Lonely Planet, and Ken Lovell, Senior Vice President of Golf Technology at PGA TOUR. The speakers offered profound insights into the latest advancements in generative AI and their transformative potential across various industries.
The keynotes were a highlight for Dr Maryam, with speakers showcasing the newest advancements in generative AI models. The speakers demonstrated how these models have become more efficient, accurate, and applicable across diverse fields. The ability of generative AI to produce more natural and contextually relevant content was particularly fascinating, highlighting its growing importance in both creative and technical domains.
However, it wasn’t just the technological advancements that caught Dr Maryam’s attention; the emphasis on AI ethics and responsibility also struck a chord with her. The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence poses significant challenges, particularly in the education sector, affecting academic integrity. Whereas generative AI can also take form in ‘deepfakes’, created using machine learning and AI, manipulate accessible images, facial data, and audio clips to produce fake but realistic videos or images. With the ability to convincingly impersonate anyone, cybercriminals are becoming smarter and can orchestrate scams with precision, while also fostering a sense of confusion, scepticism, and the spread of misinformation. Dr Maryam stated, “There was a significant emphasis on the ethical considerations surrounding generative AI. The keynotes discussed the importance of developing AI responsibly, ensuring that models are transparent, unbiased, and secure. This resonated deeply, especially considering the risks associated with deepfakes and other malicious uses of AI in recent years.”
Dr Maryam was also impressed by the new integrations and enhancements unveiled by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for their AI and machine learning services, such as Amazon SageMaker. The machine-learning application helps data scientists and machine learning engineers build foundation models from scratch, evaluate and customise foundation models with advanced techniques. These updates promised to simplify the deployment and scaling of generative AI models, making it easier for businesses to adopt AI solutions without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Real-world applications of these technologies were illustrated through various case studies from companies such as, Ferrari, DoorDash, Smartsheet, Adobe, and PGA Tour. The case studies showcased how companies are leveraging generative AI to innovate in content creation, customer service, and user experience. With the rise of generative AI, companies are now leveraging software such as generative art tools such as Midjourney, and large language models such as ChatGPT to help generate ideas, create boundless copy, and experiment with different strategies. These programmes are only getting more sophisticated with GPT-4o offering multimodal reasoning and generating integrating text, voice and vision into a single model, as well as advanced capabilities in language and audio processing. Dr Maryam cited, “These examples demonstrated the tangible benefits such as streamlining processes and personalising experiences for users, while capitalising on ROI that generative AI can bring to various sectors”.
A standout experience for Dr Maryam was a hands-on session titled, ‘Building and Deploying Scalable Machine Learning Models’. This session was particularly impactful due to its interactive nature. Dr Maryam engaged in building a machine learning model from scratch and gained practical experiences with AWS tools like Amazon SageMaker and AWS Lambda. This practical experience allowed attendees like Dr Maryam to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world context.
The sessions were also enriched by the presence of industry experts who provided in-depth insights and personalised feedback which would help attendees understand the complex concepts and troubleshoot issues effectively. The collaborative environment fostered during this session was invaluable, enabling attendees to share ideas and learn from each other's experiences, thereby building professional connections and gaining diverse perspectives on AI challenges and solutions.
Another significant part of the summit for Dr Maryam was leading the Women in Cyber Security roundtable. Despite the growing cyber security workforce, according to the Women in Cybersecurity: Women in the Profession report published by ISC2 in April 2024, found that the percentage of women in the industry is likely in the range of 20% to 25%. The report underscores the persistent gender disparity within the field and highlights the importance of targeted initiatives to support and retain women in cyber security roles. This session profoundly influenced her perspective on creating diverse opportunities within the cyber security field. Dr Maryam remarked, “At the conference, I heard first-hand accounts from women in cyber security highlighting the specific challenges faced, such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited access to professional development opportunities. This awareness is crucial for addressing these barriers effectively.”
By listening to first-hand accounts from women in cyber security, Dr Maryam gained a deeper understanding of the specific challenges faced in the sector, such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited access to professional development opportunities. The discussions underscored the importance of mentorship programmes and support networks in empowering women and fostering their career growth. Dr Maryam reflected, “The roundtable reinforced my commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the cyber security industry, by advocating for policies and initiatives that support underrepresented groups, together we can create a more equitable and innovative industry”.
The insights gained from the recent AWS Summit are poised to drive digital transformation on Staffordshire University London's computing courses. Dr Maryam plans to incorporate the latest advancements in generative AI and AWS technologies into the curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. This includes offering specialised modules in our courses and hands-on practical’s focusing on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing. Dr Maryam’s vision is to emphasise the ethical considerations of AI development and deployment in the curriculum. Dr Mayam said, “The purpose is to prepare students to create responsible and fair AI solutions, cultivating a generation of tech professionals who prioritise societal impact and responsibility.”
Dr Maryam envisions strengthening partnerships with industry leaders like AWS to provide students with unparalleled access to industry expertise, internships, and job opportunities. By collaborating with such tech firms, the University can enhance practical learning and prepare students for successful careers.
AWS's commitment to supporting startups through programs like AWS Activate aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering a culture of innovation among students. By providing resources, credits, and mentorship, AWS empowers students to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Additionally, AWS's comprehensive training and certification programs equip students with the in-demand cloud computing skills necessary to excel in the tech industry. Leveraging these AWS offerings, Staffordshire University London can position itself as a leading institution for producing industry-ready graduates.