AI: Modern Artificial Intelligence Essentials

Ava Hoffman, PhD, serves as a Senior Staff Scientist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where she leads groundbreaking initiatives in making genomics research more accessible through cloud-based resources. Her unique expertise spans both ecological and data sciences, with particular focus on population genetics and statistical modeling in natural environments. As an instructor for multiple courses including "AI for Decision Makers," "AI for Efficient Programming," "Data Management and Sharing for NIH Proposals," and "Exploring AI Possibilities," she brings a practical approach to complex topics. Her research interests include urban plant evolution and its connection to public health outcomes, particularly studying how plants adapt to city environments. Beyond her academic work, she serves on the board of Slow Food Baltimore, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable practices. Her work with the AnVIL Project and the Genomic Data Science Community Network (GDSCN) showcases her dedication to democratizing genomics research. She combines her technical expertise with practical applications, engaging in activities from coding to climbing, while maintaining a DIY approach to problem-solving.