Recap: “AI Literacy & Higher Education—Where We Go from Here” lecture by Dr. Ben Lee, Assistant Professor in the Information School at the University of Washington
On March 25, Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies hosted Dr. Ben Lee for a timely talk on the future of AI in higher education. In his presentation, Lee explored the opportunities and challenges AI presents for universities, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, responsible adoption.
Lee highlighted AI literacy as a critical priority—one that goes beyond technical skills to include ethical awareness and critical evaluation. He also underscored the important role libraries can play in this moment, positioning them as leaders in guiding campus conversations around AI and supporting informed engagement.
The talk concluded with a lively discussion on AI policy, classroom use, and the path forward for institutions navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. Part of the AI Literacy Speaker Series, the event brought the campus community together to reflect on how higher education can shape—and be shaped by—the future of AI.
About Dr. Lee: Dr. Benjamin Charles Germain Lee is an assistant professor in the Information School at the University of Washington, where he has started the Lab for Computing Cultural Heritage. Lee’s research explores how to re-imagine search and discovery for large-scale digital collections held by libraries, archives, and museums. Previously, Lee has served as an Innovator in Residence as well as a Kluge Fellow in Digital Studies at the Library of Congress. He was also the inaugural Digital Humanities Fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a Visiting Fellow in Harvard’s History Department, and the Richard and Ina Willner Memorial Fellow in the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Washington.
Dr. Lee received his Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Washington, which was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship in machine learning. His public writing has appeared in publications including The New Republic, WIRED, and Longreads.
About The AI Literacy Speaker Series: The AI Literacy Speaker Series brings renowned researchers and guests to campus to share their insights and latest research on AI Literacy, offering the Purdue community new perspectives and innovative ideas for engaging with and learning about AI. The series provides the opportunity for thought-provoking discussions that inform the approach to learning about AI in higher education.