Google DeepMind scientist Alexander Turner will present an AI safety talk at the Bett STEAM Expo, engaging high‑school students with his research on aligning superintelligent systems. The session highlights Turner’s work on Attainable Utility Preservation, steering vectors, and mentorship programs that train the next generation of AI safety researchers, offering a rare glimpse into cutting‑edge AI ethics education.
Alexander Turner’s Journey from Bettendorf to Google DeepMind
Early Education and Academic Achievements
Turner grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa, attending local elementary and middle schools before graduating from Bettendorf High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Grinnell College and completed a Ph.D. in computer science at Oregon State University, where he proved 281 original mathematical theorems and published multiple papers at top machine‑learning conferences.
Research Focus on AI Safety and Alignment
After joining Google DeepMind’s scalable alignment team, Turner leads the ML Alignment Theory Scholars mentorship program. His research portfolio includes the development of Attainable Utility Preservation, a technique that trains AI systems to avoid unintended harmful accidents, and the formulation of “shard theory,” a mathematical framework for understanding AI goal formation. He also helped popularize “steering vectors,” a method for directing AI behavior.
What Students Will Learn at the Bett STEAM Expo
Key Topics: Attainable Utility Preservation and Steering Vectors
- Attainable Utility Preservation: How to design AI objectives that remain safe as capabilities grow.
- Steering Vectors: Practical tools for guiding AI behavior toward desired outcomes.
- Real‑world examples of AI alignment challenges and solutions.
Career Pathways in AI Research
Turner’s talk will showcase pathways from high‑school STEM courses to advanced AI research, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary skills, mentorship, and hands‑on project experience. Students will hear personal insights about transitioning from academia to industry and the importance of ethical responsibility in AI development.
Why the Bett STEAM Expo Matters for AI Education
- Connects global AI breakthroughs with local educational communities.
- Provides direct access to leading AI safety experts for K‑12 learners.
- Encourages early interest in AI ethics, alignment, and responsible innovation.
- Fosters collaborations between educators, industry professionals, and students.
