CY AI Scholar Program

Cultivating AI Expertise Within Individual Disciplines

AI is rapidly changing how we learn, conduct research, and work. But what AI means—and how it should be used—varies across disciplines.

The CY AI Scholar Program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to explore AI within their own field, guided by a faculty mentor. Scholars investigate how AI is being used in their discipline, identify opportunities and challenges, and share what they learn with their peers.

Open to undergraduate students and faculty mentors from any Iowa State University department or program. No prior AI expertise is required.

What Will Scholars Do?

Over two semesters, each Scholar will:

  • Research how AI is being used or could be used in their discipline.
  • Work with a faculty mentor to explore opportunities, challenges, and uses of AI.
  • Create materials to share what they learn.
  • Share their findings with at least five student peers in their department.
  • Present their work at the annual AI Student Research Symposium.

Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for approximately 120 hours of participation.

Faculty Mentors

  • Faculty mentors provide guidance from their disciplinary perspective and help Scholars connect AI to their field.
  • Mentors will meet with their Scholar approximately twice per month and participate in a monthly discussion with other participating faculty about AI and its impact on their disciplines.

Expected commitment: approximately 4 hours per month.

Why Participate?

  • Explore AI in your field. Investigate questions that matter to your discipline and future career.
  • Build research skills. Develop critical thinking, research, communication, and lifelong-learning skills for an AI-driven world.
  • Share your expertise. Help your peers and department better understand the opportunities and challenges of AI.
  • Connect across disciplines. Learn from students and faculty exploring AI from different perspectives.
  • Showcase your work. Present your findings at the AI Student Research Symposium.

Who Can Participate?

  • Undergraduate students and faculty mentors from any Iowa State University department or program.

You do not need to be an AI or computer science student. The program is designed to develop AI expertise within individual disciplines—from agriculture and engineering to the humanities, sciences, business, and beyond.

When & Where?

  • First cohort: Spring 2027
  • Program: Two semesters of research, mentoring, and peer engagement
  • November 2027 Symposium: Annual AI Student Research Symposium, organized by the Dependable Data Driven Discovery (D4) National Research Traineeship
  • Location: Iowa State University

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you are a student curious about AI's future in your field or a faculty member interested in mentoring the next generation of AI-capable professionals, we want to hear from you.

Step 1) Find your Advisor and Get Their Permission

Step 2) Complete the Registration Form (below).

  • (This is where you will submit your advisor permission letter.)

APPLY TO BECOME AN AI SCHOLAR

Questions?

Wallapak Tavanapong
Professor, Department of Computer Science
Iowa State University
Principal Investigator, Dependable Data Driven Discovery (D4) National Research Traineeship

 

This program is funded through the 2026 Division of Academic Affairs Transformative Initiatives