Student Opportunities

This is a unique opportunity to conduct your own research on AI-related issues, have your work published, and potentially influence university policy. You'll investigate a topic you care about—like AI's role in academic integrity, accessibility, privacy, or how AI affects your major or future profession—and turn your findings into a publishable paper and policy recommendations for USF decision-makers.

You’ll gain skills in academic and professional research, writing, and oral presentation. You’ll also have the opportunity to make a real impact and to develop credentials for your resume that will distinguish you on the job market. 

• Choose your own research question related to AI at USF or in your field
• Conduct literature reviews and gather evidence with librarian and faculty support
• Write a policy brief and/or academic paper with guidance from faculty mentors
• Present your findings to the university AI Advisory Group
• Potentially present at academic conferences and publish your work in peer-reviewed journals

May 2026: Orientation meeting
June-August 2026: Research, writing, and regular check-ins 
September-November 2026: Present findings to university leadership, submit paper for publication/apply to academic conferences

• Gleeson Library: Research methodology and literature review help
• Rhetoric Faculty: One-on-one mentorship on policy writing, academic discourse, and argumentation
• Speaking Center: Presentation coaching for delivering findings
• Peer Coordinator: Regular check-ins and accountability support throughout the program
   

Any undergraduate student interested in AI's impact on education, your major, or your future career. No prior AI expertise required—just curiosity and commitment to the research process. We're looking for diverse perspectives from all disciplines.

In this pilot program stage, we have the funding for 4 fellowships. 
 

$400 stipend

Applications open May 2026. 

To apply, please fill out this short application form.

Questions? Contact Student Coordinator, Arianna Costello (afcostello@dons.usfca.edu) or Prof. Leigh Meredith (lmeredith@usfca.edu) for more information.