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When

Oct. 5, 2026, 10 a.m.
CHEE seminar logo
Monday, October 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Andrew Bennett
Assistant Professor
Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences
Statistics and Data Science Interdisciplinary Program
University of Arizona
"Geoscience in the Age of AI: Opportunities vs. Hype"
Harshbarger 118A-A1
 
person with white hair and beard, wearing glasses and blue shirt

ABSTRACT
AI and machine learning tools are rapidly becoming adopted across research and science, including the geosciences. In addition, such tools are also being developed in their own right at a similarly rapid pace. In this talk, I will present my perspective on the use of such technologies and tools as it relates to the broader field of the geosciences. As a part of this, I will highlight the rapid development of advanced generative AI tools (e.g., LLMs), how they can be used to accelerate certain aspects of research, and concerns about training the future cohort of scientists and researchers in light of their existence. I will also discuss growing concerns about their environmental impact and other risks associated with the use of generative AI tools.

In the second part of this talk, I will discuss advances in specific applications in the geosciences and give a broad view of how more specialized machine learning techniques can improve monitoring, data analysis and modeling/forecasting activities. I will give an overview of my own and others' research on developing novel models for hydrologic prediction and weather forecasting. Lastly, I will close out with some reflections on how far I think these tools can really advance the state of the science and how we can learn from their adoption.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Andrew Bennett is an assistant professor in the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on developing machine learning techniques for hydrologic models across a range of scales and processes. Prior to joining the University of Arizona, Bennett received his PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Washington in 2021 and was a research associate in the Computer Science and Mathematics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.