Baruch Honors Six Students for Research on AI and Society

Baruch Honors Six Students for Research on AI and Society

August 17, 2026

Six Baruch students are exploring some of the most urgent questions surrounding artificial intelligence through an inaugural publication prize, part of the College's recently launched Policy, Ethics, Law, Technology, and AI (PELTA) initiative.

The campus-wide competition invited students to examine emerging challenges in AI governance and innovation through policy-focused essays and original creative media, including visual art, audio, and video. Each winner received a $250 award, and their projects are featured on the PELTA digital platform.

Cultivating Thought Leaders

"Baruch students are hungry for information pertaining to the powerful promises, and potential pitfalls, of AI," said Rhiannon Neilsen, assistant professor of international security in the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs and a member of the Baruch College AI-Curriculum Committee.

"What PELTA highlights is that our students are set to become thought leaders working at the cutting-edge of AI policy, law, and ethics. They are eager to learn how to leverage AI in innovative, responsible ways that are sensitive to issues of social justice, climate change, and data extraction."

The PELTA multi-disciplinary initiative advances the College's commitment to examining the societal implications of artificial intelligence and preparing students to engage thoughtfully with one of the defining technologies of the 21^st century. PELTA was introduced in March at the Ethical A.I.ms symposium organized by Neilsen, Elizabeth Edenberg, assistant professor of philosophy (Weissman School of Arts and Sciences) and Yafit Lev-Aretz, associate professor of law (Zicklin School of Business).

Exploring AI's Biggest Questions

From misinformation and AI accountability to artificial emotion, environmental sustainability, and resource scarcity, the following award recipients addressed a wide range of issues at the intersection of technology and society.

Introducing the 2026 PELTA Prize winners:

• John Deckers (MIA '27) - Generative AI: Generating Depolarization, Hate, and Distrust
• Lasse de Graaf (MIA '26) - Do_NOT_Feed_the_Basilisk
• Samara Kern (BA, Psychology and Philosophy '26) - Deployment Now, Safety Later: On Artificial Emotion & the AI Accountability Gap
• Ashley Quinonez (MIA '26) - The Empathy of a Machine
• Ariel Taub (MIA '27) - An Apocalyptic Business Plan
• Dylan Torres (BBA, Finance '29) - Looking at AI Ethically Through an Environmental Lens

For Dylan Torres, who plans to build a career in law, the Publication Prize offered an opportunity to advocate for an issue he believes is too often overlooked.

"I wanted to bring attention to the environmental impact of AI as it begins to gain momentum, and I wish that by publishing this article more people will be aware of the dangers associated with our everyday choices," Torres explained. "More importantly, I hope my writing will inspire a greener community at Baruch and within our city."

Graduate student Ariel Taub was drawn to the PELTA competition by her interest in resource scarcity and the forces that shape it.

"As we are told about the inevitability of AI, there are so many ethical considerations," Taub said. "In the event of widespread water shortages, human life-and that of the global majority-is at risk. Without water, not only is this an apocalyptic situation for life on Earth, but it is likely the AI won't run."

Integrating AI at Baruch

The Publication Prize is one of aspect of PELTA, Baruch's broader efforts to thoughtfully integrate generative AI across the institution.

Supported by the CUNY AI Innovation Fund, the College has launched eight multidisciplinary AI development projects that foster research, curriculum innovation, and student success. Additional efforts-including the Copilot Community of Practice, the AI Resource Hub, and the Baruch AI Leadership Initiative-are strengthening the governance, expertise, and infrastructure needed to integrate AI across teaching, learning, and administration.