Event details
The Applied Workshop series, hosted by the Career Corner, provides a variety of training sessions that allow you to gain knowledge from highly qualified and experienced instructors, while also providing you with practical experience through real-world applications on each topic.
These sessions are a great opportunity for you to quickly acquire in-depth technical skills, and are exclusive to you as a University of Ottawa student. These extra-curricular workshops are offered at a reduced cost, making them an accessible way to invest in your future.
Practical AI: Becoming more efficient with AI
Places are limited, so act fast to reserve your spot!
In this 4-hour workshop, you will develop your ability to use generative AI for saving time, improving work results, and making your life easier while solving everyday challenges. Whether you are intimidated by AI or have never tried, have used various tools or are an adept user, this workshop will help you discover the great benefits provided by this new technology. Practical strategies will be provided, while ensuring that you are aware of current limitations.
February 25, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- $75 for the 4-hour workshop
About the workshop
Explore advanced uses of the most popular AI tools, including ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity, to help you succeed in your studies, in the workplace, or with your research. AI provides an outstanding opportunity to help you succeed in your projects. In this workshop, you will collaborate with your peers, taking into account best practices and limitations of AI, as you further develop your knowledge and skills. Key concepts in prompting will be explored, while advanced functionalities that help organize yourself, automate your tasks, and solve problems will be demonstrated, helping you create a highly useful personalized AI assistant.
About the Instructors
Mert Sehri
Lead Instructor / Workshop Creator
Mert Sehri is a final year PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ottawa, with a research focus on data collection for machinery components and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to machine signals and medical imaging diagnosis. His goal is to bridge the gap between engineers, data scientists, and computer scientists to allow the effective integration of AI into industry.
Throughout his PhD, he has published 10 journal papers, 8 conference papers, and 3 publicly available datasets, contributing to the fields of engineering and AI through high-impact venues. In parallel with his research, Mert and his team have been developing hands-on workshops through the AI Playground initiative to raise awareness of practical and educational applications of AI.
While many people believe they already know how to use large language models, these workshops demonstrate that there is much more to learn. The sessions are custom-tailored to attendees’ backgrounds and needs, ensuring relevant, practical, and accessible AI education for diverse audiences.
Niousha Khalilian
Instructor / Workshop Creator
Niousha Khalilian is a recent master’s graduate in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on developing AI algorithms to solve medical problems. She helps run the AI Playground alongside Mert, ensuring that each participant receives a custom-tailored learning experience based on their background and needs.
Karen Hakko
Instructor
Karen Hakko is a master’s student in Biomedical Engineering, focused on applying artificial intelligence to medical signals specifically ECG signals for the diagnosis of heart conditions. She also assists with the AI Playground workshops.
Efe Cakir
Instructor
Efe Cakir is a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, focused on utilizing artificial intelligence in machinery for feature analysis. He also assists with AI Playground workshops.
Audrey Ann Bleau-Brousseau
Instructor
Audrey Ann Bleau-Brousseau is a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, focused on roller coaster signal analysis using artificial intelligence. She also assists with the AI Playground workshops.
