In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Daiju Hoshino, a Gen AI Evangelist and Chair of the Biology Department at Tarrant County College. With over 15 years of teaching experience in Japan and the U.S., Hoshino brings a global perspective to the conversation around AI in education.

The episode explores Hoshino’s journey through Japan’s rigorous educational system and how that shaped his passion for student success. He recounts how milestones in AI—like Deep Blue’s victory in Go—sparked his curiosity, eventually leading him to experiment with generative AI tools in both personal and educational contexts.

Zach and Daiju delve into the tension many educators feel about integrating AI into classrooms. Hoshino acknowledges student skepticism around AI’s limitations but emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking skills through guided, ethical use of these tools. He calls for robust support structures to help faculty and students navigate the evolving AI landscape, especially in fields like English and history where adoption may be more cautious.

From cultural comparisons to practical advice, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on how AI can serve as a partner in education—when introduced with intention, curiosity, and care.