A Mason Man Helps Make Up The Trio Of UC Students Chosen To Help Local Firm Investigate AI Companies

Press Release from the University of Cincinnati

MASON, OH --Daniel Vennemeyer, from Mason, Oh and a second year student at UC, is one of the three students selected to help Cincinnati Insurance Co. find a business to hire that could detect insurance fraud through the use of artificial intelligence. 

Cincinnati Insurance wanted to discover companies that could provide AI capabilities without the need for a lot of manpower or time spent integrating the technology into the company’s existing infrastructure. To vet potential options, including well-known companies and emerging startups, Cincinnati Insurance turned to the NEXT Innovation Scholars (NIS) at UC.

NIS is a highly selective, cohort-based scholarship program that builds on and supplements students’ traditional discipline-based degree programs. Carl Labanz, manager of process innovation for venture capital firm CincyTech, selected the three NIS candidates and acted as an intermediary between them and Cincinnati Insurance.

Drawing on their unique talents and varied backgrounds...

• Daniel Vennemeyer, a computer science, economics and mathematics student who also is pursuing a master’s degree in AI through UC’s ACCEND program
• Sophia Lammi, a fashion design and French dual degree student with a fascination for innovation;
• Yatra Patel, a medical sciences student who is passionate about research; were the three students chosen for each brought unique perspectives to the project.

“We all approached things from a very different angle. Each of our backgrounds really contributed to how we approached it,” said Vennemeyer.

From the beginning, Lammi and Patel looked to Vennemeyer for guidance, given his work toward an advanced degree in AI, while they both had limited experience in the subject. Vennemeyer also had some experience in insurance as he previously had two co-ops with Great American Insurance Group.

“I did appreciate the ability to make a real difference and make things happen that aren’t just turned in and forgotten at the end of the semester,” Vennemeyer said. “And it is good that it shows you the realities of what it's like to work in different roles.”

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