In Season 2 of “The Bear,” a digital clock prominently displays the phrase “Every Second Counts” in a Copenhagen kitchen. While it initially conveys urgency—every order and every movement holds significance—the series suggests a deeper meaning: it’s a call for mindfulness and intentionality.
This theme resonates with Kai Lukoff, a computer science professor at Santa Clara University, who has embarked on establishing his own “kitchen—” the AI Kitchen.
Launched this spring, the AI Kitchen initiative arises in response to the swiftly evolving tech landscape, aiming to decelerate the pace and provide students, faculty, and community members with hands-on experience in the AI tools that are reshaping various fields beyond computer science.
Alongside co-advisors, Professors Yi Fang and Sanjiv Das, Lukoff envisioned a space that embodies the communal, creative, and inclusive spirit of a kitchen. He believes everyone, regardless of major or background, should feel a connection to AI, just as they do with a kitchen.
“I wanted to ensure it transcends the typical tech bro space,” Lukoff remarked, referencing the inspiration drawn from Design Buddies, a vibrant 150,000-member online community founded by alumna Grace Ling ’19, MS ’21. After her graduation, Ling crafted this professional networking platform, infused with a warm and approachable design, successfully attracting a more diverse audience to the tech design realm.
Thus far, this approach has proven effective. Following an outreach effort by Studio Lead Tiffany Le ’28 and her team, who invited peers from over 140 courses, more than 100 participants attended the inaugural “Taste Test” session in April. This group included faculty from the English department and students across a variety of disciplines.
Taking place every Friday from 1-5:30 p.m. in Lucas 306, these drop-in sessions commence with a live tutorial led by an industry professional, faculty member, or fellow student, followed by open explorative time.
No grades, no applications—“No code required to cook,” as the website proudly claims.
In addition, the AI Kitchen offers a longer program titled “Slow Roasts,” whereby participants propose quarter-long AI projects, form interdisciplinary teams, and aim for the end-of-year Potluck Showcase. Lukoff envisions that some of these initiatives may evolve into start-ups or research endeavors across Santa Clara’s numerous labs, including his own.
The AI Kitchen launched shortly after Santa Clara announced the Cunningham Shoquist Center for Applied AI and Human Potential, adding to the array of innovative AI programs emerging on campus, ranging from the Responsible AI initiative to the student organization AI Collaborate.
Capitalizing on its Silicon Valley location, the response from the industry regarding the AI Kitchen has been overwhelmingly positive. Every professional invited by Lukoff to serve as a “guest chef” has enthusiastically accepted the invitation. The program has also successfully acquired $15,000 in funding from the University’s Regents, several of whom are eager to host their own Taste Tests later in the year.
“Many individuals within our community are deeply engaged with this, particularly on the industry side, where they are rapidly adopting these tools,” Lukoff observes. “I think they are excited about the opportunity to mentor the next generation in engaging with these technologies.”
Lukoff fully recognizes the pressing urgency from the industry. Following the winter quarter, he discovered that most of the slide decks from his previous software engineering classes had become outdated due to rapid advancements in AI, compelling him to discard them and start anew.
For Lukoff, postponing engagement until the dust settles is not an option. The AI Kitchen serves not only as a means to keep pace with the evolving job market and technology but also as a platform to diversify the voices participating in this technological evolution.
“People must engage hands-on with this technology so they don’t simply accept it as it comes but can instead influence its direction and discern the most responsible, effective ways to interact with it,” Lukoff emphasizes. “Even if someone is skeptical about AI, a foundational understanding of the possibilities is incredibly beneficial.”
Lukoff underscores the importance of diverse expertise in the AI Kitchen. For instance, a psychology student approaches AI-assisted interventions differently than an engineer, while a business major may identify workflow issues that a computer scientist might overlook. Bringing these minds together creates a “fusion cuisine” that none could have developed alone. This fusion is not just advantageous for learning; it benefits technology and the world at large.
“It’s about more than just AI,” Le adds. “It’s about fostering a community where we all can learn, stumble, and grow together.”
In “The Bear,” the clock is not a source of pressure; it serves as a poignant reminder: moments pass quickly. The critical question is whether one is truly present for them. At Santa Clara University, the kitchen is open and ready for all to explore.
