Utah Valley University (UVU) is partnering with key institutions across the Philippines, as led by Dr. Carl Canlas, assistant professor in UVU’s Information Systems and Technology Department, to advance AI education, research, and professional development. The interdisciplinary research project brings together faculty members from multiple academic disciplines, including the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the English Department, and the Department of Information Systems and Technology. The project examines the social, educational, and technological impacts of AI through a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach.
Cybersecurity master’s student Ben Payne and UVU faculty traveled to the Philippines this May as part of a growing network of partnerships between Philippine universities, UVU, and the university’s UNESCO Chair on AI and Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Futures. Payne worked with Tahanan Walang Hagdan Inc., a nonprofit organization serving individuals with physical disabilities. Payne helped strengthen the organization’s website security and contributed to ongoing efforts to protect the nonprofit from fraudulent online activity.
UVU faculty also met with partners at De La Salle University – College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Lopez campus. The collaborations focus on artificial intelligence, technology education, research, and professional development.
One major initiative launched during the visit is a multi-university study examining how faculty, staff, and students use and perceive artificial intelligence in higher education. The research project will engage UVU students throughout the coming year as they help collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and develop AI-focused educational resources for partner institutions.
“We want students to participate in every stage of the process,” said Yi Yin, Ph.D., assistant professor at UVU and project lead. “They will learn how to analyze data, interpret findings, communicate results, and help develop solutions that meet the needs of our partner institutions.”
Dr. Jerevie Canlas, adjunct professor of family science, emphasized that working alongside faculty in both the Philippines and the United States through on-site, in-person collaboration will provide students with more meaningful exposure to global perspectives. Students participating in this project will develop valuable skills in survey research, statistical analysis, technical writing, public speaking, and project management.
Stateside, 40 students participated in COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) for cross-cultural, project-based learning experiences that connected UVU classrooms with universities in the Philippines. Through the initiative, students work alongside faculty and international partners on projects designed to address real-world challenges while developing career-ready skills.
“This is exactly the type of hands-on learning experience students need,” said Kelsey Hixson-Bowles, Ph.D., assistant professor at UVU. “Students aren’t just studying concepts in a classroom. They’re conducting research, collaborating across cultures, solving problems, and seeing how their work can make a difference.”
The UNESCO Chair at UVU on AI and Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Futures advances the integration of artificial intelligence and sustainability in education to improve learning, empower faculty, and support student-led initiatives. Through collaboration with Global South partners and K-12 institutions, the Chair promotes environmental stewardship, intercultural dialogue, and the development of resilient, inclusive education systems that prepare learners for a sustainable future.
