Waynesburg University Computer Science alumnus Jason Wissinger (’22) and Professor of Computer Science Dr. Elizabeth Wang recently published a chapter in “Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence and Its Place in Society,” a textbook published on Oct. 16, 2023, by IGI Global on artificial intelligence (AI).
Their chapter titled, “Mind Uploading in Artificial Intelligence,” is based on an initial version of Wissinger’s senior project paper written during the fall 2022 semester. Dr. Wang said his paper was written so well, she suggested he submit it for publication, an idea Wissinger approved.
“I searched around and found that IGI Global was calling for book chapters on AI, which matches Jason’s paper perfectly,” explained Dr. Wang. “I submitted a chapter proposal in early spring, which was accepted.”
When I got the peer reviews back, no matter how harsh, she believed that my paper is/could be good enough. Dr. Wang was one of my biggest motivators throughout the entire process.”
After the proposal was accepted, Wissinger, with the assistance of Dr. Wang, worked to expand the chapter from its initial format, submitting their first draft in May 2023. Throughout the summer, they worked on revisions until the final version was accepted for publication in October 2023.
“It started with formatting the essay into a chapter that satisfied IGI Global's guidelines,” described Wissinger, who currently works as an IT project manager for Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. “This meant adding sections for key terms, additional research and future research directions. Once the proposal was approved, it was reviewed by two peers, each recommending strengthening specific sections of the paper. After these additions, the chapter was resubmitted and approved for publication.”
The best part of the process, according to Wissinger, was being able to prove to himself that he was capable of this accomplishment.
“When Dr. Wang reached out to me, I didn't know if I had what it takes,” Wissinger said. “Now that it is finally published, I think it's pretty awesome that my name is in a real textbook, meaning even years upon years into the future, somebody may still read my name in it.”
Throughout the years, Dr. Wang has assisted a total of nine computer science students publish their work—an aspect of her job that makes her feel “fulfilled every time,” she said.
“I am very proud of my students, like Jason,” Dr. Wang added. “I have helped nine CS students publish their work since 2007. In order to write a research paper for possible publication, a student needs to first choose a great topic, then do a thorough research on the topic and finally present his/her ideas in writing professionally, which was exactly what Jason did for his paper.”
During his time as a student, the courses Wissinger took, including Artificial Intelligence and Computer Ethics in Society, helped prepare him to write a paper for publication. In addition, the encouragement received by faculty members like Dr. Wang were a driving force through the publication process.
“From the moment Dr. Wang believed my paper could make it as a book chapter, she had encouraged me to do it,” recalled Wissinger. “When I got the peer reviews back, no matter how harsh, she believed that my paper is/could be good enough. Dr. Wang was one of my biggest motivators throughout the entire process.”
