CPAR Uses UNO’s ChatGPT EDU Access to Explore Practical, Ethical Ways to Use AI in Community-Engaged Research

published: 2025/12/19
contact: UNO Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI)
email: innovate@unomaha.edu

Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Public Affairs Research, speaks during the CPAR Data and Research Series for Community Impact.

The Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha participated in exploring how ChatGPT EDU Access (formerly the OpenAI Challenge) can support high-quality research and professional development. Offered by UNO’s AI Learning Lab, this ChatGPT access allowed their team to experiment with new tools in a structured, ethical environment—aligning with CPAR’s core values of producing scholarship that is purposeful, aspirational, and of high research integrity.

The Vision for AI at CPAR

At CPAR, the research process does not end when data collection is complete. A core part of their mission is making information digestible and actionable for state agencies, nonprofits, local governments, and the public more broadly. Translating complex data analyses into insights that decision-makers can use often requires significant time and creativity. Through ChatGPT EDU Access, their team explored how AI can assist with this process, helping them communicate research findings more efficiently and effectively.

One recent example comes from their statewide study on the impact of arts, culture, and humanities in Nebraska. After conducting interviews and writing five in-depth community case studies, they used AI as a thought partner to help summarize the case study narratives. AI highlighted which elements were most important to feature in one-page community summaries and helped identify key themes across case studies. In many cases, AI confirmed the conclusions they had already reached but did so quickly, giving them as the researchers more time to focus on deeper analysis and create project deliverables for their partners.

CPAR’s Discoveries & Thoughts on AI

For their team, AI has become a useful thought partner, but not a decision-maker. It helps them simplify complex information, create consistent messaging, and adapt materials for different audiences. For a small, multidisciplinary research team, these efficiencies matter. But AI cannot replace the contextual knowledge, lived experience, and long-standing relationships that shape CPAR’s approach to community-engaged research. The team’s ability to understand partner needs, interpret local conditions, and translate findings into meaningful solutions for Nebraska communities is something that AI can support, but that only human intelligence can provide.

Learn more about UNO's AI Learning Lab and ChatGPT Edu.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.