At the University of Illinois Springfield, we're pioneering the integration and advocacy of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

It coordinates special interest groups aimed at harnessing AI's potential and addressing its challenges, creating strategic roadmaps for campus-wide initiatives. The committee also champions AI awareness within the university and the broader community, ensuring practices align with ethical guidelines and policies, with the goal of positioning UIS as a leader in the AI landscape.

AI Steering Committee Members

  • Vickie Cook 
  • Michelle Gribbins 
  • Layne Morsch 
  • Kara McElwrath (co-chair) 
  • Emily Boles – UofI system rep 
  • Jessica Baumberger (co-chair) 
  • Kathyy Battee-Freeman – Student Affairs  
  • Patti Piotrowski - Library 
  • College Faculty Reps: 
    • CPAE – Betsy Goulet 
    • CHST - Elham Buxton 
    • CBM - Xiaoqing Li 
    • CLASS – Miriam Wallace 

Interested in exploring and sharing your AI work, experience, or vision with the UIS community?

AI Interest Form

AI Special Interest Groups 

It's essential to ensure diverse representation across the special interest groups, involving experts from different disciplines and stakeholders from various departments within the institute. 

AI and Teaching

This special interest group can explore the impact of AI on education and how it can enhance teaching and learning. They can investigate AI-based adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, educational data anaThis special interest group can explore the impact of AI on education and how it can enhance teaching and learning. They can investigate AI-based adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, educational data analytics, and the ethical implications of using AI in educational settings. They can work on integrating AI into the institute's curriculum. They can identify relevant AI courses, develop interdisciplinary programs, and recommend AI-related topics to be included in existing programs across different disciplines.

Members: 

  • Layne Morsch - facilitator 
  • Sushin Lee 
  • Xiaoqing Li 
  • Russ Stoup 
  • Emily Boles 
  • Taylor Lester 
  • Stephanie Hedge 
  • Matthew Dearing

AI Ethics and Policy

AI raises important ethical and policy considerations. This special interest group can delve into the ethical implications of AI, ensuring responsible and fair AI deployment. They can develop guidelines and policies for UIS regarding data privacy, bias mitigation, algorithmic transparency, and the ethical use of AI. They can also develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ethical standards and data protection regulations. 

Members: 

  • Scott Moomaw - facilitator  
  • Jason Kosowski 
  • Sarah Collins 
  • Kim Hobby 
  • Lindsey Kurfman 
  • Neetu Singh 
  • Michele Gribbins 
  • Joan Sestak

AI Community Collaboration

This special interest group can foster partnerships and collaboration between UIS and organizations in the This special interest group can foster partnerships and collaboration between UIS and organizations in the community working in the AI domain. They can organize industry talks, internships, and mentorship programs, facilitating knowledge exchange and potential job opportunities for students interested in AI. They can organize seminars, workshops, and conferences on AI-related topics, invite guest speakers, and initiate AI-related community outreach programs. 

Members: 

  • Rob Kerr - facilitator 
  • Hei-Chi Chan 
  • Josh Smith 
  • Elham Buxton 
  • Joan Sestak 

AI Student Engagement

This special interest group can focus on engaging and involving students in AI-related activities. They can This group's focus is to engage and involve students in AI-related activities, catering to both developers and users. It offers workshops and provides access to tools to empower all students with the knowledge and skills to explore AI's practical applications. It promotes AI development through hackathons and coding competitions, providing opportunities for AI developers to innovate and showcase their skills. It also creates an interdisciplinary environment where students can explore AI's potential, fostering collaboration among AI enthusiasts. Additionally, we engage students in discussions on AI ethics and policy, ensuring that they comprehend and actively participate in shaping the societal implications of artificial intelligence.

Members: 

  • Paul Pinneo - facilitator 
  • Kathyy Battee-Freeman 
  • Prasad Chinwal 
  • Jessica Flynn
  • Jessica Baumberger