Advancements in AI research by University Scholars Program students

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is woven into the fabric of the University of Florida through pioneering AI education and research throughout every department. Through the University Scholars Program, Warrington students Megan Shein (BSAc ‘27) and Gabriella Puig (BSBA ‘26, BA ‘26) conducted their research projects exploring different effects of AI. 

Megan Shein

Aspiring to conduct research with artificial intelligence from a student’s perspective, Shein studied “Mnemonics and the Effect of Artificial Intelligence.” She discovered how artificial intelligence and authentic collaboration work in tandem to create mnemonic devices, which are memory tools that help people recall information, to enhance learning. Specifically, she found that: 

• Mnemonics created only by humans were preferred for personal connections, but AI-created ones were preferred since they were more time-efficient
• Creating mnemonics allowed students to gain a new perspective on the material
• Mnemonics for declarative knowledge (the “knowing-that” type of knowledge, which involves facts and details) were preferred for simple singular pieces of information, while mnemonics for process knowledge (the “know-how” of how to perform a specific skill or task) were preferred for multiple pieces of information that were connected

Alongside Senior Lecturer Megan Mocko, Shein examined groups of students completing exit tickets, a brief assessment that checks the students’ understanding of the material. These studies were given one of two treatments: creating mnemonics for an exam with or without generative AI. At the end of the semester, the students would complete a reflection of their experience. 

From this reflection, Shien and Mocko coded each response independently by breaking down each question and sentence. These codes were discussed and assessed to determine the role AI can play in education. 

“Artificial intelligence can play a valuable role in education, but it works best as a complement to student effort, not a replacement,” Shein said. “Students clearly valued both the efficiency of AI and the authentic connections that come from creating mnemonics with their peers. AI can be used to enhance learning, however it does not serve as a replacement to the traditional learning methods.”

Gabriella Puig

Puig’s study, “Leadership, A.I., and Corporate Culture: How generative A.I. is shaping ethical business leaders in the corporate environment both domestically and abroad,” used her dual degrees in International Studies and Management to examine how AI has shaped ethical leadership in the modern workplace. Alongside mentor Brian Ray, Puig proposed that servant leadership theory, a leadership model that prioritizes the needs and wellbeing of others, was the most effective ethical framework for AI-driven decision-making.

Puig focused on comparative analysis with facial recognition technology and developing an ethical evaluation of generative AI in corporate decision-making. With her research, she developed a framework of six grounding questions to ensure AI-guided decisions ensure employee inclusion, safeguard data, prevent bias and promote transparency. 

The questions are based on three criteria: internal stakeholder-centric decision-making, emphasis on ethical responsibility and flexibility to technological change. The questions include: 

1. Have employees been included in the conversations on how AI is being used when making decisions that directly impact them?
2. How often are internal AI algorithms assessed to check that the data used for decision-making is not explicitly biased against any type of employee or group? 
3. Are there ongoing learning initiatives for the entirety of the organization from the highest to lowest levels on responsible use of AI, transparency and best practices to promote ethical use of generative AI in the decision-making process? 

“My findings can be applied in practice by helping organizations, particularly human resources departments and corporate leadership teams, develop clear ethical guidelines for the integration of generative AI into internal decision-making,” Puig said. “While technological innovation will persist, organizations must ensure that it’s maintaining a balance between progress and ethical responsibility. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage organizations to treat ethics as a proactive strategy rather than a reactive fix.” 

This year, three students have been selected for the 2025-2026 University Scholars Program to work on various topics such as global and business standards, influencer marketing and AI to undergo extensive academic research. These students are required to commit 8-10 hours a week on their project with a final presentation and paper. These students will present their findings at the UF Undergraduate Research Symposium this spring.