The division of Finance have identified several AI/Data Analytics projects aimed at automating/optimizing its operation within three units:
- Performing Arts Center
- Human Resources
- Campus Facilities
Three Computer Science faculty members, Dr. Elham Buxton, Dr. Sunshin Lee and Dr. Yanhui Guo together with a faculty member from Mathematical Sciences, Dr. Liang Kong, will recruit and mentor Computer Science and Data Analytics graduate and undergraduate students for these AI projects.
The project for performing art center is aimed at utilizing a large dataset of past customer ticket purchases to identify individuals most likely to purchase a ticket to a new event. The Human Resources project is seeking to use state-of-the-art generative large language models to create a chatbot that can streamline responses to common HR inquires. The project with campus facilities will explore how AI can analyze work order data to generate reports and develop a machine learning model to use historical work order data to predict when an equipment might require maintenance.
UIS Impact
The project’s impact on UIS is multi-faceted:
- If successful, these projects can lead to operation cost saving for campus facilities, improved HR productivity, and increased revenue for performing Arts Center
- These projects will increase student engagement and provide valuable opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to gain real-world experience ,enhancing their CVs and marketability.
- These projects will increase UIS visibility in Artificial Intelligence. With the rise of generative AI and increasing public awareness , UIS has started an AI initiative this summer to investigate the ways in which university can incorporate AI in teaching , research and community outreach. We believe that the AI projects with division of finance alights with this UIS initiative.
- Once developed, these AI pipelines can be utilized to optimize operations across the entire campus. For instance, the performing arts AI pipeline can be re-purposed for targeted student recruitment and outreach in collaboration with the office of Admissions , while the HR chatbot could be repurposed to assist advisors with common advising inquiries and course planning.
Who would be involved? (list names/roles/units)*
Dr. Elham Buxton, Associate Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Sunshin Lee, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Yanhui Guo, Associate Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Liang Kong, Associate Professor fo Mathematicla Science
Dr. Kenneth Kriz, Interim Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration
Brian Rives, Director of Performing Art Services
Melissa Mlynski, Associate Vice chancellor of HR
Chuck Coderko · Director of Construction, University of Illinois-Springfield
10 graduate and undergraduate students
Timeline
The timeline for these projects will vary. While some projects may be concluded within a year, other projects may need more time to complete. Estimating the timeline at this point is challenging as it depends on factors such as the complexity and quality of data, as well as the technical skills of the students assigned to these projects.