George Mason University AI-in-Gov’s Inside the Black Box: Building the Future Before It’s Taught
Welcome to AI in Gov: Inside the Black Box. This podcast series explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in government, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact.
In this episode of AI-in-Gov: Inside the Black Box, hosts Richard Jacik and Dr. Amarda Shehu welcome AI-in-Gov Fellow Bernie Schmidt, Assistant Director of George Mason University’s Data Analytics Engineering program. Together, they explore how universities are preparing the next generation of AI professionals in a field that evolves faster than traditional curricula can keep pace. From real-world capstone projects involving cloud platforms, AI agents, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) to the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and hands-on experience, Bernie shares how students are learning to build technologies that may not even exist when they begin their studies. The conversation offers valuable insights into the future of AI education, workforce development, and what it takes to stay ahead in an era of constant technological change.
Produced by Jessica Fonoroff. This episode is sponsored by Alapient.