Technology

Assessing Quantum Interferometry to Enhance Telescopic Efficiency: A PHY440 (Astronomy) Research Project
Astronomy, Technology

Assessing Quantum Interferometry to Enhance Telescopic Efficiency: A PHY440 (Astronomy) Research Project

By Rania Ali-Svedsäter '26 In modern astronomy, quantum communications systems have proven to ascertain numerous benefits for increased telescopic efficiency. Modern prototypes pair standard interferometry with various quantum communication networks, which accumulate to operate a “quantum telescope.” Generally, quantum communications systems can aid information processing between telescopes, increasing the overall scalability of the telescope. The scalability refers to the telescope’s ability to extract more light than made possible from standard interferometry, enabling telescopes to produce high-resolution images from greater distances. Enhanced scalability contributes to the overall efficiency of a telescope, indicating crucial development for higher resolution imagery within modern ...
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Why We Need to Take Preventative Measures
Commentary, Technology

The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Why We Need to Take Preventative Measures

By Ophelia Lee ‘26 In 2023, the “Godfather” of AI, Geoffery Hinton, stepped down from his position in Google to warn tech companies about the dangers of generative AI. Afraid of the technology he helped create, Hinton believed that AI could surpass the intelligence of humans within this generation and result in superintelligence.  Superintelligence arises from technological singularity: technology enters successive loops of self-improvement cycles in which each stage of artificial intelligence gives rise to an even more powerful entity. The end results could contain unforeseeable outcomes and, as Stephen Hawking feared, the extinction of humanity.  Typically, artificial intelligence is associated with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or Google Bard, which are tr...
AI Meets Squash: Seth Pragun ’25’s IntelliReferee
Technology

AI Meets Squash: Seth Pragun ’25’s IntelliReferee

By Jay Jung '27 Every second counts in the high-speed game of squash. Pragun Seth ’25 is transforming competitive tournament refereeing with his independent project, IntelliReferee, an AI-powered system that aims to automate decision-making during matches with an accuracy exceeding human referees.  The common disruptions caused by interference in squash games tend to be extremely distracting. These pauses can affect the flow of the game and lead to inconsistent refereeing decisions, impacting both the players’ performance and the audience’s visual experience. Seeing these conflicts and undesired pauses firsthand durisng both online matches and in-person junior tournaments, Pragun Seth ’25 was inspired to create an AI-based solution to improve refereeing accuracy. As an avid squa...
Technology

AI (人工智能)  and Technology in the Chinese 640 Sequence

By Zachary Yuan '27 Chinese 641, 642, and 643 is a year-long sequence that focuses on combining the art of storytelling with innovative AI technologies. Taught by Ms. Amy Guo, this course takes students beyond traditional learning, offering them an opportunity to experiment with AI as a creative assistant in various projects.  The course emphasizes that while AI is a powerful tool, it does not replace the creativity and engagement required to learn a language and create original content. AI is designed to assist students in the creative process, not to replace their thinking. One of the main goals of the course is to learn to incorporate AI technologies to support our education while navigating the ethical dilemmas associated with it.  Ms. Guo shared many insightful idea...
Technology

We Can Help AI to Help Us, Proposes Dr. Zufelt

By Patrick Xu '27 Although there are no current Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies in the Bluebook, most teachers enforce AI regulations in their classes. Typically, these rules forbid the use of generative AI, unless there is instructor permission. Dr. Nicholas Zufelt, Instructor in Computer Science at Andover, speaks on the current policy: “I think different teachers have different takes on it, but largely, [they] are saying that you shouldn't use it except for particular assessments or assignments that may require it.”  In particular, Zufelt points out the main concern that most teachers may have, which is that AI gives students the opportunity to really opt out of the thinking process. Before tackling the problem, he encourages both teachers and students to learn more about...
Technology

The Educational Utility of AI – An Interview with Noureddine El Alam, Instructor in Mathematics

By Rania Ali-Svedsäter '26          Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence has become an encroaching factor in secondary school classrooms worldwide. Mr. El Alam, a mathematics instructor at Phillips Academy Andover, has experimented with various potential solutions and policies to address the negative impacts of Chat GPT and other preeminent AI models. El Alam generally attempts to implement unique and unorthodox course policies that do not completely disregard the presence of artificial intelligence. Conversely, El Alam seeks to balance the rise of AI with traditional instruction techniques, evident through his insightful test construction and unconventional course assignments.          Financial Literac...
Technology

Why Large Language Models Aren’t Going to Create Art: A Q&A with Dr. Miller, Instructor in English

Is the process of creating art unique to humans? What are some defining characteristics of man-made art that AI cannot replicate? I have an easy answer [...] and one the author Ross Gay mentioned when he visited campus a few years ago. He mentioned how one of the defining features of being human is that we are going to die, that we are mortal, and therefore I feel all art circles back to that. I am always struck by how everything I teach relates to these big questions, such as, why are we here? What is the point of all this? What are we doing on this planet? I believe a computer is never going to have these thoughts. To be a living, breathing mortal who is capable of high levels of thought is really unique.  Four-time-Nebula-Award-winning author Ted Chiang writes in his New York...
Technology

To Uncover AI’s Potential, We Need to Understand It First, Says Dr. Keri Lambert

By Niki Tavakoli '27 To Dr. Keri Lambert, Instructor in History and Social Sciences at Andover, artificial intelligence is a tool worthy of exploration. In fact, she has incorporated artificial intelligence into her lesson plans to prompt students to explore both its advantages and limitations. Dr. Lambert looks forward to learning more about how to incorporate artificial intelligence into her class while teaching students critical thinking skills. Though artificial intelligence, specifically large language models (LLMs), is excellent at providing factual information on a wide variety of topics, it lacks the skill a human brain has to think analytically and creatively, a skill Dr. Lambert aims to develop in her class. One of her lesson plans prompts students to examine the capabiliti...
Neurorehabilitation Using Brain Computer Interface Technologies
Technology

Neurorehabilitation Using Brain Computer Interface Technologies

By Emma Hong '28 Neurorehabilitation is the process in which an individual with brain injury or disease regains the ability to perform essential neural functions. A key player in this recovery process is brain computer interface (BCI), a vast technology system that captures, processes, and converts brain signals into commands. These commands control prosthetic devices (such as prosthetic arms) that carry out the user’s intended actions. Many BCI devices are designed to restore or replace useful functions to those disabled by existing neuromuscular disorders. This form of brain-computer interface is not only convenient for disabled users, but it can also serve to greatly ameliorate their sense of autonomy and agency and help them integrate or reintegrate themselves more deeply and relata...