Discussions about the benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) are everywhere right now, and college campuses are grappling with how to address the rise of chat-based AI software like ChatGPT. At this year’s Student Showcase, several research projects related to machine learning and AI will be on display. The Student Showcase is a celebration of the creativity, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and artistic performance of Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College students at both the undergraduate and graduate level. This year will mark the 14th anniversary of the event and there will be 377 sessions, a near record number. Those curious to learn more about how students in the Computer Science Program are working with cutting-edge AI technologies are invited to come learn about their work and ask questions during one of the many sessions focused on AI.
One of these groups, comprised of CMU computer science students Sullivan Frazier, Zackary Mason and Axel Garces, is going “under the hood” to develop their own machine learning software program as well as experimenting to make the popular ChatGPT chatbot platform more user friendly and approachable. A chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversation and allows humans to engage with digital devices as if they were speaking with a real person.
Working from the premise that many people find AI intimidating, this group has collaborated to build an interactive web application that allows users to customize the characteristics of the chatbot they interact with. For example, you can choose to have your chatbot assume the characteristics, speech patterns and knowledge of Yoda from Star Wars. In addition to making the chatbot experience more playful and fun, this feature can also allow users to select a chatbot based on their personal language and culture preferences allowing for a chatbot experience that reflects the individual using it.
Through their work the group has grappled with some of the deeper issues that AI presents. Mason explained, “machine learning has been around since the 90s, but now we have the computing power to make products that people find useful and it’s not behind closed doors anymore. ChatGPT isn’t creating new things, but it is quickly and accurately sorting through the huge repository of human knowledge that people have put into it, which is something new.”
The team is specifically concerned about AI applications in which the programs are forced to make tough decisions where serious tradeoffs have to be considered. They believe that AI is great at collecting and organizing data, but the group argues there still needs to be a human element when the stakes are so high. “Sometimes you need an ethical line, you need a moral line, you need a human with a heartbeat making those big decisions,” said Frazier. Mason agreed, “I don’t think AI is going to take all our jobs, but we need to find the balance between humans and technology.” The group is excited about the future of computer science, and they are optimistic that humanity will be resilient in the face of the changes and challenges that AI presents.
Frazier is excited to present their research and bring this discussion to the larger CMU community at the Student Showcase. “Sometimes it feels like I’m a bit cooped up in Confluence Hall in my daily life. I don’t talk to a lot of people outside of computer science, and a lot of people don’t have a clue as to what we’re doing and what’s going on in here. Going to showcase allows people to come see what you’re up to and you get to learn about things happening in totally different fields,” said Frazier.
Frazier, Mason and Garces’ group received guidance and support from their faculty mentor Associate Professor of Computer Science and Co-Director of Cyber Security Center Ram Basnet, PhD. Basnet, along with other CMU computer science faculty, is looking to expand the AI program offerings in coming years and the department currently offers professional certificates in cybersecurity, data science and web application development for students pursuing a degree in computer science.
This year’s Student Showcase will kick off at 12pm on Friday, Apr. 28 at the Love Recital Hall in the Moss Performing Arts Center. Presentations, performances, demonstrations and exhibits will then take place throughout the day across campus. The day will wrap up with a celebration event at 4:30pm in the University Center Meyer Ballroom.
This event is free and open to the public and more information about this year’s sessions and parking details are available on the Student Showcase website.