RIT Student Kyle Scher Leads the Charge in AI-Powered Education with ProGenie
Kyle Scher, a third-year mechatronics engineering technology student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), is making waves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Hailing from Dix Hills, N.Y., Scher is spearheading a groundbreaking project called ProGenie, an AI-driven tool designed to revolutionize classroom engagement. Working alongside faculty and peers in RIT’s College of Engineering Technology (CET), Scher is bringing his passion for innovation to life. The project, which is part of CET’s Laboratory for the Advancement of Applied AI in Education, is set to launch in the spring semester and promises to transform how educators connect with students.
How It All Began: A Conversation That Sparked Innovation
ProGenie’s journey began with a simple conversation. Scher recalls, “I started working with Dr. Eastman on the AI project from a conversation we had in a Student Government meeting.” During his second year at RIT, Scher briefly joined Student Government, which opened doors to collaborate with the CET Dean’s Office on innovative projects. This particular initiative focuses on leveraging generative AI to create personalized, engaging content for students, ensuring that classroom learning is both dynamic and tailored to individual needs.
As the project manager, Scher leads a team of talented RIT students, including Benjamin Brundage (computer science), Stephen Zelazny-Medina, and Christopher Obando (both software engineering). Together, they are building the software that will power ProGenie, a tool designed to enhance the educational experience for both students and faculty.
What Is ProGenie and How Does It Work?
ProGenie is more than just a piece of software—it’s a game-changer for modern education. The tool allows educators to create customized, narrative-driven content for any class or subject. By integrating storytelling into lectures and assignments, ProGenie makes complex topics more accessible and engaging for students. Its versatility spans across STEM disciplines, offering professors a dynamic way to enrich their lessons, spark curiosity, and improve learning outcomes.
“ProGenie enhances student engagement by making learning more enjoyable and relatable,” Scher explains. While the tool is primarily designed for educators, its open-ended framework holds potential for broader applications beyond the classroom. This adaptability makes ProGenie a transformative tool not just for education, but for any field that values personalized, interactive content.
Bridging the Gap Between Coursework and Real-World Applications
Although ProGenie isn’t directly tied to Scher’s mechatronics engineering technology major, the project has provided him with valuable insights into the broader AI sector. “I can see engineers in the future using AI tools as they evolve and get smarter,” he says. Scher believes that generative AI will become an essential tool for engineers, helping them tackle complex problems with greater efficiency.
His diverse co-op experiences have also played a significant role in shaping his perspective. “Mechatronics is a broad major,” Scher notes. “I’m now on my second co-op, where I’m focused more on mechanical engineering, compared to my first co-op, which was more electrical.” These experiences have allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom to real-world scenarios, further solidifying his understanding of the field.
Scher emphasizes the importance of personal projects in building a strong resume. “Employers want to see students applying their passion outside of the classroom,” he says. “Try to have a personal project for every semester or academic year to show your advancement. It’s the excitement and willingness to learn that students bring to the workforce, and personal projects are a great way to demonstrate that.”
Finding the Right Path: Advice for Aspiring Engineers
For Scher, the journey to finding his passion in mechatronics engineering technology began with exploration. “I enrolled at RIT knowing that I wanted to be an engineer, but I wasn’t sure what kind,” he shares. Starting in the CET Exploration program, Scher discovered that mechatronics was the perfect combination of his interests in electrical, mechanical, and robotics engineering.
His co-op experiences have only reinforced his decision. “My advice to other students is to pursue what you have a passion for,” Scher says. “If you have a hobby or an interest in something, try to find ways to work on that while completing your RIT education.” He encourages students to seek out co-op opportunities that align with their interests, as these experiences can provide valuable insights into their chosen field and help them make informed decisions about their career paths.
ProGenie: A Glimpse into the Future of Education
As ProGenie prepares for its official rollout in the spring semester, the project represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI into education. By enabling educators to create personalized, engaging content, ProGenie has the potential to transform how students learn and interact with complex subjects. For Scher and his team, the project is not just an academic exercise—it’s a glimpse into the future of education and the role that AI will play in shaping it.
With his passion for innovation and commitment to making a difference, Kyle Scher is proving that the possibilities of AI are limited only by our imagination. As he continues to lead the charge in AI-powered education, Scher is not just preparing for his future—he’s helping to shape the future for students and educators alike.
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