University of Utah researchers attended a two-day workshop on May 27-28 to explore the use of secure cloud technologies and artificial intelligence in protecting sensitive data and managing data-intensive academic research.
Workshop focus and purpose
The event was hosted by the University of Utah Office of the Vice President for Research Security Office in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Dr. Erin Rothwell, the vice president for research, stated that as research becomes more AI-enabled and collaborative, it also becomes more highly regulated, making research security essential for maintaining federal research portfolios.
Transitioning to cloud-based infrastructure
The workshop highlighted the university's transition toward cloud-based research infrastructure through its partnership with AWS. Research security officer Lisa Young said the move to the cloud was necessary to support important research and meet security expectations. Young noted that by using AWS-regulated research, the university inherits 143 of the 287 required controls, leaving the University of Utah responsible for the remaining security measures.
Demonstrating AI tools and precautions
Presenters also demonstrated AI tools such as Amazon Quick, which AWS Principal Solutions Architect Dr. Claudiu Farcas described as an assistant capable of acting as a data analyst and automation engineer. Farcas cautioned researchers to use these tools within environments where they maintain control over their information and understand how sensitive data may be used by AI platforms.
Recent student scholarship achievements
The University of Utah's academic influence is also reflected in recent student achievements, such as NSHS seniors receiving significant scholarship awards. Among these recipients were Brayden Christiansen, who earned a $13,600 Utah Tech Chancellors scholarship, and Chloee Huntsman, who received $1,000 from the Huntsman School of Business. Other notable University of Utah-related awards included a $20,000 Provost scholarship and a $20,000 Sterling Scholar award.
New Weber State University president
In regional higher education news, the Utah Board of Higher Education appointed Chris Mallett as the new president of Weber State University. Mallett, who earned a master's degree from the University of Utah, will assume the role on August 1 following a unanimous vote by the presidential search committee.
