AI is reshaping our world, and most of us have no idea what’s powering it, what it costs, or what it means for our water and our neighborhoods. This free panel cuts through the noise with experts, data, and real solutions in development.
This panel is built around 3 questions: What solutions are needed? What can responsible data center development look like? and Whats in development?
Join us at USC’s Michelson Center (MCB 101) for a free evening panel built for anyone curious about AI, energy, water, and what it all means for our city, whether you’re a student, a neighbor, a policy advocate, or just someone who has always wondered about potential energy impact and solutions. A virtual option to attend via Zoom will also be available.
What you’ll leave with:
A clear understanding of what data centers are, what’s driving the growth across California and nationally, and what’s actually at stake for communities.
What the research shows about energy and water use — including how grid upgrade costs get allocated and what ratepayer protections are on the table, and where the gaps still are.
A look at the engineering solutions in development that could change the cost and resource equation.
What questions to ask and what to watch for as this infrastructure expands in your region.
Featured Panelists:
Kelly T. Sanders, PhD — USC | Energy systems, grid resilience & policy advisor.
David Tearse, Founder — Karman Industries | CO₂-based rocket-tech cooling technology for data centers (zero water, 30%+ efficiency gains).
Shaolei Ren, PhD — UC | Riverside AI energy & water footprint research.
+ Additional panelists to be announced.
Organized and hosted by Kyrstin Munson (@ThisisKyrstin) — LA-based energy educator, EV industry veteran (Tesla, Shell Recharge), and founder of Maximum Acceleration Consulting. Recognized for making complex energy and technology topics accessible to everyday audiences across TikTok and beyond, Kyrstin brings together leading experts and community voices to have the conversations LA needs.
Co-organized with the USC Association of Energy Engineers, who are hosting us at the Michelson Center — thank you to the AEE team for making this conversation possible on campus.
Free entry. No technical background required. Networking to follow.
