{"id":50278,"date":"2024-02-29T08:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-02-29T14:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/?p=50278"},"modified":"2025-05-13T09:41:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T14:41:48","slug":"tarleton-state-creates-institute-to-study-ai-implications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/tarleton-state-creates-institute-to-study-ai-implications\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarleton State Creates Institute to Study AI Implications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014\u00a0Tarleton State University\u2019s Department of Communication Studies\u00a0<\/a>is determined to remain at the forefront of technology with the newly formed International Artificial Intelligence and Communication Institute (IAICI), a gathering of scholars from multiple countries across the Americas representing a variety of academic disciplines and professions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students and industry fellows from the Texas Social Media Research Institute created IAICI to probe opportunities in the AI and communication field. It provides professional development webinars, conferences and research networking, in addition to a speakers bureau. Fresh research partnerships with other institutions are envisioned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAI, whether we like it or not, is trickling into our jobs, our daily lives, our schools \u2014 to not focus on it would be to turn a blind eye to something that is very clearly not just about to happen,\u201d said IAICI fellow Alba Zarate, a recent Tarleton State communication studies graduate. \u201cIt is happening now.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The institute helps rural populations prepare for the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRural areas should take a close look and focus on the technology advancements,\u201d said information technology major and IAICI undergraduate fellow Amber Tyler. \u201cAI can foster entrepreneurship and create new job opportunities. It can help streamline operations, improve product quality and reach broader markets.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial intelligence also has agricultural and ecological applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are advancements that will improve efficiency in farming, ranching and water conservation,\u201d said CareyLyn Ryan, an IAICI industry fellow. \u201cAI can help construct blueprints, take drone pictures and show adaptations, helping increase knowledge of the topography of the land.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The public is invited to join IAICI in its \u201cLiving with AI\u201d series most Tuesdays at noon on Zoom. Upcoming sessions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n