Recent Speakers

Dr. Mitch Marcus, an RCA Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania, discussed his background and expertise in linguistics and computer science. Dr. Marcus shared his experiences at Bell Labs and highlighted the evolution of AI and technology over the years.

Peggy Compton, RN, PhD, a distinguished nurse scientist from the University of Pennsylvania who works at the intersection of pain, opioids and addiction, spoke to our club on the history and current causes of the opioid crisis in America. Turns out loosening the leash on pain medication allowed Big Pharma to promote and nefarious sources to supply an expanding market, even though prescription medications have reduced opioid use to patients.

LML Rotarian Tae Young Sin, owner of CompuWorld computer repair service in Bala Cynwyd, updated the club with expanded descriptions of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be changing our everyday lives. While he remains positive about AI’s effects, he notes that it will one day exceed human intelligence and proceed to level the institutional knowledge playing field among nations.

Professor Emeritus Roger Allen, University of Pennsylvania former chair of Middle Eastern Languages, enlightened our club with his insights on the history and cultures of Middle Eastern people, leading up to the present day.

Dr. Rhonda Boyd, University of Pennsylvania emeritus professor of mental health, explained the proliferation and successful treatment of the impressively wide range of mental illnesses. She explained that identification and better understanding of conditions affecting cognition and behavior gives hope to the nearly 23 percent of Americans who suffer from simple depression to serious psychosis.