Event Date
Summary
This session examines the entire trajectory of AI adoption and the considerations along the journey. We will explore how to build a business use case, steer through the risk assessment processes, and vet external vendors or use existing available AI tools to accelerate AI implementation. If you require ADA accommodations to participate, please contact: [email protected].
Speakers
Shohreh Bozorgmehri, Director, Student and Academic Services, UC Irvine & AI Strategic Advisor, UC Investments·UCI
Shohreh is a technology executive and thought leader driving innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation across the University of California. She leads strategic initiatives, including AI, to advance data governance, modernization, and operational excellence. As Co-Chair of UC Investments’ AI Advisory Board, she guides responsible AI adoption to deliver sustainable value. At UC Irvine, she directs the Student and Academic Services division and oversees large-scale digital modernization initiatives that support the University’s academic and business missions while enhancing faculty and student experiences. Shohreh holds an MBA from the Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from UCLA.
Neeraj Chauhan, Chief Technology Officer
Neeraj Chauhan is Chief Technology Officer at UC Davis, where he leads enterprise technology for a top-tier research university, spanning data centers, networks, applications, identity, and digital services. He also oversees the university’s AI strategy, including Aggie AI, advancing the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across teaching, research, and operations. His work centers on large-scale, mission-critical technology environments, with a focus on infrastructure, cloud, and data platforms, as well as cybersecurity, service delivery, and operational excellence. He is known for aligning technology strategy with institutional priorities and enabling innovation at scale across complex organizations.
Pegah Parsi, Chief Privacy Officer·UCSD
Pegah is the inaugural Chief Privacy Officer at UC San Diego, leading privacy and data protection across research, education, and service. She champions data ethics and privacy as human rights and civil liberties, advancing approaches that go beyond compliance. She provides thought leadership on privacy values, ethical frameworks, governance, and AI. She oversees a portfolio of initiatives spanning employees, students, applicants, alumni, and research, and advises on AI and privacy laws, including GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA, PIPL, California statutes, and the Common Rule. Her work ranges from consultations on license plate readers and smart-device studies to uses of AI and predictive analytics for student success. Previously, she was a privacy manager at Stanford University, supporting medical studies and international collaborations. An attorney with an MBA, she serves as Of Counsel to XL Law & Consulting and consults for Secure Justice. She volunteers with #AfghanEvac and is a U.S. Army veteran and an honor graduate of Army truck driver school.
Brett Pollak, Executive Director, IT Services·UCSD
Brett Pollak is an Executive Director at IT Services, UC San Diego, where he leads enterprise technology services that support operations, digital enablement, and institutional transformation. His work helps advance TritonAI, UC San Diego’s shared AI ecosystem for service, instruction, and everyday campus work. TritonAI brings together secure infrastructure, task-specific assistants, embedded experiences, developer APIs, reusable tools, and emerging agent workflows so campus teams can build on governed infrastructure rather than starting from scratch. Brett’s focus includes aligning AI strategy, infrastructure, and service delivery to practical university needs, with an emphasis on responsible adoption, scalable platforms, and measurable operational impact across higher education.
Roshni Pratap, Director, IT Category Management | Interim Executive Director – Sourcing and Value Execution·UCOP
Roshni Pratap is Director of Category Management – Information Technology at UCOP, where she leads systemwide IT category strategy and sourcing across a portfolio exceeding $800 million. She also serves as Interim Executive Director of the UC systemwide Savings and Value Execution (SaVE) program, driving UC-wide procurement transformation and value realization initiatives across UC system. With over 25 years of experience in procurement and supply chain leadership, Roshni specializes in category management, strategic sourcing, contracting, and supplier strategy across complex, decentralized environments. Her work focuses on advancing procurement capabilities, shaping and influencing strategy, and aligning stakeholder priorities to drive measurable outcomes at scale. In addition, Roshni is a member of the UC Presidential Working Group on Artificial Intelligence Standing Council, contributing to systemwide efforts on responsible AI adoption, risk management, and governance. She brings a strong perspective on aligning procurement strategy with emerging technologies and UC’s priorities.