Discovering and applying new and innovative economic development tools, models, policies, and programs
Creating Jobs and Wealth in Distressed Michigan Communities
Co-Learning Plan - 2025
Authors: Dr. Phillip Olla
This project aims to provide residents of Zone 8 in Detroit with AI literacy and skills to improve their job prospects and economic stability. In partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy and Mama Akua Community House (MACH), the initiative seeks to deliver practical, neighborhood-based training on AI tools and applications, focusing on areas like sales, marketing, and content creation.
The goal is to help residents, including small business owners and workers, use AI to streamline tasks and improve efficiency, making them more competitive in today’s workforce. The project will engage participants through micro-learning modules and workshops with training developed in collaboration with local residents to ensure it meets their needs. The program also includes plans to create an “AI Upskilling Toolkit” to support scalability and share best practices with other communities. The ultimate goal is to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce while supporting Detroit’s economic development priorities.
Dr. Phillip Olla, an associate professor at University of Detroit Mercy and CEO of Audacia Bioscience, possesses a remarkable track record in both academia and industry. With extensive experience in leadership and project management, Dr. Olla has established himself as a sought-after global speaker. He has authored seven books and more than 60 scholarly publications, showcasing his profound expertise in healthcare innovation, artificial and medical informatics.
With a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Brunel University, United Kingdom, Dr. Olla combines academic prowess with more than 20 years of experience across various sectors. His contributions within the digital health arena have been acknowledged internationally, exemplified by his invitation to speak at a United Nations Summit in 2010. Notably, his professional journey includes collaborations with industry giants like Oracle, O2, IBM, Roche Diagnostics, Morgan Stanley and British Telecom.
Dr. Olla's contributions to breathonomics are particularly noteworthy. His published research in this domain has established him as a leader in understanding the complex interplay of breath components and their potential applications in medical diagnostics. His dedication to multi-modal breath analysis research reinforces his role as a trailblazer in merging technology and healthcare.
Overall, Dr. Olla's expertise in multi-modal breath analysis, coupled with his remarkable accomplishments in academia and industry, positions him as a driving force in advancing medical research and healthcare innovation.