Photo of Bethel University, from the university’s Facebook page. Photo courtesy of Bethel University.

News Release

Kurt Heckman

MISHAWAKA — Former U.S. Department of Energy official and current president of online analytical tool site vCalc Kurt Heckman will present two lectures at Bethel University on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

The first lecture will focus on artificial intelligence and advanced information technology, while the second will focus on nuclear fusion. These seminars, sponsored by Bethel’s computer science department, are free and open to the public. All students from local colleges and high schools are encouraged to attend.

“Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Information Technology” will take place from 11 a.m. to noon in the Middleton Hall of Science, Room 025. Heckman will explain the basics of how artificial intelligence works, how it differs from class software expert systems and how the future of AI will change the world. He will discuss recent breakthroughs that have fostered AI, major AI projects, different approaches to use AI and the impact that AI will make on the global society.

“Nuclear Fusion” will take place from 3-4 p.m. in the Miller-More Academic Center, Room 342. In this lecture, Heckman will explore problems associated with carbon footprints and the many ways leaders are working to produce cleaner energy, with the goal of cleaner energy being essential to the future. Heckman will explain the basics of how nuclear fusion works, how it differs from fission and how its future will change the world. He will discuss recent breakthroughs, current major government and commercial projects, different approaches to achieving nuclear fusion and the impact that nuclear fusion energy will make on the global society.

No signup is required. The lectures will also be available on the university’s website, via Zoom. For more information, visit BethelUniversity.edu/Kurt-Heckman.