401 Ethical considerations and AI education in animal science.

Abstract The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), powered by large language models (LLMs), is influencing how tasks like writing and problem-solving are approached in research and education. These models, trained to predict and generate text, offer valuable tools when used responsibly. However, they also raise important questions: How can students develop foundational skills while integrating AI thoughtfully? How can these tools be used to enhance student effort and growth without replacing critical learning processes? This session focuses on mentoring students to navigate the opportunities and challenges of predictive AI. While the session will focus on graduate student education, examples will be highly transferable to undergraduates as well. Emphasizing the importance of “doubling down on being human,” the discussion highlights the enduring values of creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgment in a field increasingly influenced by AI. Generative AI can support students by providing feedback on drafts, reorganizing ideas, or polishing their writing, but the focus remains on helping students develop ownership of their work, ensuring AI serves to complement rather than subvert their skills. Practical mentoring strategies include teaching students how to use AI transparently, guiding them in critically evaluating AI outputs, and fostering open communication about their experiences with these tools. The goal is to empower students to set boundaries that reflect their personal and professional values while using AI responsibly in their research. The broader scientific community must also grapple with key questions surrounding AI’s impact on authorship, intellectual property, and data privacy in collaborative research. These are not questions with simple answers but ones that require ongoing dialogue and thoughtful engagement to navigate. Striking a balanced perspective is essential—avoiding both the fear that AI is inherently harmful and the unchecked enthusiasm that it is a solution to all problems. Instead, the focus is on integrating AI thoughtfully, emphasizing its potential as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human contributions. This session provides practical insights for educators and researchers committed to preparing students for future careers in animal science while maintaining the rigor, integrity, and human-centered values that define the discipline.