Dr. Kollin Napier of https://mainms.org/

This presentation will provide a technical overview of the current state of artificial intelligence and large language models, including how LLMs process language, how they are trained, and why transformer-based models have changed modern AI systems. The discussion will cover tokens, embeddings, model training, inference, retrieval-augmented generation, multimodal AI, prompting, hallucinations, security, privacy, and responsible implementation.

The session will conclude with a brief discussion of workforce implications and how the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network is helping expand AI literacy, applied training, and responsible AI adoption across Mississippi.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain the core technical concepts behind large language models, including tokens, embeddings, transformers, training, and inference.

2. Describe current LLM capabilities, including text generation, coding support, retrieval-augmented generation, multimodal AI, and workflow assistance.

3. Identify key limitations and risks of LLM systems, including hallucinations, prompt injection, privacy concerns, data governance, and overreliance.

4. Understand how technical advances in AI are shaping workforce needs and how Mississippi is responding through MAIN.

https://mainms.org/

Biography:

Dr. Kollin Napier is Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), the nation’s first statewide AI initiative, where he leads Mississippi’s strategy for AI literacy, workforce development, and applied AI adoption across education, government, and industry.

Based at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, he works with state leaders, agencies, school districts, colleges and universities, and industry partners to strengthen Mississippi’s long-term competitiveness in an AI-driven economy.

Dr. Napier chairs the Mississippi AI Workforce Readiness Council, serves on the state’s Artificial Intelligence Regulation Task Force, and has provided expert testimony and briefings at the state and federal levels, including before the United States Congress.

Under his leadership, MAIN has expanded no-cost AI training, built strategic partnerships with organizations such as NVIDIA, AWS, and Intel, and advanced major workforce initiatives statewide.

He is widely recognized for advancing practical, responsible, and workforce-focused AI adoption in Mississippi.