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�鶹ҹ�� Moving Image Arts major Tafari Beard traveled to Paris last fall to present research at Sorbonne University as part of the UL Systems Scholars program.

Beard represented �鶹ҹ�� alongside other students in the University of Louisiana System. Together, they shared their research about how countries’ cultural values influence their approach to artificial intelligence.

“Representing �鶹ҹ�� on that stage was an honor, and the experience expanded my understanding of global innovation and cross-cultural collaboration,” said Beard.

Beard, who runs his own film production company with fellow �鶹ҹ�� System Scholar Christian Steward, said the opportunity gave them both a powerful confidence boost and fueled their career ambitions.

“We sat down in a big conference room — it had amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is the goal. This is where we want to be in the future,’” said Beard. “Probably not in Paris, but in spaces like this.”

Beard and Steward have partnered together on another venture, inspired by their time in the UL Systems Scholars Program. Their new student organization, the , connects new undergraduate students with upper-level student mentors to help them succeed in college, and in life. The organization already has more than 300 members, said Beard, who serves as a student mentor and the organization’s president.

“I returned to campus inspired to bring these experiences into my work as a president of my own organization,” said Beard. “That was a trip for me to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but also something to open the door for the person behind me.”

Photo caption: Tafari Beard speaks to fellow students at the New Student Convocation. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / �鶹ҹ��