This human research study shed light on the conflicting attitudes and beliefs students hold toward generative AI in coursework. Many were aware of its environmental impact and felt it diminished their creative input, yet still felt compelled to use it to manage academic stress and deadlines. Others viewed GenAI as an inevitable part of the future and had no reservations about using it for schoolwork. Across the spectrum, students expressed a strong desire for clearer guidance—not only from professors but also from school administrators—on the acceptable boundaries for using GenAI to supplement their academic work.

Next Steps
To gain deeper insights into GenAI's impact on academia, the study has been expanded to include faculty perspectives, particularly as they navigate the challenges of evaluating student work that may involve AI-generated content.

What I Learned
It was a pleasure to contribute to a research project alongside a dedicated team of highly engaged students. Collaborating on a topic as timely and complex as generative AI allowed me to sharpen my research skills, think critically about emerging technologies in education, and better understand the diverse perspectives that shape how students interact with AI in academic settings.