In a recent session of the Academy Businesses, Organizations, and Society class, students were treated to a fascinating glimpse into the world of artificial intelligence and its global applications in finance, media and other industries by guest speakers Chloe Loughridge ’19 and Jacob Vinje, both accomplished professionals in the AI field.
Founded in 2004 by Punahou Trustee Mark Fukunaga ’74 and businessman Brian Barbata, the class offers students real-world business insights from seasoned professionals. Taught by Barbata and volunteer business professionals Scott Paul and Mark Loughridge, as well as Punahou’s Case Accelerator for Student Entrepreneurship faculty member Yolanda Lau ’98, each instructor brings substantial business and entrepreneurial experience in Hawai’i and beyond.
Machine learning research engineer Chloe Loughridge ‘19 is a rising star in the field of AI in entertainment. Her presentation offered students a glimpse into the exciting possibilities at the intersection of technology and creative industries — and the importance of thinking critically about ethics and how AI might change our world.
She shared about her current role at Irreverent Labs, a Seattle-based startup developing an AI model that creates video based on text prompts. The Harvard grad has also worked with Anthropic, the leading AI research company behind Claude AI; MIT’s Tegmark group; and MIT and Harvard’s joint Center for Brains Minds and Machines. She told the class how inspiration for her journey started at Punahou, where an idea for a machine learning and neural network project was inspired by Tom Gammarino’s Science Fiction class. This project ultimately helped her get into Harvard.
She shared about the importance of play and taking risks, the varying internships she’s had and how she’s enjoyed working in small startups because there’s more opportunity to learn. She explained how in some cases, she created her own internship instead of applying for existing ones. “Take advantage of the opportunities you have in front of you,” she emphasized, particularly the Punahou community that can provide valuable connections in almost any industry.
AI engineer Jacob Vinje brought a different perspective to the class, showcasing the application of AI in the world of finance. Vinje uses AI in financial analysis and investment strategies at the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund. The purpose of the fund is to invest the revenues from Norway’s oil and gas industry to benefit future generations, which, in turn, supports the country’s economy and its citizens. He discussed his entrepreneurial journey, starting in middle school, and provided insights into the role of sovereign wealth funds in global economics. Norway’s fund, which manages $1.7 trillion, is the fourth largest in the world.
Loughridge and Vinje’s visit gave students a unique opportunity to learn about the practical applications of AI in diverse fields. Their presentations not only showcased cutting-edge developments in technology but also highlighted the varied career paths available to those interested in AI, technology and entrepreneurship. The session also included discussions on the future of work in the AI era and AI’s ethical implications, with students like Chase Eveleth ‘25 receiving feedback on creative ideas, such as AI-generated investment strategies.
The visit from the AI professionals exemplifies the Case Accelerator’s mission to connect students with real-world business experiences through alumni and industry experts, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.