Nichols College senior co-authors AI study and presents findings at academic conference

Nichols College senior Leena Basma recently achieved a significant milestone in her Nichols academic career. She can now add “published co-author” to her list of credentials, having co-authored a research study on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in higher education. 

Basma’s work, conducted with data science experts Adam Patterson, a former Nichols faculty member who is now at Amazon, and Mark Frydenberg from Bentley University, was published in Issues in Information Systems Journal, a scholarly outlet. She also presented their findings to a global audience at the International Association of Computer Information Systems (IACIS) Conference in Florida.

Basma’s involvement in the project began in her freshman year when she enrolled in Nichols’required Data Literacy course, a class that covers AI tool ChatGPT among other data topics.Professor Patterson, impressed by her grasp of the material, invited her to join his research on AI’s role in academia.

“Nichols professors pride themselves on understanding each individual student, which led my professor to see my potential for taking my learning further, beyond the classroom. It’s one of the things I truly value about Nichols—the dedication to student success and growth,” said Basma, reflecting on how she came across the opportunity, which she says has allowed her to explore new horizons in AI.

The study, titled “Examining Generative Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Academia: A UTAUT Perspective,” explores why students are rapidly adopting AI tools like ChatGPT. The research findings suggest that students are more likely to use AI tools if their mentors use them and that students use AI tools across disciplines while seeing the value they could bring to their careers. These findings, the researchers say, “emphasize the need for educators to promote the proper and ethical use of AI in the curriculum.”

The literature review portion of the study confirmed to her that employers increasingly are seeking candidates with AI skills, said Basma. As a result, she values her AI skills even more, recognizing them as a competitive advantage as she prepares for her accounting career. 

“Even just looking at the news, you can see that pieces of accounting activities are becoming automated through the use of AI. And in terms of auditing specifically, having a background in the ways that you can utilize AI to increase your efficiency of data analysis is going to help me excel in that field.”

For Basma, the presentation experience in Florida was equally transformative. “Presenting at the conference was a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals,” she shared. “Being able to discuss my work as an undergraduate among experts and educators who have been in the field for decades was invaluable.”

Kevin Mentzer, Ph.D., trustee professor of data science and dean of innovation research and experiential learning, is proud that students can take advantage of research opportunities with faculty at Nichols.

“We actively support students working with faculty members on their research, and so we have many students actively working on research projects with faculty,” said Mentzer.

Basma’s research project not only serves her learning journey, but Nichols’ as well, he says. Basma’s project was part of a larger study by Nichols to understand which AI skills Nichols students come to college with, which will aid the College’s effort to embrace AI and technology throughout the curriculum.

“At Nichols, we’re really increasing technology across the board. We need to integrate AI throughout our curriculum, and we’re starting freshman year, in our Data Literacy course,” where students learn to use tools like ChatGPT as an assistant tool. 

“It doesn’t matter what major you are in, these disruptive technologies can help you become a better candidate for the job market,” said Mentzer.

About Nichols College

Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. www.nichols.edu.

Media Contacts

Denise Kelley
Writer/Editor
denise.kelley@nichols.edu
508-213-2219