Claire Kennedy
Fall 2023 SAFE Fund Recipient
Project: "AI Study Buddy - An Application of ChatGPT"
Claire Kennedy, a senior religious studies major from Durham, received a Fall 2023 Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) grant to present her research at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX, from November 18-21, 2023.
Kennedy's research—advised by Department of Philosophy and Religion professor Dr. Randall Reed—seeks to reshape academia's negative thoughts about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in school. Kennedy explained, "With the advent of ChatGPT, many in academia have expressed a great deal of concern about ChatGPT. We are of the opinion that, in fact, ChatGPT will require a revision of pedagogy in higher education, but we do not believe that such would be a bad thing. In fact, it is our argument that properly constrained and employed, AI can be an educational benefit to students. We attempted, with the use of ChatGPT, to incorporate an AI Study-Buddy into a classroom setting."
Kennedy and Dr. Reed co-presented their project at the conference. After the presentation, an attendee invited them to include their research in the next edition of his book. "It's currently in the publication process with our paper as one of the chapters; without this conference, I wouldn't be a published undergraduate," shared Kennedy.
The SAFE funding helped cover Kennedy's travel, accommodation and meal costs, enabling her to focus on presenting her research and networking with professionals. "I believe that professional academic experiences make a phenomenal contribution to students' undergraduate experience," wrote Kennedy. "Attending this conference allowed me to engage in amazing conversations with experts across the field I am committed to spending my life participating in."
Kennedy is currently applying to graduate schools with the hopes of earning her master’s degree in theological studies, and eventually her Ph.D.
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About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Department of Philosophy and Religion
The Department of Philosophy and Religion invites students to explore the world, examine beliefs, understand a diversity of worldviews, and challenge the ideas and values that instruct our lives. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, as well as a minor in both of these areas. Learn more at philrel.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
November 4, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
Claire Kennedy is a senior religious studies major from Durham. Photo submitted
Claire Kennedy is a senior religious studies major from Durham. Photo submitted