Faculty

Are tomorrow’s engineers ready to face AI’s ethical challenges?

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 19, 2024

A test version of a Roomba vacuum collects images of users in private situations.

Key Points: 
  • A test version of a Roomba vacuum collects images of users in private situations.
  • The general public depends on software engineers and computer scientists to ensure these technologies are created in a safe and ethical manner.
  • What’s more, some appear apathetic about the moral dilemmas their careers may bring – just as advances in AI intensify such dilemmas.

Aware, but unprepared

  • We asked students about their experiences with ethical challenges in engineering, their knowledge of ethical dilemmas in the field and how they would respond to scenarios in the future.
  • When asked, however, “Do you feel equipped to respond in concerning or unethical situations?” students often said no.
  • “Do YOU know who I’m supposed to go to?” Another was troubled by the lack of training: “I [would be] dealing with that with no experience.


Other researchers have similarly found that many engineering students do not feel satisfied with the ethics training they do receive. Common training usually emphasizes professional codes of conduct, rather than the complex socio-technical factors underlying ethical decision-making. Research suggests that even when presented with particular scenarios or case studies, engineering students often struggle to recognize ethical dilemmas.

‘A box to check off’

  • A study assessing undergraduate STEM curricula in the U.S. found that coverage of ethical issues varied greatly in terms of content, amount and how seriously it is presented.
  • Additionally, an analysis of academic literature about engineering education found that ethics is often considered nonessential training.
  • [Misusage] issues are not their concern.” One of us, Erin Cech, followed a cohort of 326 engineering students from four U.S. colleges.
  • Following them after they left college, we found that their concerns regarding ethics did not rebound once these new graduates entered the workforce.

Joining the work world

  • When engineers do receive ethics training as part of their degree, it seems to work.
  • Along with engineering professor Cynthia Finelli, we conducted a survey of over 500 employed engineers.
  • Over a quarter of these practicing engineers reported encountering a concerning ethical situation at work.
  • Yet approximately one-third said they have never received training in public welfare – not during their education, and not during their career.


Elana Goldenkoff receives funding from National Science Foundation and Schmidt Futures. Erin A. Cech receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

Columbia president holds her own under congressional grilling over campus antisemitism that felled the leaders of Harvard and Penn

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024

Two of them resigned shortly thereafter.

Key Points: 
  • Two of them resigned shortly thereafter.
  • Here, Lynn Greenky, a scholar of communication and rhetoric, gives her take on how Shafik handled being in the same hot seat as her colleagues.

How did today’s hearing differ from the one on Dec. 5?

  • Of course, they had the benefit of being able to first see what happens when you don’t.
  • Shipman in particular made it clear that Columbia is suffering a “moral crisis” on its campus.
  • They even thanked the committee for the investigation and asked for the committee’s help to address antisemitism on campus.

What did committee members say about faculty?

  • Several members of the Congressional committee singled out Massad, who on Oct. 8, 2023, described the Hamas attack on Israel as “awesome” and “innovative” in an online article, for particular scorn.
  • The committee’s chairperson, Virginia Foxx, a Republican from West Virginia, warned that radical faculty remain a huge problem at Columbia.
  • If not, she says, Columbia will be brought before the committee again.

Was there any conflict over what is hate speech?

  • Shafik seemed reluctant to label students or faculty as engaging in hate and harassment.
  • She tried very hard, sometimes unsuccessfully, to assert the need to balance constitutionally protected speech with the educational mission of the university.
  • Still, Shafik frequently testified that the policies and structures in place at Columbia prior to the Oct. 7 attack were inadequate.

What action did Shafik and her colleagues say they would take?

  • They said they are working on revising policies and practices that will promote vigorous debate while protecting student safety.
  • As a result of some of the preliminary recommendations of Columbia’s Task Force on Antisemitism, the university has updated the reporting and response process regarding harassment and discrimination.

How will all this affect free speech on campus?

  • Certainly, a college or university has a compelling interest in protecting its students, faculty and staff’s freedom, safety and integrity.
  • Often, when colleges and universities undertake the task, I believe it is the freedom to speak one’s mind that suffers.


Lynn Greenky does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

GBSB Global Business School Announces the Appointment of the New Head of Institution and President

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 21, 2024

Dr. Wiktor Patena assumes the executive leadership of GBSB Global, ushering in a new era of educational excellence

Key Points: 
  • Madrid, Spain--(Newsfile Corp. - March 21, 2024) - GBSB Global Business School (GBSB Global), a leading European and internationally accredited higher education institution, appoints Dr. Wiktor Patena to be the new Head of Institution and President.
  • To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
    "GBSB Global is recognized as one of the best business schools in Spain, Europe, and the world.
  • The prestigious 2024 QS Global MBA and Master's Rankings has highly rated several GBSB Global Business School programs, placing them among the top 10 in Spain and the top 250 worldwide.
  • Under the leadership of Wiktor Patena, GBSB Global Business School will continue to expand its academic offerings to international students through continuous programs innovation, entrepreneurship and Erasmus+ opportunities, and collaborations with universities worldwide.

SEC, NASAA, and Georgia Secretary of State to Host Investor Roundtables at University of North Georgia and Dalton State College

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Portions of the event will be webcast on the SEC website, and in-person public attendance is welcome.

Key Points: 
  • Portions of the event will be webcast on the SEC website, and in-person public attendance is welcome.
  • SEC Chair Gary Gensler, Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, Commissioner Mark Uyeda, and Commissioner Jaime Lizarraga will provide virtual remarks, and Commissioner Hester Peirce will attend in person.
  • I look forward to hearing from investors willing to share their diverse experiences,” said SEC Investor Advocate Cristina Martin Firvida.
  • Working together with our SEC colleagues and partners strengthens investor advocacy in Georgia.

DeepGlint Igniting AI Aspirations amongst Malaysian New Generation

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 25, 2024

DeepGlint, a frontrunner in AI, computer vision, and big data analysis, showcased the Group's innovative solutions across various domains, including the metaverse, intelligent sports, and traffic management.

Key Points: 
  • DeepGlint, a frontrunner in AI, computer vision, and big data analysis, showcased the Group's innovative solutions across various domains, including the metaverse, intelligent sports, and traffic management.
  • The event marked a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia's foothold in the global AI landscape, aligning with Malaysia's vision for greater talent exchange with China.
  • In a pivotal move, DeepGlint also announced the cooperation with a Malaysian AI company, DeepCore Sdn.
  • Mr. Zhao Yong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DeepGlint said, "We are pleased to see so many talents in Malaysia.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Georgia State’s Graduate Information Systems Program Among Nation’s 10 Best Programs and Part-time MBA in National Top 30

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Georgia State’s part-time MBA is 28th nationally and 17th among public university programs.

Key Points: 
  • Georgia State’s part-time MBA is 28th nationally and 17th among public university programs.
  • The university’s graduate program in computer information systems (CIS) is 10th nationally and 7th among public university programs.
  • in CIS, and embedding more experiential learning opportunities,” said Richard Phillips, dean of the Robinson College of Business.
  • Specialty rankings for graduate programs in computer information systems are based on ratings provided by business school deans and directors of AACSB-accredited MBA programs.

Tulsa Welding School Celebrates 75 Years of Excellence in Training Skilled Trades Professionals

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Tulsa, Okla., April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tulsa Welding School (TWS) is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a leading educator providing training for those pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

Key Points: 
  • Tulsa, Okla., April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tulsa Welding School (TWS) is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a leading educator providing training for those pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
  • What began as a singular welding school opened by two ambitious pipeline welders, is now a multi-campus, multi-program institution offering training in multiple skilled trades.
  • “It’s been such an honor to be a part of Tulsa Welding School’s remarkable journey over the past 75 years,” said Shalisa Powell, campus president of Tulsa Welding School.
  • For more information on Tulsa Welding School and its program offerings, visit www.tws.edu .

NJIT Aims to Be an Innovation Nexus Under Its New Strategic Plan

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

The plan, NJIT Makes An Innovation Nexus, identifies six priorities, spells out the university’s mission to be a leader in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and reaffirms its core values, including collaboration, social responsibility, diversity and sustainability.

Key Points: 
  • The plan, NJIT Makes An Innovation Nexus, identifies six priorities, spells out the university’s mission to be a leader in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and reaffirms its core values, including collaboration, social responsibility, diversity and sustainability.
  • At the same time, NJIT will focus on creating a holistic campus environment and helping graduates realize their career goals.
  • “Innovation is at the core of what we do,” NJIT President Teik C. Lim said.
  • Another key player here is the New Jersey Innovation Institute, an NJIT corporation that turns great ideas into new businesses.

UNCF Institute for Capacity Building Announces Recipients of 2023-2024 Faculty Research Mini-Grant Programs

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024

ATLANTA, G.A., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCF’s (United Negro College Fund) Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 Faculty Research Mini-Grant programs, sponsored by Kroger, Lightcast and Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property.

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, G.A., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCF’s (United Negro College Fund) Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 Faculty Research Mini-Grant programs, sponsored by Kroger, Lightcast and Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property.
  • These mini-grant opportunities were presented at the UNCF UNITE 2023 conference, marking a significant step towards fostering faculty research, professional development and strategic partnerships.
  • This investment by Kroger/UNCF will support research and capacity building efforts to investigate its root causes and propose interventions.
  • If you are interested in sponsoring a faculty research mini-grant for the 2024-2025 program, go to UNCFunite.org .

Arun Rai Honored as 2024 AACSB Influential Leader

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Georgia State’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business announces that Arun Rai is one of 22 business school faculty honored by AACSB International (AACSB)—the world’s largest business education alliance—as part of its Class of 2024 Influential Leaders .

Key Points: 
  • Atlanta, Georgia, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Georgia State’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business announces that Arun Rai is one of 22 business school faculty honored by AACSB International (AACSB)—the world’s largest business education alliance—as part of its Class of 2024 Influential Leaders .
  • Rai is Regents’ Professor of the University System of Georgia and director of the Center for Digital Innovation at Robinson.
  • “This is a well-deserved honor for Arun to be recognized for the significant impact his research has had on business and society.
  • “Arun Rai’s work demonstrates the potential of business school research to address some of today’s most critical challenges,” said Lily Bi, AACSB president and CEO.