Dr. Ray Aria, Assistant Professor in UHD’s Department of Finance, Information Systems, Economics, and Risk Management, is making strides in AI-assisted blockchain research. Described by Aria as a paper ledger that is “not only digital but distributed,” blockchain allows a global network of users to maintain the integrity of record-keeping processes. One of the technology’s distinguishing features is its “consensus mechanism,” that in one case (Proof of Work for Bitcoin) requires “at least 50% plus one” of users to accept a suggested change. The most well-known use case for blockchain relates to cryptocurrency transactions, where the technology verifies user transactions without requiring oversight from a central authority.
By using both AI and blockchain in tandem, we can “create human values instead of economic values,” said Aria. With AI “taking over even white-collar jobs,” we need to account for how a lack of work will impact the ability of many to meet their basic needs. “When you work and you’re being productive, you’re not only earning money, but you’re also creating an atmosphere for yourself to keep yourself balanced,” Aria said. “When those jobs are eliminated, all those feelings of satisfaction go with them … So, what should we do? Human value creation.”
Aria believes society can prioritize human value creation through personal development, creating human connections, and a universal basic income. “You should be paid in—not in the current-day [economic] sense—but in a sense of value.”
As for how AI-assisted blockchain can work toward this goal, “AI requires reliable data in order to be effective,” Aria said. “If you have an AI model that is perfect in design, but you don’t have sufficient reliable data to train it on, it doesn’t work as expected.” Blockchain acts as a registry that could potentially hold reliable key data. For example, an individual’s credentials (e.g. degrees, passports, driver’s licenses, etc.) can be stored on a blockchain to be accessible by AI.
Aria is planning a Continuing Education blockchain course for fall 2027. “The fact is that blockchain applies to every single field that you can think of right now … The purpose of this course is to equip them with enough knowledge and skills to be able to use and apply the concepts in their own specific area.”