In this episode Will and Neil (or maybe not) sit down with the "Outlaw Scientist" (as coined by AMW) Dr. Savannah Thais, an expert on Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).  As a follow up, Dr. Thais defines what AI is and how it is part of our everyday life.  Her research goes beyond the data to focus on how AI impacts society and how we can use AI for social good.  Hear her talk specifically about her research in Appalachia and why she focused on the area.  Take a listen as she explains if regulation is needed in AI and what we should think about when thinking about the future of AI in Appalachia and beyond.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week - the next seven businesses in our countdown to the 25 Days of (and Appalachian Small Business) Christmas!

Dr. Savannah Thais - https://datascience.columbia.edu/people/savannah-thais/ 

App News:

ARC Ready Non-Profits - www.arc.gov/news/more-than-995000-awarded-to-40-appalachian-organizations-via-arcs-ready-nonprofits-initiative/ 

ARC Appalachian STEM Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem/ 

ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/aea/ 

#AppBiz(s) of the Week (and the next 7 of the countdown to (Appalachian Small Business) Christmas:

15. East Wheeling Clay Works (Wheeling, WV) - www.eastwheelingclayworks.com 

16. Cottonwood Handmade (Boone, NC) - www.cottonwoodhandmade.com 

17. Bloom (Garrison, KY) - www.bloom-candles.com 

18. ZZZ Box Mattress (Hickory, NC) - www.zboxmattress.com 

19. Dresden and Company (Dresden, OH) - www.dresdenandcompany.com 

20. Appalachian Botanical Company (Ashford, WV) - www.appalachianbotanical.com 

21. Pollinates Honeyworks (Belmonst, OH) - www.pollinateshoneyworks.com