Engage. Protect. Connect:
AI in the Eastern Upper Peninsula
Join us for a dynamic conference exploring the impact of artificial intelligence across education, healthcare, governmental entities, tribal organizations, business, and community sectors. This event brings together leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners to discuss how AI can enhance engagement, safeguard organizations, and connect our region globally.
SCECHs AVAILABLE FOR ALL
MICHIGAN EDUCATORS!
AI Connect 2026 Conference
Event Overview
The AI Connect Conference is a cross-sector event designed to position Career and Technical Education (CTE) as the lead engine for AI digital literacy and skills across Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. Built around the themes of Engage. Protect. and Connect. - the conference will showcase how artificial intelligence literacy and skills can enhance communication, safeguard communities, and link the region to the global digital economy.
The AI Connect Conference is a collaborative effort between the Sault Area High School & Career Center and the EUPConnect Collaborative to bring practical, accessible AI education to the Eastern Upper Peninsula, focusing on engagement, protection, and connection. The initiative seeks to address both enthusiasm and apprehension about AI, planning for broad community participation and real-world impact.
Who Should Attend?
This event invites business and economic leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, local government, industry partners, and lifelong learners. The conference will engage a wide range of participants by making AI accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of their digital skill level. Attendees will learn how AI creates new opportunities and responsibilities in daily life. For example, sessions will explore how AI can help local businesses analyze data, assist educators in personalizing learning, and support healthcare professionals in improving patient care.
Format & Sessions
The conference will feature keynote speakers, vendor exhibits, breakout sessions, panels, lectures, and hands-on labs. Sessions are tailored for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced users, with a strong emphasis on practical learning and real-world applications. Example topics include using AI for data analytics in local businesses and building chatbots for policy queries.
Why Get Involved?
The conference will demystify AI, inspire curiosity, and foster understanding, especially among less digitally skilled community members. Speakers and presenters will have the opportunity to share tangible benefits of AI, address community challenges, and help shape the region’s digital future.
Registration:
- $75 for EUP Connect Members
- $165 for Non-members
Don’t miss this chance to learn, network, and lead the conversation on AI in the Eastern Upper Peninsula!
AI Connect Guest Speakers
Jake Miller - Keynote
Jake Miller is a learning and edtech enthusiast, author of Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset, host of the #EduDuctTape podcast, speaker, and sharer of educational musings at @JakeMillerTech and on JakeMiller.net. Jake has worked as a Personalized Learning & EdTech Specialist for 4 years. He previously spent 5 years as a technology integration specialist and an additional 14 years in the classroom teaching math, science & STEM at various grade levels. Jake’s favorite job, however, is his full-time position as a husband and father.
Leonard Hui - Keynote
Leonard Hui is a seasoned technology leader and Regional Vice President, Solutions Sales at Calix, where he works closely with communications service providers like Highline to advance cloud-enabled broadband innovation. With deep experience helping providers modernize operations through cloud platforms and intelligent automation, Lenny Hui brings a practical, real-world perspective on how AI and cloud solutions can strengthen digital equity, enhance learning environments, and empower small businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected world. His collaborative approach, reflected in his frequent engagement with cross-functional teams and rural customers across the US and Canada, makes him a trusted advisor and thought leader for organizations seeking to leverage technology for meaningful community impact.
Kellie Greener
Kellie Greener is a Microsoft Elevate Educator with six years of classroom experience and two years in educational administration. She is passionate about leveraging technology to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and create efficient, empowering learning experiences for students. A lifelong learner committed to modeling continuous growth, Kellie is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Eastern Michigan University. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys marathon running and the everyday adventure of raising five children.
Professor Herbert D. Henderson
Professor Herbert D. Henderson is a Professor and the Chair of the School of Criminal Justice, Fire Science and EMS at Lake Superior State University. He also serves as the Director of the Michigan Commission On Law Enforcement Standards program at Lake Superior State University. He has 32 years experience in law enforcement with specific focus on Criminalistics, Cybercrimes, Cybersecurity and Terrorism. Professor Henderson has presented in these fields at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and the Midwest Criminal Justice Association conferences. His experience and research includes forensic analysis of computer systems, digital evidence recovery, and ethical hacking. He is a full member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists. Professor Henderson designed the BS Cybersecurity degree at Lake Superior State University to meet national and international standards in the evolving field.
Dr. Pierrette Dagg
Dr. Pierrette Renée Dagg serves as the Director of Research at Merit Network, based at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her research and writing span topics including artificial intelligence, broadband access, the societal impact of technology, and gender studies. She is a contributing author to The Female Teacher on TV, available from Bloomsbury, among other publications.
Pierrette is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Educational Research Association, the Michigan Council for Women in Technology, and the Pop Culture/American Culture Association.
Jason Kronemeyer
Jason Kronemeyer is a community technologist focused on helping rural regions turn digital goals into practical realities. He uses data science, smart infrastructure, and cross-sector teamwork to connect communities and foster local innovation. As leader of the EUPConnect Collaborative, Jason brings together schools, government, and partners to share data and build digital capacity. He simplifies complex technology - like broadband, sensors, and automation - into useful tools that support growth and resilience. At AIConnect, Jason explores community-focused AI, showing how rural areas can design, govern, and benefit from intelligent systems to inform decisions and create new opportunities.
Dr. Mikayla Scott
Dr. Mikayla Scott is a creative, results driven Machine Learning Engineer specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. She is passionate about innovation, collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Mikayla earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the College of Engineering at Wayne State University, her Master of Science in Data Science with a focus on natural language processing from Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, and most recently her Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from George Washington University.
Dr. Christopher E. Smith
Dr. Christopher E. Smith is a Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics at Lake Superior State University. With 30 years of experience as a professor and researcher, Dr. Smith has published nearly 50 papers in the fields of computer vision, robotics, intelligent transportation systems, and wireless sensor networks. His latest work is on the use of unstructured drone video to extract phenotype information from corn fields and the modelling of energy usage in buildings that utilize a central steam plant for heating.
Dr. Jenifer Balawender
Dr. Jenifer Balawender is a board-certified family medicine physician. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University. She joined MyMichigan Medical Group in 2017 after five years of practice in Lansing, Michigan.
Dr. Balawender’s interest in clinical informatics began when she started using the Epic EMR in 2010. She has pursued her passion for clinical informatics through many quality improvement projects. She has taught EMR efficiency and documentation best practices to hundreds of providers at MyMichigan Health. She has served as the Chief Health Informatics Officer for MyMichigan Health since 2023 and co-founded the Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee.
Nicholas Kibble
Nicholas Kibble, CFP®, is a Wealth Advisor and co-owner of Sincerity Wealth Solutions, an independent LPL Financial branch based in Sault Ste. Marie. He has worked in the financial services and business industries for nearly 15 years, helping individuals and families make thoughtful, informed financial decisions. A 2008 graduate of Sault Area High School, Nicholas earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He lives in Sault Ste. Marie with his wife, Rachel, and their five boys.
Kyle Stabile
Kyle Stabile is a Senior Power Supply Analyst at Cloverland Electric Cooperative in Sault Ste. Marie. A 2006 graduate of Sault High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Accounting from Lake Superior State University. Kyle leverages machine learning daily to enhance electric load forecasting, optimize power supply strategy, and support reliable, data-driven grid operations.
Sara Devaprasad
Sara Devaprasad brings nearly 30 years of experience helping educators navigate technology in higher education. As an Instructional Technologist and LMS Administrator at Lake Superior State University, she provides practical guidance and resources to support teaching, learning, and engagement, with a focus on empowering faculty to make technology work for them.
Ryan Hinnen
Ryan Hinnen is a relationship-focused financial professional and certified financial counselor with deep experience in consumer engagement, team development, and banking operations. He combines strategic thinking with creativity to build initiatives that strengthen culture, community, and member experience.
Morgan Vigil-Hayes
Morgan Vigil-Hayes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media & Information at Michigan State University. She grew up in the Central Valley of California before pursuing her BS in computer science at Westmont College. She earned her PhD in computer science at UC Santa Barbara, whereafter she served as a faculty member in the School of Informatics, Computing & Cyber Systems at Northern Arizona University for eight years.
Merran Arbic
Merran Arbic is a Special Education Supervisor with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District, bringing seventeen years of experience as both a general and special education teacher. She leads regional systems‑level improvement, provides professional learning in specially designed instruction and assistive technology, guides IEP teams in decision making and compliance, and guides IEP teams in Assistive Technology evaluations using the SETT framework. Merran also serves as the Region 1A representative on the Michigan Department of Education’s General Supervision Accountability Workgroup and is an active MAASE (Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education) and CASE (Council of Administrators of Special Education) member. She is dedicated to advancing inclusive practices and improving outcomes for students, families, and educators across the Upper Peninsula.
Maggie Merchberger
Maggie Merchberger works for Michigan State University Extension and is the 4-H Program Coordinator for Chippewa County. Maggie has been the Chippewa County 4-H Program Coordinator since 2017. Maggie leads the 4-H youth development program by managing clubs training volunteers and developing educations programming for youth 5-19. Maggie oversees volunteer recruitment and screening, while promoting community participation, and ensures programs align with state and local needs. Maggie was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie.
