Integrating AI with a Focus on Security and Reliability: Spotlight on FSU’s Derek Kooi​

Throughout his 11-year career with Florida State University’s Information Technology Services, Derek Kooi has worn many hats. Today, he serves on the Integrated Communications team as an emerging technology developer. In his role, Derek researches and implements innovative technologies to enhance communication strategies and develop new tools for the FSU community. He has also played a significant role in the integration and promotion of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the university.

Derek’s interest in AI began during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for a personal assistant-like device increased due to remote work. “With AI, there is a lot to be excited about. To me, it feels like the next technological revolution,” Derek states. He recalls the 1990s when the Internet was first introduced, and people were unsure how to use it efficiently. But, over time, they adapted and found ways to use it and make it a part of their everyday lives. In Derek’s mind, AI is following a similar path — while it may seem confusing now, the world will embrace it in years to come.

"AI is the tool in your tool belt. It cannot work without you, but it can help supplement your productivity and workflow. In a world where people are moving fast and want things immediately, AI can help expedite these processes."

To help the community understand AI, Derek has been conducting AI presentations to FSU staff. His sessions cover what AI @ FSU offers, how staff can get started, best practices and practical ways AI can be used in both work and daily life, including security-related considerations. However, Derek’s passion project at FSU—Microsoft Copilot—includes data protections to safeguard FSU proprietary information. One of Derek's biggest projects using Microsoft Copilot was the Microsoft Copilot for M365 Integration. As part of this program, different Microsoft applications can communicate effortlessly, allowing users to use AI-powered help across multiple platforms. For example, staff can use Voice-to-Text in OneNote to put pesky thoughts to paper and use Copilot to summarize and prepare action items, helping to immediately alleviate pending stress. Copilot for M365 can then use these notes in other Microsoft applications to help get you started and skip the blank page.

“AI is the tool in your tool belt," says Derek. "It cannot work without you, but it can help supplement your productivity and workflow. In a world where people are moving fast and want things immediately, AI can help expedite these processes.”

While Derek understands the hesitancy around AI, he emphasizes that programs like Microsoft Copilot will always need human intervention. The human eye understands how to process information, refine outputs, and finalize the product. As AI continues to evolve, Derek acknowledges that AI is a battleground and a fight to the top with many new AI programs emerging every year. Because of this rapid growth, he stresses the importance of using AI responsibly—being mindful of what data is shared and who has access to it. He urges those working with FSU data to use Microsoft Copilot for AI-generated content to ensure security and reliability. Derek believes that AI is the future of technology and is excited to continue working on AI-related technologies for the FSU community.

Derek Kooi demonstrates AI image generators to children of ITS staffers during the 2024 Take Your Child to Work Day.