2026 AI Educator Summer Institute

Justin Young, an SCGSSM 2003 alumnus, is Director of Investments at MEMCO, where he helps nonprofit institutions build resilient portfolios and evaluate investment opportunities across public and private markets. A former GSSM student and graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College, Justin brings a practical, curiosity-driven perspective to using technology in intellectually rigorous environments. His professional background includes roles as a research analyst at Bridgewater Associates and Director of Portable Alpha at the South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission. While not an AI specialist by training, he has become a daily power user of AI tools for writing, research, analysis, brainstorming, presentation development, and workflow improvement. His session focuses on how non-technical professionals and educators can use AI as a tireless thought partner and productivity multiplier. Justin is especially interested in helping people move from curiosity to practical adoption by building an “AI First” mindset—knowing when to turn to AI, how to ask better questions, and how to apply human judgment.