Former NASA rocket scientist Olympia LePoint urged universities to teach students how to critically evaluate artificial intelligence and recognize its potential risks during a talk, part of Kennesaw State University’s second annual Presidential Lecture Series on Oct. 15.
LePoint, an award winning author and TED speaker, spoke at the KSU Dance Theater on the Marietta Campus, where she discussed overcoming fear, recognizing human potential and preparing students for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
She cautioned that AI generated information is not always accurate, explaining that systems can produce misleading results when they rely on false or manipulated information. She said universities should teach students how to research claims and distinguish reliable information from misinformation.
LePoint also encouraged universities to educate students about the differences between AI tools, including their potential benefits and risks. She emphasized the importance of human oversight when using technology.
“I am not [a fan of AI]. I’m a fan of people,” LePoint said during the discussion, emphasizing the need for humans to remain involved in evaluating AI generated results.
LePoint’s remarks came as colleges and universities continue to navigate the role of AI in education and prepare students for workplaces where the technology is increasingly used.
Beyond artificial intelligence, LePoint reflected on her career in aerospace and the experiences that shaped her approach to overcoming challenges.
She said she became interested in rocket science as a child after visiting NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. She later worked on 28 space shuttle missions, according to her introduction at the event.
LePoint described watching the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster as a child and said the tragedy strengthened her desire to help prevent future disasters. She explained how envisioning her future helped guide her educational and professional decisions.
Throughout the lecture, she encouraged students to identify limiting beliefs, reconsider past setbacks and make decisions aligned with their long term goals.
During the audience Q&A, LePoint challenged the idea that financial success alone leads to fulfillment. She described leaving a position in aerospace for a banking job that paid substantially more, only to realize that the higher salary did not make her happier.
Instead, she said success comes from using one’s abilities to help others and finding purpose in one’s work.
LePoint also encouraged students to surround themselves with people who support their growth and to focus on personal development rather than comparing themselves with their peers.
The Presidential Lecture Series featured LePoint’s presentation, “Reprogramming Your Brain to Overcome Fear,” which focused on strategies for overcoming self doubt and pursuing long term goals.
