EP8 | AI and Higher Education: Dakota State's Cyber Vision with Dr. José-Marie Griffiths

This episode of The Global Lens explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and science diplomacy, and how these forces are transforming national security and global cooperation. Daniella Sussman and Dr. José-Marie Griffiths explore Dakota State University’s role in turning applied AI research into real-world impact. Education emerges as a strategic force and soft power in the evolving AI landscape.

EPISODE SUMMARY
Dr. Griffiths reflects on transforming Dakota State University into a cyber and AI powerhouse by aligning research, policy, and workforce development. She outlines how applied labs, global partnerships, and inclusive education models help translate innovation into real-world impact. The episode also explores how higher education can function as science diplomacy by building trust, shared standards, and ethical AI frameworks across borders. Throughout, Dr. Griffiths stresses the responsibility educators and policymakers share in shaping AI to benefit society rather than control it.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - Building Dakota State’s strong and advanced cyber-AI foundation
04:08 - AI's transformative and evolving impact on higher education
07:16 - Empowering accessible and ethical global AI innovation through inclusion
09:32 - Higher education driving real-world global impact and discovery
15:00 - Shaping ethical global AI standards and open data sharing
17:37 - Policymakers learning from DSU's integrated AI education approach
24:31 - Ensuring responsible AI design, development, and collaboration

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ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths is President of Dakota State University, where she has led transformational growth since 2015. Her leadership and contributions have earned her more than 20 major awards, including recognition as a USA TodayWoman of the Year and one of InspiredMinds!’ 50 Influential Women in AI.

A physicist and information scientist by training, Dr. Griffiths has held leadership roles across research, government, and higher education, with a special focus on STEM and cyber fields. She has served on the National Science Board, the U.S. President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee, and the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Today, she continues this work as an advisor to the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

Dr. Griffiths has led projects with more than 28 federal agencies, including NASA and the Department of Energy, collaborated with major corporations such as IBM and Apple, and partnered with international organizations including NATO and the United Nations.

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// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
⚉ (Reference) Madison Cyber Labs (MAD Labs) - https://dsu.edu/research/madison-cybe...
⚉ (Reference) Google Cybersecurity Clinics Fund - https://cyberclinics.withgoogle.com/
⚉ (Reference) Dakota State's Governors Cyber Academy - https://dsu.edu/admissions/undergradu...
⚉ (Reference) Dakota State Applied Research Corporation (DARC) - https://dsu-arc.org/

// CONNECT WITH DR. JOSÉ-MARIE GRIFFITHS:
⚉ Website: https://dsu.edu/directory/griffiths-j...
⚉ X (Twitter): https://x.com/josegriffiths
⚉ LinkedIn:   / jose-marie-griffiths-9106b7b  

// CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:
⚉ Podcast Website: https://the-global-lens.captivate.fm/
⚉ LinkedIn:   / daniellasussman  
⚉ Instagram:   / daniellasussmanglobal