Dr. Antigoni Papadimitriou

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries such as finance, healthcare, marketing, logistics, manufacturing, and education. Employers increasingly expect new graduates—not only those in technical fields—to understand how AI shapes communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and workplace responsibilities. This research project investigates what “AI fluency” truly means across sectors and how prepared students and employees feel when working with AI tools.
We collect and analyze survey data from employers and employees in multiple industries. In addition, we conduct brief online interviews to gain deeper insight into how professionals are using AI at work and what skills they believe future graduates need most. The goal is to help universities better equip students for the evolving landscape of AI-enabled careers.

Students working on this project will help explore how employers in Long Island and New York are using artificial intelligence (AI) and what skills they expect from new graduates entering the workforce. All activities are designed for undergraduate students, and students from all majors are welcome—no technical background is required. Training and support will be provided for all tasks.
1. Building an Employer Database
Students will help create a list of companies in Long Island and New York, especially those that hire FSC graduates. Tasks include:
Looking up companies through public directories, FSC Career Services, LinkedIn,NExUS and job sites
Recording basic information such as industry, location, and contact details
Identifying companies currently using AI or listing AI-related skills

2. Reviewing Job Descriptions
Students will search for and review job postings to identify:
What AI-related skills employers are requesting
Common professional skills (e.g., communication, teamwork)
Differences in expectations across industries

3. Reviewing Articles and Recent Literature
Students will:
Read short articles, reports, and research summaries related to AI skills in the workplace
Discuss key takeaways with the team
Help identify themes in current research on AI use and workforce readiness
This helps students connect real-world data with the latest thinking in the field.
4. Survey and Interview Support
Students will assist in:
Sharing surveys with employers and employees
Tracking responses and organizing data
Helping schedule short online interviews, perform interviews 
Taking notes during interviews and summarizing key points
5. IRB and Research Ethics Training
Students will receive basic training on:
Research ethics (CITI certification)
Protecting participant data
Understanding and following IRB procedures
This prepares students for responsible research work.
6. Data Coding and Beginner-Friendly Analysis
With guidance, students will:
Read survey comments and interview notes
Identify common themes
Help organize findings into charts, summaries, and simple visual displays
Develop together a draft report and research paper for a conference and publication 
7. Team Meetings and Research Communication
Students will join regular check-in meetings to:
Share progress
Ask questions
Help prepare simple slides or summaries for presentations or publications

Students from ALL majors are welcome. No previous experience, technical background, or AI knowledge is required. Curiosity and interest in learning are the only requirements.

Students participating in this project will have opportunities to contribute to conference proposals, research presentations, and potential publications, with the possibility of being listed as co-authors depending on their level of involvement. They will help prepare a formal research report for the university and may continue working on the expanded phase of the project as we collect data from additional states across the U.S. Outstanding and responsible   students will  be invited to continue the research in future semesters. These experiences will strengthen their academic and professional skills while exposing them to real-world applications of AI in the workforce.

Most research activities for this project will take place online, with some initial meetings held in person to introduce the project, review guidelines, and provide training. We will meet once per week for approximately 2 hours (either in person or virtually, depending on student availability). During the rest of the week, students will complete research tasks independently, contributing 18–20 additional hours to data collection, literature review, interviews, and database development. I also will be available for questions via phone or email. 
I have extensive experience mentoring student researchers through similar projects, including collaborative work with students  at Lehigh University that resulted in joint publications. Students will receive consistent guidance, weekly check-ins, and structured tasks to ensure steady progress and a supportive research experience.