ABINGTON, Pa. — Two Penn State Abington students presented separate projects on artificial intelligence (AI) at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Virginia last month, just three weeks before they graduated this May.
Kyrsten Strange, who earned a degree in project and supply chain management, examined how managers adapt AI to their organizations, and she provided recommendations on effective AI use while engaging and upskilling employees.
“Focusing on the adoption of artificial intelligence in management aligned closely with my interest in how emerging technologies shape organizations … including both the opportunities and concerns that arise,” she said.
Strange’s undergraduate research project, "Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Management: A Systematic Review of Organizational Use and Employee Perspectives," was a collaboration with Tejaswi Materla, assistant professor of project management.
“Kyrsten presented the work with remarkable clarity and confidence and was a true ambassador for Penn State Abington, representing our program with professionalism and grace,” Materla said. “It was a genuine pleasure to watch her shine on a national stage.”
Strange’s project embodied the Abington Experience, a roadmap that launches students from campus to career through hands-on learning including research with faculty, internships, leadership development and academic travel. She said this research will be useful as she begins her career in management, where understanding technology-driven change and employee response is increasingly important.
“The experience reinforced my interest in research, sharpened my critical thinking, and gave me a stronger foundation in a cutting-edge topic that is highly relevant to my professional goals in the field of management,” Strange said, while also giving Materla credit for her valuable guidance. “Working with Dr. Materla on this project was a formative experience that deepened my understanding of both research and management."
Her research with Materla combined with life as a soccer player at Abington shaped Strange’s growth as a leader, she said.
“I’ve developed leadership skills by learning how to communicate clearly, stay accountable to my team, and make quick decisions under pressure,” she said, adding that her teammates relied on her composure and positivity, “which helped me grow more confident in taking initiative and supporting group goals. ... My research with Dr. Materla strengthened those same leadership abilities in a different context. I was responsible for managing my tasks independently, meeting deadlines and contributing thoughtfully to our shared objectives. Together, these experiences have helped me become more proactive, collaborative, and comfortable stepping into roles where others depend on me.”