The people, technology and policies working to address growing conflict and uncertainty around the world will be the focus of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s G.E. Hendricks Symposium, April 4-6.
The symposium, which is part of the university’s 150th year celebration, will include scholars from across the country engaging in public discussions and debates on topics related to the theme, “Sustainable Solutions in an Uncertain World: Technology, People, Food and the Environment.”
All events, unless noted, are in the University Suites Multipurpose Room, 1780 R St. The presentations are free and open to students, faculty and staff.
The symposium opens with a 3 to 4:30 p.m. April 4 presentation by Frank Coppersmith, CEO of Smarter Reality, a Texas-based company that designs and develops software for entrepreneurs and small business. Coppersmith will discuss “The AI Revolution and the Impact on Legal Practice.”
The three-day program also includes five panel discussions, a presentation by retired congressman Doug Bereuter, and a simulation on environmental conflict and cooperation.
A complete schedule is listed below.
The symposium is hosted by the Department of Political Science; University Honors Program; College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; School of Natural Resources; Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute; and Harris Center for Judaic Studies.
The Hendricks Symposium is offered every 18 to 24 months through the University of Nebraska’s Hendricks Fund. The fund was established by Nebraska alumnus G.E. Hendricks to support the exploration of current controversial political questions and presented in a non-partisan, unbiased manner.
G.E. Hendricks Symposium
“Sustainable Solutions in an Uncertain World: Technology, People, Food and the Environment”
All events are in the University Suites Multipurpose Room, 1780 R St., unless otherwise noted.
April 4
3 to 4:30 p.m. — “The AI Revolution and the Impact on Legal Practice,” Frank Coppersmith, CEO, Smarter Reality
April 5
9 a.m. — Welcome by Patrice McMahon, director, University Honors Program, and professor of political science
9:15 to 10:30 a.m. — Panel discussion, “For Better or Worse: Information and Artificial Intelligence,” chaired by Tyler White, assistant professor of political science
Topics and presenters include:
“The Future of Rules, Ethics and Tactics in Conflict After the AI Revolution,” Paul J. Springer, professor of comparative military history, Air Command and Staff College
“The AI Revolution and the Impacts,” Frank Coppersmith, CEO, Smart Reality
“Madison, Hamilton and Shannon on Twitter: An Information Theory of Social Media and the First Amendment,” Gus Hurwitz, associate professor of law and co-director of Nebraska’s Space, Cyber and Telecommunications Law program
10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — Panel discussion, “Feeding the World: New and Surprising Ways,” chaired by Madhavan Soundararajan, professor of practice, biochemistry
Topics and presenters include:
“The Road to Edible Insects,” Kelly Sturek, co-founder and CEO, Bugeater Foods
“Changing the Way We View Food, Hunger and Education,” Greg Fripp, president and CEO, Whispering Roots
“How Recent Advances in Remote Sensing Change Agriculture Production,” Yeyin Shi, assistant professor, biological systems engineering
12:30 to 1:45 p.m. — Lunch presentation (Cather Dining Center), “What are the Policies and Politics that are Needed to Address 21st Century Uncertainties,” Doug Bereuter, retired congressman and former president/CEO, Asia Foundation. Introduction by Chancellor Ronnie Green
2 to 3:30 p.m. — Panel discussion, “How Data and Technology Can Help,” chaired by Nick Brozović, director of policy, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, and professor of agricultural economics
Topics and presenters include:
“Crowd Sourcing and Scientific Research,” Alan Kolok, director, Idaho Water Resources Research Institute
“The Making of the U.S. Drought Monitor: A Weekly Mix of Science and Local Knowledge,” Kelly Smith, communication and drought research specialist, National Drought Mitigation Center
“Resilience Science and How it Works,” Igor Linkov, risk and decision science focus lead, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
“Can We Hack the Planet? Should We?,” Elizabeth Chalecki, assistant professor of political science, University of Nebraska at Omaha
3:45 to 5:15 p.m. — Panel discussion, “What’s Next? New Solutions for New Problems,” chaired by Patrice McMahon, director, University Honors Program, and professor of political science
Topics and presenters include:
“From Global Aspirations to Local Realities,” Peter McCornick, executive director, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
“Using Technology to Predict the Next Pandemic,” Jesse Bell, professor of health and environment, University of Nebraska Medical Center
“Global Water Scarcity and Strategies to Quench the Thirst for Conflict and Consumption,” Jenny Kehl, global water security scholar and professor of political science, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — “Navigating Global Careers in an Uncertain World,” hosted by the University Honors Program Student Advisory Board,
Presenters and areas of expertise include:
“Careers in Space and Cyber Law,” Elsbeth Magilton, executive director, Space, Cyber and Telecommunications Law program
“Careers in Government,” Josh Davis, interim associate vice chancellor
“Local Careers with Global Impact,” Alejandra Ayotitla, Nebraska Appleseed
“Global Environment Careers and Study Abroad Opportunities,” Sara Braverman, university relations manager
April 6
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — “Simulation on Environmental Conflict and Cooperation,” hosted by the University of Nebraska’s National Security Research Institute
