Ann Dunkin: Energy Department Pushing for Responsible AI Use

Ann Dunkin, chief information officer at the Department of Energy and a past Potomac Officers Club speaker, said the agency has measures in place for responsibly using artificial intelligence for internal operations.

In a Fed Gov Today interview, Dunkin shared that the department wants to make sure that employees can use AI and machine learning technologies in the best possible way to ensure that internal operations are improved. She also noted that a group within the agency created guidance for successfully using AI tools, including generative AI.

Dunkin also said the Energy Department is using the Discovery Zone, an AI sandbox to help staff understand the technology. Policies are also in place ensuring responsible AI use, Nextgov/FCW reported Monday.

The Energy Department has been integrating AI capabilities across its operations, including national laboratories.

In December, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory announced that it would integrate AI into its daily operations through the Center for AI @PNNL. The center is tasked with, among other things, using AI in autonomous experimentation and coordinating scientific research on science, security and energy resilience.