Generations in Dialogue: Multi-agent systems and human-AI interaction with Professor Manuela Veloso

Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI is a new podcast from AAAI featuring thought-provoking discussions between AI experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from different age groups and backgrounds. Each episode delves into how generational experiences shape views on AI, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations that come with the advancement of this transformative technology.

In the first episode of this new series from AAAI, host Ella Lan chats to Professor Manuela Veloso about her research journey and path into AI, the history and evolution of AI research, inter-generational collaborations, teamwork, AI to assist humans, AI in finance, advice for early-career researchers, and her excitement about connecting human knowledge with computers.

Manuela Veloso is a renowned computer scientist and a pioneer in artificial intelligence, with influential work in multi-agent systems, robotics, and human-AI collaboration. She is currently the Head of AI Research at JPMorgan Chase, where she leads efforts to integrate AI into financial services. Previously, she was the Herbert A. Simon University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and Head of its Machine Learning Department. Her research spans autonomous robotics, planning, machine learning, and AI systems that collaborate seamlessly with humans. A Fellow of the AAAI, IEEE, and AAAS, Professor Veloso has received numerous awards for her contributions to AI and remains a leading voice in advancing responsible and interactive AI systems.

Ella Lan, a member of the AAAI Student Committee, is the host of “Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI.” She is passionate about bringing together voices across career stages to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Ella is a student at Stanford University tentatively studying Computer Science and Psychology, and she enjoys creating spaces where technical innovation intersects with ethical reflection, human values, and societal impact. Her interests span education, healthcare, and AI ethics, with a focus on building inclusive, interdisciplinary conversations that shape the future of responsible AI.