This editorial was featured in the June 1, 2026 edition of
The Reflector.
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes industries, automates tasks, and redefines what it means to be “productive,” it raises a deeper question: as AI becomes more capable, what remains uniquely human in the way we work and live?
This question feels both exciting and unsettling. AI represents opportunity: new tools, new careers, new ways to create. It has become a constant presence in our daily lives, from work and school to advertisements and social media. At the same time, it introduces a quiet tension: uncertainty about skills, identity, and the long-term role of human judgment.
In nearly every conference I attend – whether focused on education, design, or technology – AI is at the center of the conversation. At the 2026 IEEE Laureate Forum, one word I heard repeatedly was “embrace.” People need to learn to embrace AI. Yet what is becoming even more important in this process is not just adoption, but foundation: a strong understanding of core principles, the ability to think deeply, ask the right questions, and evaluate whether what AI produces is actually correct.
I’ve also become more cautious about cognitive debt when using AI. I try to use it intentionally – not as a replacement for thinking, but as a form of augmented intelligence, something that enhances rather than diminishes human capability. This reflection is what inspired the theme of the
2026 IEEE Young Professionals (YP) Summit, taking place August 7-9 at Boston University : “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Work.”
For many young professionals, there is a strong desire to understand AI’s capabilities: what models can do, how quickly they evolve, and how widely they can be applied. But alongside this curiosity is a more personal set of questions:
- What skills and mindsets become more valuable as automation increases?
- How can AI augment rather than replace human thinking?
- How do we maintain creativity and critical thinking when answers are generated instantly?
These are not purely technical questions, but deeply human ones. They don’t have simple answers. The YP Summit is designed to hold space for this tension. It is not only about showcasing innovation, but about thinking critically about how we choose to use AI and what kind of future we want to build with it. In many ways, the conversation is shifting from “What can AI do?” to “ What should humans choose to do in response to technological change? ” To explore these ideas, the summit will feature three tracks:
- Technical Innovation & Applied AI
- AI in Careers & Professional Growth
- Women in Engineering (WIE)
Across all tracks, the focus remains consistent: keeping humans at the center of the story. Sessions will explore real-world AI applications across fields such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and research, along with career pathways, essential skills, and leadership perspectives from women and YP. Participants will also collaborate in a humanitarian technology pitch competition, where teams will develop ideas, connect with mentors, and apply their thinking to real-world challenges.
From the opening dinner on Friday evening, to engaging sessions and informal conversations on Saturday, to a pitch competition and optional Boston tour on Sunday, it promises to be a weekend full of fun, connection, learning, and reflection.
What makes the summit meaningful goes beyond the formal program. It lies in the conversations it creates. The summit is designed as a space for community : a place where participants can share uncertainty without needing perfect answers, hear how others are navigating similar questions, and build connections that extend beyond the event itself.
The
2026 IEEE YP Summit is an invitation to pause, reflect, find your place, and take ownership in a changing world. The future of work will not be defined by AI alone, but by how we choose to shape it with responsibility, curiosity, and purpose. We can’t wait to welcome you to Boston this summer! Please check the Boston Section calendar to register. We look forward to seeing you there!
Cecelia (Qingwan) Cheng received a B.A. degree in Computer Science and Applied Psychology, with a minor in Cyberstrategy and Design, from Boston College in 2023. She was honored with the General Excellence Award for her academic and community contributions.
Cecelia is currently a Senior Data Analyst at Dell Technologies, where she works at the intersection of data, storage technology, and program management. Alongside her industry role, Cecelia remains deeply engaged in education and research by mentoring undergraduate researchers and conducting research on textile waste, design thinking, game-based learning, and AI literacy.
Cecelia currently serves as the Chair of the IEEE Boston Section Young Professionals (YP) Group, where she is committed to bringing young professionals across the Boston area together to learn, connect, and build community.
