Ai in
Communication
April 10, 2026
The University of Miami School of Communication faculty use AI to analyze news, images, video, and audience behavior, with work spanning deepfake detection, gender representation in advertising, emotional responses to media, and explainable AI. We also study platform algorithms, AI in journalism and PR, human-AI interaction, and tools that help patients navigate clinical trials. New projects in AI literacy, global inequalities, and AI for social good highlight our commitment to ethical and forward‑thinking communication research. At the same time, we’re working to strengthen foundational AI literacy among students, expand hands‑on training, deepen ethics integration, and build infrastructure for secure or large‑scale data work.
"At the University of Miami School of Communication, we see AI as a force for ethical innovation, human insight, and social good."
OPENING
KEYNOTE
10:00am-11:00am
Seth Piezas
Executive Director | Colabi Foundation
Seth Piezas is Founder and Executive Director of the Colabi Foundation, advancing human–AI collaboration and AI for social good. He is a Senior Product Manager in Physical AI at NVIDIA, developing autonomous machines through simulation, and began his career at Pixar Animation Studios. He also serves on the technical board of the Sundance Institute, focusing on artificial intelligence.
RESEARCH
CREATIVE ACTIVITY
11:00am-12:00pm
Chen Chen, Ching-Hua Chuan, Zhengyan Li (PhD), and Sai Mikkilinen (PhD)
Mimicry or Mastery? A Dual-Theory Approach to AI Voice Tone and Feedback on Public Speaking Self-Efficacy and Anxiety
Queenie Li, Regina Ahn, and Geyi Wang (PhD)
Navigating AI-Driven Health Information: Developing a Competency Scale to Assess Public Health Literacy in the Age of Generative AI
Yanfang Wu
Investigating News Readers' Detection of Hallucination in LLM-Generated News: An Experimental Study
Ali Habashi, Rafal Sokolowski, and Rechna Varma
The New Creative Partner: Human-Centered AI Integration in Film Production
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
12:00pm-12:30pm
Marcia Gomez
Enhancing AI Expertise in Public Relations
Barbara Millet
Integrating AI tools in UX Research Education Through Professional Development.
LUNCH BREAK
12:30pm-1:00pm
COURSE
DEVELOPMENT
1:00pm-2:00pm
Ana Francois
Ethical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Media Management
Christine Jung
Incorporating AI Tools in Two Courses: 3D Modeling and Rapid Prototyping (existing), Advanced 3D (new)
Boriana Treadwell
Reporting in the Age of AI: Practical Skills for the Newsroom
Yanfang Wu
Artificial Intelligence in Digital Communication
CLOSING
KEYNOTE
2:00pm-3:00pm
Mike Reilley
Data and Digital Journalism Professor | University of Illinois, Chicago
Mike Reilley is a senior lecturer in digital and data journalism at University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in AI, data journalism, and multimedia reporting. He is a longtime journalist, digital tools trainer, and author who teaches data-driven storytelling and emerging media technologies.
AI Tools That Won’t Get You Fired
Thousands of new AI tools have been flooding the market every month over the past four years. But are they safe to use in communication? We’ll explore the fear of AI, how to overcome it and use it with “cautious curiosity.” We’ll cover prompts, human error in AI and dabble with efficiency tools like VisualPing, Summarize.tech, Notebook LM and how to build custom instructions into Large Language Models. We'll discover what these tools can do well and discuss legal and ethical ramifications of using them. Participants will get a handout with tips, tools, prompts and other resources as well as free resources on Journalist’s Toolbox.ai.
"Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity."
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