High school students from the United States and Latin America showcased their creativity and perspectives on artificial intelligence during the U.S.-Latin America Day of Artificial Intelligence, a virtual symposium co-hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois System’s Illinois Mexican and Mexican-American Students (I-MMÁS) initiative.
Held on Oct. 15, the symposium brought together students, educators, researchers and industry leaders to explore artificial intelligence applications across science, engineering, business, education and digital communication. The event also recognized winners of the international video competition AI: My Perspective, which challenged high school students to demonstrate how AI could inspire creativity, address challenges and communicate innovative ideas.
Student video competition highlights emerging talent
The AI: My Perspective competition invited high school students to create original videos of up to seven minutes exploring their perspectives on artificial intelligence and to engage with faculty mentors from Mexico and graduate students from Illinois during the creative process.
The competition recognized the following submissions:
First award: Documenting the Mayan culture
Second award: Mundo lleno de señales (A world full of signs)
Third award:
- ¿La AI es mala o buena? (Is AI bad or good?)
- El día que dejé de esperar (The day I stopped waiting)
Honorary mentions:
- Iteration of knowledge
- Ariathna_mi_video_AI
- Cafeteria inteligente (Smart cafeteria)
- Armario inteligente (Smart wardrobe)
The student submissions reflected diverse perspectives on artificial intelligence and demonstrated how emerging technologies can serve as tools for creative expression, problem-solving and exploration of real-world issues.
International speakers explored AI across disciplines
The symposium featured distinguished speakers whose expertise spans chemistry, quantum science, computer science, engineering, finance, robotics and digital media.
Featured speakers included Victor Batista, John Gamble Kirkwood Professor of Chemistry at Yale University; Doug Hamilton, vice president of artificial intelligence at Nasdaq Stock Market; Ellie Buxton, associate professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Springfield; Jessica Bian, chief technology officer at RAS Fusion; Ricardo Swain-Oropeza, regional dean of engineering and sciences at Tecnológico de Monterrey; Carla Tejada Lopez, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago; and Mike Yao, professor of digital media and marketing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The event was moderated by professors Hei-Chi Chan and Elvira de Mejia on behalf of I-MMÁS.
The speakers brought perspectives from academia and industry, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on research, innovation and professional practice.
Strengthening international partnerships through education
The symposium advanced the U of I System's commitment to international engagement and educational collaboration by connecting students with academic expertise and professionals working at the forefront of artificial intelligence.
Through I-MMÁS, the U of I System develops educational, cultural, scientific, and research partnerships with institutions throughout Mexico while expanding educational opportunities for Mexican and Mexican American students.
Initiatives such as the U.S.-Latin America Day of Artificial Intelligence help strengthen connections among educational communities in the United States and Latin America, encourage student engagement in science and technology, and introduce young people to emerging academic and professional opportunities.
For more information about I-MMÁS and its programs, contact ui-mexico@uillinois.edu.
