Don Patterson of LedgerLink, UC Irvine

Abstract: "As artificial intelligence systems increasingly take on roles traditionally held by humans, their influence on the production, transmission, and distortion of knowledge demands critical attention. This talk explores AI’s expanding role in society through three lenses drawn from recent projects: AI as an environmentally efficient content creator, AI as a vector for misinformation through compromised training sets, and AI as an autonomous educator generating its own curriculum and instructional material.

We’ll examine the trade-offs of replacing human labor with AI in creative domains, considering both carbon impact and cultural consequences. We’ll delve into the legal and ethical risks of “data defamation,” where training set manipulation enables AI-generated misinformation at scale. Finally, we’ll explore the implications of delegating pedagogy to AI—when machines no longer just assist teaching, but become the teachers.

Taken together, these projects offer a framework for understanding AI not merely as a tool, but as an actor shaping knowledge production. The talk invites technologists and researchers to consider how we can ensure that the systems we build serve both truth and justice in an era of increasingly autonomous machine intelligence.”

Biography:

Bio: Dr. Donald J. Patterson is Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at LedgerLink, a fintech company focused on bridging traditional finance and digital assets through blockchain technology. Prior to his current industry roles, he held faculty positions at the University of California, Irvine and Westmont College, where he earned awards for both his research contributions and his excellence in teaching and mentorship. He continues to be affiliated with UC Irvine as a project scientist. A U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Patterson also served as a Surface Warfare Officer in Italy and Japan. Education: Ph.D. /CS 2005 University of Washington, MSEE & BSCS (1990-1995) Cornell.

Dr. Patterson’s research and professional work lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ubiquitous computing, and human-computer interaction, with a focus on designing context-aware systems that advance ethical, sustainable, and secure digital infrastructures.

Address:United States