Shyam Sharma, a professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University, has been named among the first group of SUNY’s AI for the Public Good Fellows. He is one of 20 faculty and staff across SUNY to receive this recognition.
Over the next year, these fellows will assist SUNY in updating its general education information literacy core competency to better address new technologies. The program aims to help colleges and universities within SUNY support faculty and staff as they revise courses and learning activities to include AI literacy. This includes teaching both effective and ethical use of artificial intelligence, as well as guiding students on how to critically assess content generated by AI.
Earlier this year, SUNY revised its undergraduate general education requirements to add skills for ethical integration of artificial intelligence into information literacy. A new focus on civil discourse will also be implemented across all SUNY institutions by Fall 2026.
“As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are further engrained in everything we do, SUNY is making sure every student has this essential core competency within our excellent academic curriculum,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “We are all bombarded with information from all directions, with varying degrees of authenticity, and SUNY will equip every student with the skills to recognize what is true, and how to ethically use AI in their studies and in the world.”
Reflecting on his selection, Sharma said: “I had done a lot of things with AI, starting with exploring it and educating students how to use it and, just as importantly, how not to use it in the classroom. I had also collaborated on a book project, published articles, written blogs and op-eds, and developed teaching materials. I had gone around the world doing workshops, keynotes, and discussions. Because of this experience, I thought I could contribute something to the SUNY system as we move deeper into the AI age. So, I applied for it and was subsequently selected.”
The fellowship lasts one year. Recipients receive a stipend along with resources for travel throughout New York State so they can visit different campuses within the system. Their main responsibility is supporting faculty as they implement updated general education requirements related specifically to information literacy.
Sharma added: “I would like to bring to the AI fellowship program and, through it, to SUNY campuses including Stony Brook, a little more critical understanding of AI. By that I mean we have to ask the hard questions. If we give up on asking the hard questions, it’s like a farmer giving up on planting the seeds and growing the plants that will feed the community.”
He emphasized that understanding both capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence is essential for education: “AI still has massive weaknesses, as well as an impact on the environment, on society, and especially on learning,” he said. “To paraphrase a famous JFK quotation: ‘ask not what AI can do for you; ask what you can do with—and especially without—AI.’ That’s the foundation of general education. My hope is that we can harness public good while mitigating adverse social impact, environmental impact, and especially impacts on civic education.”
On integrating writing instruction with technology skills development he stated: “Writing is a vehicle—a tool—an instrument for thinking,” he said. “If you break down a writing course into its component literacy skills you can see which…skills students want to learn…not only when they are using AI or a device that has AI in it but also when they are talking…working…or doing surgery.”
Sharma warned against removing challenges from learning through overuse of technology: “My concern with AI is that if you take away the friction of learning experience…then AI becomes a real threat instead of a resource,” he said. “I’m hoping that…the effort we’re making will help us not go too far too fast in wrong directions with AI.”
Peter Khost—associate professor at Stony Brook University—praised Sharma’s appointment: “Through his appointment as an Inaugural AI for Public Good Fellow…Shyam Sharma has distinguished himself as a true leader in taking on one of most important issues of our time….In this role Professor Sharma will address impacts [of] artificial intelligence [on] undergraduate education helping prepare students across SUNY institutions engage [with] emerging technologies ethically [and] critically….This honor reflects Sharma’s innovations…in educational technology…and scales benefits expertise system-wide application….He deserves our congratulations gratitude.”
SUNY continues work at forefront innovation research responsibility regarding artificial intelligence initiatives such as Empire AI—a statewide consortium launched by Governor Kathy Hochul—to position New York prominently within field research intended serve public interest.
“If we create an environment where students can use AI in meaningful productive way—not abuse or misuse—I think that’s right thing do,” said Sharma.“I’m hoping faculty ground ourselves fundamentals foundations general education…use effective productive ways…I don’t think good bad…It’s how leverage reinforce learning while helping students recognize avoid harms learning when using.”
