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 joins 19 other faculty and staff members from across the State University of New York (SUNY) system who will support efforts to update general education requirements related to information literacy and artificial intelligence.
Over the next year, these fellows will assist SUNY institutions as they revise courses and learning activities to include AI literacy. This includes guidance on ethical use of AI and helping students learn how to critically assess content generated by artificial intelligence.
Earlier this year, SUNY revised its undergraduate general education requirements to ensure students develop skills for using artificial intelligence ethically within information literacy standards. The updated curriculum, along with a new focus on civil discourse, is scheduled for implementation at all SUNY campuses 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.”
Sharma described his experience leading up to his selection: “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 spans one year. Recipients receive a stipend as well as resources for travel throughout New York State to help faculty implement changes tied specifically to information literacy requirements under SUNY’s new general education framework.
“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,” Sharma said. “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 noted that understanding both capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence is important 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.”
Sharma also emphasized connections between writing instruction and broader educational goals: “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 of the many skills students want to learn and become capable of using throughout their lives... 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.”
He cautioned against over-reliance on technology: “My concern with AI is that if you take away the friction of the learning experience... then AI becomes a real threat instead of a resource,” Sharma said. “I’m hoping that the SUNY AI fellowship... will help us to not go too far too fast in the wrong directions with AI.”
Peter Khost—associate professor at Stony Brook University—praised Sharma’s appointment: “Through his appointment as an Inaugural AI for the Public Good Fellow... Shyam Sharma has distinguished himself as a true leader in taking on one of the most important issues of our time,” Khost said. “In this role... Sharma will address impacts of artificial intelligence on undergraduate education... helping prepare students across SUNY institutions... This honor reflects Sharma’s innovations in educational technology in [the] Department [and] scales benefits of his expertise for system-wide application."
SUNY continues work related to responsible innovation in artificial intelligence through initiatives such as Empire AI—a consortium launched by Governor Kathy Hochul—and newly established departments focused on studying societal impacts across eight campuses.
“If we create an environment where students can use AI in a meaningful productive way…that’s right thing," Sharma concluded."I’m hoping faculty can ground ourselves in fundamentals…use AI effectively…helping students recognize…and avoid harms…when using it."