Speaking, Panels & Podcasts
On AI and ethical technology, XR and serious games, mental health and neurodiversity, and the innovation methods that move research into practice.
Available for keynotes, panels, workshops, and advisory sessions — in person or virtual. Drawing on federal research leadership at DARPA, the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Department of Education, and the American Psychological Association, along with current advisory work across AI, education, and autism.
Speaking Highlights
Recent talks, panels, and interviews.
AI Conversational Agents: Healthcare, Education & Nonprofits
TechEquity AI Summit panel exploring how conversational AI is transforming service delivery across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.
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AI Optimist Podcast with Skip Rizzo
Deep dive conversation exploring AI, autism, VR therapy innovation, and how breakthrough technologies scale through public service and strategic partnerships.
Watch InterviewUnited Nations: AutismTech 2025
Policy and innovation strategies for inclusive technology in global neurodiversity and disability ecosystems.
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Games for Change: Strategic Partnerships for Social Good
Moderating a panel on games for diabetes support and child motor therapy—how small teams create outsized impact.
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STEM 5.0: Advocating for ARPA-ED in EdTech
Scientific American panel on DARPA-style innovation for education technology, scaling impact for autism, AI, and game-based learning.
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SAFE Framework for Ethical AI in Education
Webinar discussing ethical frameworks for the use of AI in education, focusing on safety, accessibility, fairness, and equity.
Watch Webinar
Edge and Order: Regulating AI in Education
ASU+GSV panel on regulating AI in education, balancing innovation with student protection and ethical implementation.
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AI Policy Discussion: ASU GSV 2022
EdSAFE AI Alliance discussion on ethical AI, neuroscience, and future-ready education—focusing on trust, accessibility, and impact of games and VR.
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Psychology of eSports: APA Conference
Moderating an APA panel on neuroscience, games, and psychological health in eSports—highlighting VR and new learning models.
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Pandemics to Psychological Health: Serious Play
Talk on resilience, games for mental health, and adaptive virtual environments for learning—featuring lessons from Sesame Street.
Watch TalkSpeaking Topics
Keynotes and workshops for policymakers, educators, and innovators.
AI Policy & Innovation
- Ethical frameworks and regulatory approaches
- Evidence-based AI in education
- Balancing innovation with safety
AI Conversational Agents & Chatbots
- Virtual humans for mental health support
- Ethical design of chatbots for clinical and education settings
- Lessons from 17 years of DoD- and philanthropy-funded R&D
VR Therapy & Mental Health
- Immersive interventions for PTSD
- Anxiety and pain management
- Cognitive rehabilitation strategies
XR for Education & Mental Health
- Immersive learning environments and simulations
- VR, AR, and mixed reality for therapy and rehabilitation
- Evidence base and deployment pathways
Autism & Neurodiversity
- Inclusive technology design
- Next-generation AAC systems
- Policies for independence and lifelong outcomes
Military Psychology & Veteran Health
- PTSD, TBI, and psychological health research
- Technology adoption across VA and DoD
- Supporting service members, veterans, and families
Serious Games & Social Impact
- Game-based learning and simulation design
- Games for psychological health and rehabilitation
- Lessons from America's Army, Sesame Workshop, and Roblox partnerships
DARPA-Style Innovation
- Managing high-risk, high-reward R&D
- Moving research from the lab to deployed capability
- Government innovation pipelines
Federal & Philanthropic R&D Strategy
- Public-private collaborations
- Adapting ARPA methods for philanthropic funds
- Navigating cross-sector partnerships
Book Dr. Shilling for Your Event
Available for keynotes, panels, workshops, and advisory sessions — virtual or in person.