Generative AI and Cultural Creativity

2026

A team of students led by researchers in English and Computer Science will investigate a fundamental question about artificial intelligence: can machines be truly creative? Students will design experiments comparing human and AI storytelling, build datasets and computational tools to measure originality and surprise, and explore what current language models reveal about the nature of creativity itself. Through hands-on work in data curation & analysis, machine learning, and cultural interpretation, students will produce open-source resources and research findings that advance our understanding of both AI capabilities and human imagination, with results shared through student-authored publications and presentations at Duke symposia.

Project Lead: Richard So

Project Manager: Julia Gordon

Contact

Assistant Director of Student Research, Data+ Program Director

Mathematics

Related People

Digital Humanities

English