Discover Research Opportunities with AI: Using LLM Tools to Connect Ideas, People, and Projects

Looking for a research topic, a faculty collaborator, students with specific skills, or an on-campus project (paid or unpaid)? During this session, Dr. Yun Huang explored how Large Language Model (LLM) tools can make the process easier and smarter.

This interactive session, demonstrated a suite of AI-powered research discovery and collaboration tools developed by the SALT Lab at the iSchool, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These tools help students and faculty:

• Explore research ideas across disciplines through conversational AI
• Find potential mentors, collaborators, or advisors based on shared interests
• Identify Ph.D. or internship opportunities, as well as research projects that align with personal goals
• Learn how AI can support networking and community building across campus

Also during this session, research insights was shared on how these tools foster creativity, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Participants had the opportunity to try the tools and discuss how they might enhance their own research journeys.