WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks Launches AI Workshop To Prepare Workforce For Emerging Technologies (Photo) - 08/26/25

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities’ Cougar Tracks program will host a new professional development workshop to help regional professionals use artificial intelligence strategically and ethically in the workplace.

The Generative AI Essentials: Workplace Applications & Ethical Use workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Elson S. Floyd Building, Room 145, on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

The three-hour, in-person session will provide hands-on training in selecting AI tools, applying prompt engineering, addressing ethical considerations and creating organizational AI codes of conduct. Participants will also work directly with tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT.

“Tri-Cities is on the cusp of transformative growth,” said Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks. “As industries adopt AI, our workforce must be ready to use these tools and use them wisely. By building AI fluency, we strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.”

The workshop will be led by Neelam Chahlia, Ph.D., senior technical project manager at T-Mobile. Chahlia has extensive experience in software development, agile methodologies and large-scale technology implementation, including projects handling $5 billion to $6 billion in monthly transactions and global cybersecurity initiatives. A recipient of India’s National Young Scientist Award, she is also a frequent STEM keynote speaker and advocate for women in technology.

“AI is no longer a future skill, it’s a now skill,” Chahlia said. “Professionals who integrate AI strategically and ethically will be the ones driving innovation in the coming decade.”

The workshop is open to professionals in business, education, human resources, compliance, marketing, project management and other sectors. Registration is $149, with limited seats available.

Workshop details:

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to noon
• Location: WSU Tri-Cities, Elson S. Floyd Building, Room 145, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354
• Registration: Register here

About Cougar Tracks
Cougar Tracks is the continuing education and workforce training division of WSU Tri-Cities. The program develops responsive, industry-informed training that strengthens the regional workforce and supports economic growth.