UMW Students Evaluate AI’s Role in Filmmaking
At the University of Mary Washington, undergraduate students recently completed a project titled “Cameraman vs. Machine,” where they tested how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist the filmmaking process. Junior Owen Wheeler and senior Chloe Adler directed a film starring 2025 graduate Alanah Cleare as a student who falls asleep while studying. The AI-generated dream sequence features surreal images of talking pineapples and exploding colorful berries on UMW’s Campus Walk, blending creativity with technology.
This film was one of four presented at Mary Washington’s Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Summer Institute (AHSSSI) Symposium, held in June. The event highlights student research and creative projects that explore AI’s influence across multiple disciplines.
Hands-On AI Research Across Fields
Led by Assistant Professor J.D. Swerzenski, Wheeler, Adler, and Cleare faced challenges typical of undergraduate students tackling graduate-level research. Senior Michael Boehmcke shared insights about their journey during the symposium, emphasizing the learning curve and rewards involved.
Other student projects at the AHSSSI explored AI’s potential beyond filmmaking. For instance, a team of linguistics students—Boehmcke, senior Bex Colley, and junior Ainsley Graf—worked on cataloging phonological features of speech sounds from over 7,000 languages under Associate Professor Paul Fallon. Their hands-on research sharpened skills in writing, editing, and technical analysis.
Creative Writing Meets AI
Another project paired AI training models with classic literature like A Christmas Carol and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Senior Asunta Ross, junior Kenzie Lotz, and sophomore Cory Wagaman-Eure, guided by Associate Professor Zach Whalen, investigated how AI can mimic authors’ stylistic choices. Ross noted the experience deepened her understanding of AI as a tool for creative writing.
Psychology Students Investigate Eye Movements and Memory
Senior Loren Osborne and her team explored whether rapid eye movement warmups could improve memory recall in people with strong hand dominance. Using the Tobii Pro Fusion Eye Tracker at Mercer Hall’s Eye Tracking Lab, they tested concepts like Saccade-Induced Retrieval Enhancement. Their work, supervised by Assistant Professor Marcus Leppanen, is set to continue next summer for further data collection.
AI Tools Put to the Test in Filmmaking
The “Cameraman vs. Machine” project utilized AI models such as Sora and Firefly to assess how well AI can translate speech, generate images, and interpret filmmaking terminology like “close-up” and “tilt.” The team questioned whether these tools support creativity or diminish the artistic process.
Assistant Professor Swerzenski explained that AHSSSI encourages students to critically examine AI’s role in creative fields, providing a space to evaluate its benefits and limitations firsthand.
Building Skills for Creative Professionals
The AHSSSI Symposium offers students practical experience that extends beyond academic research. Participants develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and public speaking while earning pay for their summer work. This model supports career growth and prepares students for creative industries increasingly influenced by AI.
For creatives interested in how AI tools can integrate with their workflows, exploring courses on AI-assisted content creation can be a valuable next step. Resources like Complete AI Training’s generative video courses break down practical applications of AI in video production and editing.
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