AI is just another tool in the technology market, only becoming a powerful resource when agencies learn how to best utilize it to reach mission goals.
This week on Feds-At-The Edge we explore several insights on deploying AI effectively for the federal government landscape.
Caroline Carusone, Deputy CIO for NRC, discusses AI’s potential in identifying security risks and solving complex engineering challenges, like improving atomic reactor designs.
Luke Keller, Chief Innovation Officer at the US Census Bureau, explains AI’s role in handling massive datasets, enhancing earth observation for accurate population counting, automating data ingestion, and metadata classification.
And Kurt Steege, CTO for ThunderCat Technology, introduces the concept of “multimodal AI,” which processes data in multiple formats, broadening its utility.
Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform as the panelists stress the importance of reliable data, experimentation to explore AI’s capabilities and limits, and defining specific use cases to use AI responsibly. They emphasized a strategic, ethical, and well-managed approach to AI deployment in federal agencies.
To view this webinar: Considering AI as a Strategic Tool.
Featured Speakers:
Caroline Carusone
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Caroline Carusone is the Deputy Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where she began her career as a nuclear safety regulator in 2008. Her journey began as a Program Analyst and evolved through various roles, including senior staff positions and management and executive leadership roles in multiple divisions within the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and the Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards. Over the years, Caroline’s contributions have spanned areas such as reactor licensing — in both operating reactors and advanced reactors and non-power production and utilization facilities, rule-making, policy development, engineering, inspection support, and budget and human capital management.
In her current role within the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Caroline has spearheaded initiatives aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing security, elevating customer experience, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Her extensive background also includes leadership positions in financial assurance and environmental support, as well as directing EMBARK Venture Studio—an innovation accelerator at the agency.
Before joining the NRC, Caroline served as a Liaison Officer with the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, playing an early role in establishing the Rapid Equipping Force post-9/11. Her expertise extends into the private sector, where she worked in commercial staffing and recruiting, and federal business development and administration. Caroline holds a degree in Physiology & Neurobiology and Mathematics from the University of Maryland and is a proud graduate of the NRC’s Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.
Beyond her professional achievements, Caroline’s life takes an unexpected turn outside the office – where she’s become an unintentional mini farmer! Residing just outside the DMV, she shares her home with her family, five dogs, three goats, and an assortment of ducks and chickens. When she’s not navigating the challenges of federal IT service delivery or engaging in policy discussions, you can find her cheering on her high schoolers as they juggle all that comes with being multi-sport student athletes.
Whether she’s watching games or waiting in parking lots, Caroline tries to embrace the moment, all while exploring the latest in AI, machine learning, and technology innovation. With her blend of technical expertise, strong leadership, and passion for people and culture, Caroline is committed to advancing the NRC’s mission of protecting people and the environment. She is dedicated to making the NRC a leader in nuclear safety and technology.
Deputy Chief Innovation Officer,
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Lattrice Goldsby
Branch Chief of Artificial Intelligence Services
Lattrice Goldsby is the Branch Chief of Artificial Intelligence Services in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) at the Department of Labor (DOL). Lattrice leads the innovation and responsible development of AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions at the DOL. Before joining DOL, Lattrice worked for the Department of Agriculture as the RPA Center of Excellence (CoE) Program and Branch Manager, where she was accountable for driving efficiency through automation throughout USDA.
Lattrice holds a Master of Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Computer Information Systems from the University of Central Missouri.
Lattrice loves working with and leading a team that is passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and enriching customers’ jobs through IT solutions.
Branch Chief AI Services, OCIO,
Department of Labor
Luke Keller
Chief Innovation Officer
Luke Keller has a diverse work experience that spans across various industries. Luke is currently working as the Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Census Bureau, where they are leading the advancement of data-driven services through emerging technologies. Before this role, Luke was the Founder at xD, an emerging technologies group that focused on delivering data-driven services. Luke also founded the Emerging Technology Fellowship at xD, bringing niche technology experts to the U.S. Apart from their entrepreneurial ventures, Luke worked as a Senior Advisor at Savi, a social impact technology startup focused on solving the student debt crisis. Luke advised on product strategy and solutions to reduce the burden of student loans. Luke’s expertise in technology and innovation was further showcased during their time as a Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House, where they led the development of various web-based products. Prior to this, Luke held roles as a Sr. Product Designer at Character Lab, Co-founder at Hello Compost, and Design Fellow at Imperative. Luke also gained valuable experience as a Research Assistant in web development and design at The New School, and as a Freelance Web Designer during their self-employed period. Luke’s early career as an Urban Designer at Brown & Keener Urban Design demonstrates their breadth of experience in different fields. Overall, Luke’s work experience reflects their passion for innovation, technology, and creating solutions for societal challenges.
Luke Keller earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from Temple University, where they studied from 2005 to 2009. Luke further pursued their education and obtained an MFA degree in Transdisciplinary Design from the Parsons School of Design – The New School between 2011 and 2013. In 2014, Luke Keller also completed a course in Web Development in Rails from Thinkful, specializing in Ruby on Rails.
Chief Innovation Officer,
U.S. Census Bureau
JP Marcelino
Federal Alliances Manager, AI/ML & Digital Twin
JP Marcelino is the Federal Alliances Manager for AI/ML and Digital Twin for Dell’s Federal AI CoE. He is responsible for leading Dell’s Federal POV messaging and & enablement around AI/ML & Digital Twin and is an evangelist for the “art of the possible” with Dell’s repeatable federal solutions and use case offerings.. A proud alum of Cooper Union and Manhattan College, JP started his career as a Hardware Engineer for L3Harris and previously was a Regional Sales Manager for Future Electronics, driving AI/ML strategy and enablement for their embedded IoT business around processors, FPGAs and Single Board PCs.
Federal Alliance Manager, AI/ML,
Digital Twin, Dell Technologies
Ryan Simpson
Engineering Chief Technologist, Public Sector
Ryan Simpson is the Engineering Chief Technologist for the Public Sector at NVIDIA, where he leads strategic initiatives to innovate and implement AI and data analytics across Federal agencies through the NVIDIA Partner Network (NPN). With a robust background in AI architecture, Ryan previously served at the USPS, where he played a pivotal role in developing and deploying enterprise-scale AI solutions, including Information Retrieval, OCR, image search, and data labeling systems. His work resulted in significant advancements in data processing capabilities, earning him 16 patents in AI and image processing. In his nearly two decades as a government employee, Ryan has gained deep insights into the challenges and intricacies of aligning AI technologies with government constraints, policies, and regulations. His passion for bridging technology and public service drives his commitment to transformative government solutions.
Engineering Chief Technologist,
Public Sector, NVIDIA
Kurt Steege
Chief Technology Officer
Kurt Steege is the Chief Technology Officer at Thundercat Technology, is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business that delivers technology services and solutions to the Public and Private Sectors. At Thundercat he is responsible for leading initiatives around Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing as well as DevSecOps. Kurt is also responsible for driving technology value for our clients through research and product selection on leading-edge and emerging technologies, participate in discussions with our clients and the public, and support our teams in tailoring solutions to our clients’ needs in support of their respective missions.
Prior to joining Thundercat, Kurt was the Chief Information Officer of MacAndrews and Forbes Inc., a diverse global holding company, based in New York City. During his time there he led a complete IT transformation and brought the company a modern standardized infrastructure upon which the business can depend. In the government space, Kurt served as the Chief Enterprise Architect at the FBI. Under Kurt’s leadership at the FBI the EAPO created roadmaps for IT Transformation, strategic direction for Shared Services, Mobility, Storage, and User Experience. Over the rest of his 30+ year career in Information Technology, Kurt has held roles within private industries for technology, financials, and education to help drive value and efficiency into small, medium and large organizations.
Chief Technology Officer,
ThunderCat Technology
John Breeden II
Moderator & Contributing Editor
FedInsider Contributing Editor John Breeden II is an award winning journalist and reviewer who has spent 20 years working in the federal, technology and government space. Articles and reviews written by him have appeared in numerous national publications including Chief Security Officer, Stars and Stripes, The Washington Post, NextGov Magazine, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Technology, Network World, The Sacramento Bee, The Boston Globe, Government Computer News, Up Front New Mexico and many others.
For FedInsider, he has written many articles and white papers and acted as the moderator for over 20 interviews featuring federal, state and local officials discussing technology, policy and governmental issues.
In addition to his normal writing, Breeden has authored two technical how-to type computer books published by Prompt Publications. Those titles, Exploring Microsoft Office and Guide to Webcams enjoyed both commercial success and reviewer acclaim. He is also the founding publisher and chief editor of Gameindustry.com, one of the longest running publications covering the video game industry. He is the CEO of the Tech Writers Bureau, a group of professional journalists who craft thought leadership projects for government and private organizations.
He has twice been awarded Jessie H. Neal gold medals for excellence in business journalism as well as numerous national awards for journalism by the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
Contributing Editor,
FedInsider
