SC State Students Excel at AI Conference Hosted by MIT and Harvard

Four students from South Carolina State University, Tellajah Jon'Nae Chalk, Dierra Jasmine Haynes, Keshawn Jamal Burns, and Joshua Jiles Taylor, showcased their expertise in computer science and cybersecurity at a national artificial intelligence (AI) conference held at Harvard University and MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event, themed "AI & Education: Inclusive Innovation for Student Success," provided a platform for the students to engage with industry leaders and peers while exploring the evolving landscape of AI in education.

These SC State students, selected to attend the conference, had the opportunity to discuss AI's emerging capabilities and the ethical standards crucial for its responsible use. The gathering emphasized the significance of inclusivity and innovation in harnessing AI for student success.

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President Alexander Conyers commended the students, stating, “Ms. Chalk, Ms. Haynes, Mr. Burns, and Mr. Taylor represented the power of an SC State education at a national level during this conference. They certainly made us proud beyond measure.”

SC State University holds the distinction of being designated as an Academic Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Dr. Nikunja Swain, Chair of SC State’s Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, leads the program.

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The students' participation in the conference was facilitated by SC State’s Enrollment Management Division through its partnership with Ed Advancement. Dr. Manicia Finch, Vice President for Enrollment Management, advocated for the students' involvement, recognizing the importance of their representation at the national level.

The conference delved into the transformative potential of generative AI in teaching, learning, student support, and career access. It also addressed critical topics such as mitigating bias, ensuring access, and navigating governance challenges in the application of AI in education.

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President Conyers contributed to a panel discussion at the MIT Innovation Headquarters, sharing insights on building tech readiness for AI-enabled insights in higher education. The panel explored the parallels between global adoption of cell phones and the potential for higher education to leverage AI for student support technologies.

Sponsored by Ed Advancement in collaboration with leading institutions, including Harvard Graduate School of Education and MIT Media Lab, the conference facilitated meaningful networking opportunities for SC State students with AI industry leaders and fellow students on a national stage.