Stony Brook University’s recent webinar on artificial intelligence (AI), hosted with tech leaders IEEE-USA, spotlighted how AI is reshaping creativity and education. At the event, computer science professor Steven Skiena explained that cutting-edge innovations no longer require building complex systems from scratch. Instead, breakthroughs come from creatively using existing AI tools—like advanced text generators—to tackle unexpected challenges. For example, Skiena’s students tasked AI with rewriting The Great Gatsby without using the letter “E,” a playful experiment that demonstrated how AI can push the boundaries of what humans once thought possible.

While Skiena celebrated AI’s potential, he also warned about its limits. He argued that skills like clear writing and critical thinking remain essential, even as AI tools grow more powerful. “AI can help draft an essay, but it can’t replace the human ability to reason or craft a compelling argument,” he said. The panel, which included experts in music and data science, agreed that balancing AI’s efficiency with human judgment—in classrooms, labs, and beyond—is key to using the technology responsibly. The event underscored a central question: How can we harness AI’s creativity without losing sight of what makes us uniquely human?

-By Yuganshu Jain