Join us for HSU Pub Fridays, Where Everyone Cheers You On
Topic: From Zero-to-AI Product Demo and Activity, by Stehen Darlow and Derek Mitchell
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Place: HSU Innovation Institute South, 709 Anchors St., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Sponsored by:
HSU Pub Fridays are informal, no cost social gatherings of STEM professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and imagineers. Attendees will be offered beer, food, and fun all while learning something new! We love to have you join us because it is not just about having great ideas, but about making great ideas happen!
Food and networking will be held before the presentation.
About the speakers:
Steve Darlow is an AI educator, technologist, and founder of Automated AI Solutions LLC. With a decade of military service as a U.S. Navy Aircrew Crew Chief and instructor, followed by careers in law enforcement and education, Steve brings a unique perspective to making complex technology accessible to everyone. Most recently, Steve taught Florida’s first high school AI course at Santa Rosa Online and served as an Instructional Technology Trainer for Santa Rosa County Schools, where he helped educators integrate cutting-edge tools into their classrooms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in IT Management (Summa Cum Laude), along with certifications in network administration, project management, and is an Apple Learning Coach. Steve is passionate about democratizing AI—showing everyday people how to harness these powerful tools to solve real problems, automate tedious tasks, and unlock their creative potential. When he’s not teaching, he’s exploring how AI and robotics can unlock future-ready skills for this uncertain, yet exciting future!
Derek Mitchell is a Director, Designer, and Engineer of Data Infrastructure for the Department of War (DoW), where he designs and oversees mission-critical data, communications, and power systems supporting high-availability operations. With a background in telecommunications project management, data center design, network infrastructure, and electrical systems, Derek is a subject matter expert with deep knowledge of current technologies, codes, and industry standards. He holds professional credentials including RCDD and CCNA. In addition to his government role, Derek serves as CTO and Co-Founder of Automated AI Solutions, where he applies automation and AI to modern infrastructure challenges. He is passionate about STEM education and inspiring students to see how engineering skills translate into real-world impact.