Research Symposium


Keynote Speaker

Christina Gardner-McCune, PhD

Dr. Gardner-McCune is the Director of the Engaging Learning Lab and an Associate Professor of Computer & Information Science at the University of Florida.

Title: K to Gray AI Education: Considering the Early Frontier and Envisioning the Next Frontier

Abstract: We are in an amazing place in history. We have the opportunity and privilege to shape AI Education as early as kindergarten through the current professional workforce. I am not talking about ChatGPT or making teaching and learning more efficient. AI in education is important and has a long and rich research base. Rather, I will share with you the history of the early frontiers in K-12 AI education (2017-present) and university-level adoption of AI Education for All. I will share examples and frameworks from K-12 AI Education, Undergraduate CS & general education. In particular, I will share resources, lessons learned, barriers, and opportunities for developing the AI expertise of K-12 and university students, faculty, and administrators. I will highlight the catalysts, shifts in direction, momentum, and the precipice that we now stand on as we consider open questions in practice and research that need to be addressed in the next frontier. If the early frontier was about early adopters and proofs of concepts, the next frontier is about shaping the next generation of professionals, faculty, and administrators to grab a hold of these technologies and skills and envision lifelong AI learning at personal, communal, and professional levels.


Scope and purpose of the event

  • Provide a forum where both faculty and students from colleges and universities across the region can interact to discuss and share information regarding their research, scholarly and/or creative endeavors.
  • Provide a forum where students can experience a professional conference. To present at the symposium an online application and a 250 – 400 word abstract must be submitted for review by the Symposium Program Committee (see call for participation). Abstracts accepted for presentation at the event are published in an online conference proceedings (see past programs and proceedings link below).
  • Provide a forum where high school students can interact with college-level faculty and students, and learn about the types of research and scholarship being pursued across the region.
  • Provide a forum where business and community leaders throughout the Upstate can interact with faculty and students, and learn about the types of research and scholarship being pursued across the region. 
  • Provide interactive workshops that educate Upstate students, faculty, and community representatives about important aspects of research and scholarship.
  • For more information about the event, contact Dr. Joshua Ruppel, symposium chair.

Take a look back at the 19th Annual SC Upstate Research Symposium.