D. Graham Burnett, Henry Charles Lea Professor of History at Princeton University, is a writer, editor, and historian of science whose work spans the 17th through 20th centuries, often exploring the intersections of technology, culture, and media.
Within the history of science, Burnett focuses on environmental history and the development of technological science. This work informs his visit to the University of Iowa, where he will focus on the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence through activities including a public talk, “Writing, Attention, Study: AI and the human uses of human being.”
Sponsored by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Burnett will also spend time with the inaugural group of AI Fellows, as these educators refine their curricula for the University of Iowa’s debut of its AI Certificate in the fall 2026 semester.
“Conversations like these reflect how, at Iowa, we’re combining human insight with artificial intelligence,” says Barry Thomas, associate provost for faculty and strategic operations. “Engaging these ideas now is essential to the future of undergraduate education, because AI will increasingly influence how our students learn, create, and contribute in every field.”
As foundational general education courses like Rhetoric aim to build critical thinking skills, the humanities may seem like the most natural place to engage with artificial intelligence. Burnett has explored this tension directly in his April 2025 New Yorker article, “Will the Humanities Survive Artificial Intelligence?,” stating, “…on campus, we’re in a bizarre interlude: everyone seems intent on pretending that the most significant revolution in the world of thought in the past century isn’t happening,” before asserting, “It’s time to talk about what all this means for university life, and for the humanities in particular.”
“There’s a real sense of momentum in CLAS right now. Faculty are approaching AI not just as a tool, but as something to examine critically—asking how it shapes knowledge, creativity, and communication,” Associate Dean for the Arts and Humanities, Roland Racevskis, said. “That perspective is what will make this curriculum both distinctive and impactful for our students. On our campus there is energy, accompanied by strong skepticism, and even anxiety regarding these technologies. As one of the most courageous and incisive voices speaking out about AI, learning, and study in our world right now, Graham is in the perfect place to engage our intellectual community in dialogue around how to navigate the present day’s paradigm shifts.”
Attend D. Graham Burnett's public talk
Thursday, April 2, 2026
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
University Capitol Centre - Room 2520D
Disability Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Abigail Floryanovich in advance at 319-335-1189 or abigail-floryanovich@uiowa.edu.