2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Work in Progress: Exclusive Rhetoric in AI Conference Mission Statements

AI conferences are pivotal spaces for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and shaping the trajectory of research, practice, and education. This paper presents preliminary findings from an analysis of AI conference mission statements, investigating how their stated goals affect who is welcomed into AI conversations. We find that many mission statements reflect assumptions that may unintentionally narrow participation and reinforce disciplinary and institutional silos. This limits engagement from a broad range of contributors—including educators, students, working professionals, and even younger users —who are essential to a thriving AI ecosystem. We advocate for clearer framing that supports democratizing and demystifying AI. By broadening participation and intentionally fostering cross-sector and interdisciplinary connections, AI conferences can help unlock more innovation.

Authors

Tammy Mackenzie http://orcid.org/0009-0007-6508-2966 The Aula Fellowship [biography]

EcoTech CEO, inventor, MBA, human rights activist, philosopher, and researcher of the intersections between strategic management, institutions, and systems theories.
Laxmaan Balaji
Kayli Heather Battel [biography]

Kayli Battel is currently a sophomore at Tufts University, majoring in Human Factors Engineering and minoring in Education and Art. One of SiS’s three original founders, she organized, led, marketed, and fundraised the program from 2018-2020, and continues to mentor SiS to this day. As a leader then President of Saguaro’s FRC Robotics team, Kayli led numerous STEM outreach events at local middle and elementary schools, and beyond. The success of the SiS program earned Saguaro’s Robotics Team 4146 their first FRC Chairman’s Award, in 2020. Kayli is one of Junior Achievement’s 2020 Arizona 18 Under 18 award recipients; was chosen as the Scottsdale Charros Female Student of the Year; graduated with distinction from Saguaro’s Math and Science Academy; and was a 2020 Saguaro Valedictorian. Kayli is passionate about STEM and STEAM education for all children, and devotes much time to exploring the interplay between the Art and STEM fields.
Rosa Y. G. Paccotacya-Yanque
Mr. Animesh Paul University of Georgia [biography]

Animesh (he/they) is a Ph.D. student at the Engineering Education Transformation Institute at the University of Georgia. Their research explores user experience and the transition of engineering students into the workforce.
Dr. Lilianny Virguez http://orcid.org/0009-0007-1672-3907 University of Florida [biography]

Dr. Lilianny Virgüez is an engineering educator with extensive experience teaching first-year engineering students in large, multidisciplinary programs. Her research focuses on student motivation and academic persistence in engineering. Dr. Virgüez brings industry-informed insights to her teaching and curriculum development, drawing on her professional background in telecommunications. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education and a Master’s degree in Management Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Leslie Salgado University of Calgary [biography]

PhD Candidate, University of Calgary, Canada.
Beyza Nur Guler Virginia Tech Department of Engineering Education
Ms. Rubaina R Khan University of Toronto [biography]

Rubaina is a Ph.D. student within the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She is also pursuing a collaborative specialization in Engineering Education. Rubaina re
Natalie Perez
Dr. Sreyoshi Bhaduri Private Corporation [biography]

Dr. Sreyoshi Bhaduri is an AI scientist. Currently, she spearheads innovative research in applying generative AI to solve complex supply chain logistics and operations challenges. Her expertise spans applied statistics and natural language processing, with a PhD from Virginia Tech and specialized training in Responsible AI from MILA. Sreyoshi has been recognized as a Graduate Academy for Teaching Excellence (VTGrATE) Fellow, a Global Perspectives Program (GPP) Fellow, and was inducted in the Bouchet Honor Society in 2017. Sreyoshi is committed to demystifying and democratizing generative AI solutions and bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications using AWS technologies.
Dr. Debarati Basu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6205-8510 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
Peer Herholz Northwestern University

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025