Research
Discover New Knowledge and Innovations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming research across disciplines at East Carolina University. ECU researchers are using the power of AI to explore health sciences, business, environmental studies, education, and beyond.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative projects, and a commitment to responsible research practices, ECU is integrating AI into discovery and scholarship to drive progress for our region, the state, and the world.
Artificial Intelligence Teaching and Research Institute
Research Highlights and Faculty Spotlights
ECU researchers are harnessing AI to address real-world challenges for community and industry partners.
Chip Popoviciu, assistant professor in the Department of Technology Systems, learned of a need for researchers to collect more real-time environmental data. By connecting with other faculty and students in the College of Engineering and Technology, the team developed an inexpensive sensor. Conversational Retrieval-Augmented Generation is an AI assistant that monitors certain environmental levels, such as water levels, oxygen levels, and air quality, and reports real-time data.
Guidance for Researchers
ECU has guidelines on the use of AI in research, as outlined in our Institutional Data and AI Guidelines. The University recognizes the potential of generative AI to advance research, development, and education. Generative AI creates new content from patterns learned in user-provided data, with tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Copilot, Gemini, Claude among popular examples. ECU encourages exploration of these technologies while reminding users to protect shared data and comply with copyright laws, regulations, and university policies on academic integrity and conduct.
ECU researchers interested in using AI in their work should consider several important areas:
Responsible Conduct of AI Research
- Maintain transparency in data collection, AI model development, and interpretation of results.
- Ensure research reproducibility and avoid “black box” models when possible.
Data Privacy and Compliance
- Assess whether your data involves protected health information (PHI), student data, or other sensitive categories.
- Follow regulations such as HIPAA, FERPA, and data governance requirements and the Use of Generative AI Regulation at ECU .
Publication and Disclosure Requirements
- Many journals now require authors to disclose the use of AI tools (e.g., generative AI, machine learning).
- Review publisher policies and ensure proper acknowledgment of AI assistance in research manuscripts.
Export Control and Research Security
- Be aware of restrictions on sharing certain AI tools, models, or data internationally.
- Use of Generative AI Regulation for guidance.
AI Use in Grant Proposals
- Clearly describe how AI tools will be used in funded projects.
- Address ethical considerations and data security plans in proposals.
Copyright & AI – At a Glance
- AI-only creations are not protected under U.S. copyright law.
- Human creativity is required—you must make perceptible creative contributions for eligibility.
- Acknowledge AI’s role when registering works that used AI tools.
- Copyright & AI: U.S. Copyright Office Guidance
- See copyright.gov/ai for the latest updates.
Resources for ECU Researchers
- REDE (Research, Economic Development, and Engagement)
- ECU Office of Faculty Excellence
- University Writing Center AI Research
- Copyright @ ECU
- Intellectual Property @ ECU
- Use of Generative AI Regulation
Stay Connected
Are you conducting AI research at ECU? Let us know!
We welcome collaborations, news, and success stories to feature on AI@ECU—contact AI@ecu.edu.
