Catch Jessica Ghilani talking tech on KDKA every month

Each month, you can tune into KDKA and find Pitt-Greensburg’s Jessica Ghilani (pictured, second from right) discussing developing tech issues and current events, such as the uses and risks of artificial intelligence, practicing digital hygiene and keeping children safe online.

The associate professor of communication and Pitt Cyber affiliate scholar provides her expert opinion on “Talk Pittsburgh.” In the most recent segment, Ghilani shared insights into the use of AI in the film and television industry, including how consumer data and algorithms can predict which films will drive people to theaters and which films will thrive on streaming services.

“One of the things that stands out about this work is the degree to which teaching prepares me to do it,” Ghilani said. “Being able and ready to respond with insight to unexpected questions is something professors have to do all the time. Once I began thinking of it as an extension of work I already do, the nerves about being on TV lessened.”

Since 2018, Ghilani has delivered public lectures and workshops about information integrity, mis- and disinformation and digital media literacy across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Her TV appearances help her reach new audiences and promote her public outreach work.

“The audience attending those events has grown because of my appearances on the show,” said Ghilani. “People have told me they learned of the event when they saw me on ‘Talk Pittsburgh.’”

At Pitt-Greensburg, Ghilani focuses on media studies, particularly in the fields of propaganda, persuasion, digital culture and social media platforms. She was the first faculty member at the regional campus to receive an Innovation in Education Award from the Provost’s Advisory Council. She also presented to White House officials in the Office of Science and Technology Policy on algorithmic social media planforms and the spread of misinformation.

Keep an eye on “Talk Pittsburgh,” which airs weekdays at 3 p.m. on KDKA, for more of Ghilani’s “Tech Talk” segments. You can also hear from Ghilani throughout the summer as she hosts workshops on digital literacy and misinformation at varying Carnegie Library locations on June 25, July 24 and August 2. They are free, open to the public and require no registration.

Photography courtesy of Jessica Ghilani