CDC’s Travis Hoppe on advancing AI fluency across the agency

Travis Hoppe, Acting Chief AI Officer at the CDC, discussed the agency’s use of AI to improve decision-making. The CDC has been developing machine learning models for years and is now focusing on data modernization with the One CDC Data Platform. Key AI applications include Tower Scout, an image recognition program for identifying cooling towers during Legionnaires’ outbreaks, and Flu Scout for predicting flu hotspots. Hoppe emphasized the CDC’s commitment to the President’s AI Action Plan, implementing AI fluency across staff, and establishing governance through AI community practices, model cards and system cards to ensure security and trust.