Joint Panel to Discuss Artificial Intelligence in Academia and Beyond

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Generate a Baroque-style image of a friendly blue robot drinking coffee. Create a press release about an upcoming Honors College panel discussion on artificial intelligence. Read, write, debate, move, touch, smell, see, speak, hear and understand. What began with neural networks and machine learning has evolved into generative artificial intelligence, or AI.

As AI continues to adapt and learn, the world is grappling with the morally murky minds of machines — like ChatGPT fabricating homework, Westworld-style nightmares of consciousness and challenges to personal data protection norms. 

Looking further past the uncanny valley, there are dreams of increased productivity, putting AI to work on solutions to climate change and using deep-learning algorithms to better screen patients for cancer. 

The Honors College and Academic Initiatives and Integrity unit will soon present a panel of faculty and staff experts across the colleges to unpack the evolving hopes and concerns for this disruptive technology in the next Pulse Panel discussion from 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, in the Honors Student Lounge.

Faculty and staff members who will be present to provide context and lead a question-and-answer session include:

• Chris Bryson, director of academic integrity 
• Daniel Conway, teaching professor of information systems and associate director of the Blockchain Center of Excellence  
• Jason Endacott, associate professor of secondary social studies education
• Chris Farnell, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science and associate director of the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission
• Laurence Hare, associate professor of history and director of undergraduate excellence and global engagement
• Laura Terry, associate professor of architecture 

Roland Liwag, director of social media strategy in University Relations, will serve as the moderator. 

Liwag will be assisted by Audrey Garner, Pierre Simonian and Hannah Warner, undergraduate students in the Academic Integrity Internship course. 

“Talk about AI has been everywhere the past year and the impact of this disruptor technology — along with the speed at which companies are implementing it — has been staggering,” said Liwag. “Should we be worried, or do we embrace a transformative future with AI by our side? This incredible panel will discuss the state of AI in 2024, the ethical considerations behind its development and use in the workplace and classrooms, how we could ‘future-proof’ ourselves and more.”

“AI is front and center in every aspect of our lives, from health to higher education to artistry,” said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. “Come to the first Honors College Pulse of the spring semester and receive a crash course in the world of AI — the pros and cons.” 

The Honors College Pulse discussion series began in 2016 and was named in remembrance of victims of the Pulse nightclub shootings. The discussions allow students to ask questions about current events and trends and learn holistically from varying interdisciplinary perspectives across campus. Panel discussions have featured conversations around affirmative action, the Dakota Access Pipeline Project, Roe v. Wade, the viral phenomenon of “Barbenheimer,” the legal ramifications and decisions related to hate crimes, ways to fight local hunger and poverty, as well as the war in Ukraine. 

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university’s top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students’ academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.