How could I best use this opportunity? (AI Safety)

pinkerton
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:17:14 GMT

Hello! I have found myself in a position that I think could benefit AI safety/alignment, and I figured I would ask here for suggestions on how to most effectively use it.

I am eployed at a top 25 public research university. I don't really have a official title, but I guess I would describe myself as an "auxillary" resource who works under one of the highest admins at the school. I research, assist labs, and mentor, tutor and TA students, but also train non-technical staff basic AI skills.

In a month from now, a third of my hours is going to open up for a new project. I bounced the idea to my boss suggesting a temporarty project that brings a handful students/faculty from across campus together to do something in adressing the existential threat of AI.

I have essentially been given a greenlight on funding "within reason" so long as I am able to get one or two senior faculty members to agree to work with me first.

I of course am going to be working on coming up with an idea/proposal over the next few weeks, but I figured I would ask for some suggestions on feasible directions and also things to look out for.

I have a lot of freedom here. Here are just a few constraints:

1. The project needs to be interdiciplinary

2. Constitute enough work for 1-2 senior faculty to devote a little bit of time to, and then the rest of the work conducted through me/RAs (~10-15 hours a week)

3. My academic backround/skills are a mix of social sciences/communications/pedagogy—so ideally something that doesn't require anything higher than precalc please

4. I want this to make people think a little more about the issue, but completely avoiding advocacy or activism or coming off as such

5. Something that at least one senior faculty would hopefully agree to

Last time I asked a question here the responses were quite helpful. Any advice is appreciated!

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