Amy Burks Amy Burks

Igniting Ingenuity Happy Hour and Tech Talk with Tom Cowles

In this talk, Tom will explore the transformative benefits of generative AI and the critical importance of data security in enterprise operations. This session will delve into the challenges organizations face when integrating AI, highlighting real-world scenarios that underscore the risks of trusting AI with sensitive information.

In this talk, Tom will explore the transformative benefits of generative AI and the critical importance of data security in enterprise operations. This session will delve into the challenges organizations face when integrating AI, highlighting real-world scenarios that underscore the risks of trusting AI with sensitive information.

We will discuss essential criteria for evaluating AI vendors and models, emphasizing the need for transparency and compliance. Attendees will learn best practices for safeguarding their data, including key questions to ask when selecting AI solutions and strategies for maintaining control over their data usage.

Bio:

Tom Cowles is the Chief Compliance Officer for Box ensuring that Box meets its global cybersecurity and regulatory obligations for technology worldwide. As a long time Box employee he leads the teams responsible for all of Box’s Security Assurance Certifications, Customer Trust and Audit Programs, Policies and Procedures, Technology Vendor Risk and Enterprise Risk and Resiliency. Before joining Box he worked at KPMG and Fannie Mae in a variety of Assurance and Delivery roles related to Cybersecurity and currently sits on the board of the Cloud Service Provider Advisory Board (CSP-AB) representing the world’s leading cloud companies supporting standards and policies that promote and enable secure cloud adoption in government.

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events, Atomic Anvil, Research Day Amy Burks events, Atomic Anvil, Research Day Amy Burks

30 APR - 1 MAY, 2025 - Research Day

Connecting academia & government to explore cyber, AI, & critical infrastructure workforce & research innovations to support the warfighter.

AI/Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Research Day
Apr 30 - May 1, 2025

Co-Hosted by UA Little Rock, University of Arkansas & UA Pine Bluff

INVITATION

Join us for a premier event connecting government agencies and academic institutions to explore cyber, AI, and critical infrastructure workforce and research innovations that support the warfighter.

This Research Day facilitates collaboration between federal research entities, academic researchers, and government agencies by showcasing research, identifying mission needs, and advancing technology for national security.

Who Should Attend:

This event is tailored for government program managers seeking to align their mission needs with innovative academic research in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. It is also designed for academic researchers looking to showcase their work, understand federal R&D priorities, and explore opportunities for technology transition into government applications. Senior leaders, policy makers, and representatives from research institutions and federal agencies will benefit from this focused engagement.

What to Expect:

Over two days, attendees will engage with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations highlighting national security R&D priorities. Sessions will cover securing research, addressing workforce gaps, and leveraging academic innovation for national defense. The agenda includes breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and one-on-one meetings to facilitate direct collaboration between academia and government entities. A classified session will be available for eligible participants, providing deeper insights into mission-critical research needs.

This event is open exclusively to government agencies and academic institutions.

Forge Institute’s Atomic Anvil program is in partnership with APEX, a Department of Air Force (DAF) Partnership Intermediary Program (PIA). https://apex-innovates.org

AGENDA

Tuesday, Apr 29:
6:00 PM Reception/Happy Hour - Venue TBD (optional)

Wednesday, Apr 30:

7:00 AM Breakfast, Registration, Check-in

8:00 AM Welcome Remarks

8:15 AM Keynote Speaker

9:00 AM National Security Research & Development Priorities

9:30 AM Arkansas Federal Research & Development Report

10:00 AM Networking & 30 minute break

10:30 AM Academic Presentations

Group A - Workforce

Group B - Research

12:00 PM Lunch & Panel Discussions: Program Manager Priorities

01:15 PM Presentation: Threats to Research

01:45 PM Panel Discussions: Securing Research 

02:30 PM Networking & 30 minute break

03:00 PM Panel Discussion 

04:00 PM Panel Discussion

04:45 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker

05:00 PM Happy Hour & Posters

Thursday, May 1:

7:30 AM Breakout sessions

Group 1 (Classified)*

Group 2 (Unclassified)

11:30 AM Lunch & Guest Speaker

01:00 PM 1 on 1s

02:30 PM Facilitated Q&A

03:00 PM Closing & Keynote Speaker

*additional information will be provided soon

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