By Skye Xollo, PhD student
Amid the debate on AI in higher education, it’s easy to overlook AI tools in our work as graduate students. Though the ethical landscape is still evolving, AI poses exciting possibilities for our work and productivity. This week’s tips will delve into the power of AI to refine the writing process, elevate research efficiency, and streamline workflows.
AI can help as a starting point for automating routine or template-based tasks, such as resume creation, syllabus drafting, and email composition. If you’re having trouble getting started with these tasks, AI automation provides just enough structure and efficiency for students to begin filling in the details.
AI is an incredible resource for summarizing existing research, troubleshooting your code, and even brainstorming ideas. For example, platforms like GitHub, Kaggle, and Google Colab offer AI-driven code optimization. Alternatively, AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Semantic Scholar are great places to start brainstorming or summarizing vast literature.
AI is a valuable support tool for promoting accessibility and efficiency in writing, particularly for non-native English speakers. Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid offer feedback on grammar, punctuation, and style. These tools help ensure clarity in academic writing.
AI has notable benefits as a productivity tool, but it’s also important to recognize that AI also has limitations. AI will miss nuance and generate generic suggestions. In coding, it might also struggle with complex debugging. Graduate students should check AI output for accuracy and always supplement with best judgement and critical thinking when using AI-based tools.
Tips for Grads is a professional and academic advice column written by graduate students for graduate students at UW–Madison. It is published in the student newsletter, GradConnections Weekly.