Stony Brook University Launches New AI Department With $5 Million State Grant

Stony Brook University has established a new Department of Technology, AI and Society, backed by a five million dollar investment from New York State.

The department is led by Yvette Wohn, who serves as its inaugural chair. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Harvard University and a PhD in Media and Information Studies from Michigan State University. Wohn combined her background in digital media with journalism to shape the unit's interdisciplinary approach.

During a presentation at the Charles B. Wang Center on October 16, Wohn addressed the shifting role of artificial intelligence in daily life. She described the technology as moving beyond a simple tool to become a collaborator in various sectors. This perspective was part of the Homecoming Thought Leadership Series event.

Wohn detailed how AI integrates into industries such as healthcare, entertainment, and the arts. In medical settings, the technology can analyze images and identify diagnoses. This capability allows professionals to spend more time on patient consultations and communicating complex results. Wohn noted that while AI may displace some tasks, it also creates new opportunities for existing and emerging jobs.

The presentation also covered the creative sector, where AI generates new material using existing data. Wohn referenced a 2022 art competition at the Colorado State Fair where an AI-generated piece won a prize. That event sparked debate over intellectual property and consent among creators. Cultural institutions like the Whitney Museum and MoMA have since featured AI-inclusive artwork, signaling a shift in how these works are viewed.

Wohn discussed the privacy implications of AI, including the generation of realistic digital representations of people. She cited AI-generated music using the voices of deceased performers as an example of this trend. She asked whether those individuals consented to such uses, noting that current regulations do not match the pace of development in the field. The department plans to address these gaps by connecting technology with humanities, social sciences, and policy.

The unit aims to examine the long-term effects of AI without the immediate pressure to meet shareholder needs. Wohn emphasized that academia can prioritize critical thinking and experiential learning while studying how design choices influence the use of these systems. The department will continue to develop research and teaching programs that focus on the relationship between technological innovation and human experience.