The sport management and strategic communications double major earned the top prize in the Creative AI + Data Image Contest at Elon’s Datafest 2025 with her entry, “Where Acorns Become Oaks.”
Lauren Winslow ’27 didn’t just generate an image — she used artificial intelligence to transform her artistic vision into a reality.
The sport management and strategic communications double major spent hours fine-tuning prompts, reworking descriptions, and pushing AI tools to align with her concept for the Creative AI + Data Image Contest at Elon University’s Datafest 2025. Her persistence paid off when her AI-generated artwork, “Where Acorns Become Oaks,” was selected as the contest winner.
“The AI system I used to generate the images required very specific and intentional language to accurately depict what I had in mind,” said Winslow, a Cherry Hill, New Jersey, native. “Even with detailed descriptions, the AI didn’t always cooperate. It would sometimes add or remove elements I hadn’t mentioned. It took a lot of patience and trial and error, but after going back and forth with the system, I was able to create an end result I’m really proud of.”
The contest challenged students to represent Elon University through AI-generated visuals, drawing inspiration from the institution’s alma mater. Judges found that Winslow’s design effectively captured the prompt through symbolic imagery — oak leaves, acorns, and students discovering a community in which they can grow.
“A major part of Elon’s identity is its deep connection to nature, which I showcased through visual details like leaves, acorns and natural scenery,” she said. “I was especially drawn to the imagery of students picking an acorn against a backdrop of towering oaks.”
Her ability to navigate the complexities of AI didn’t come out of nowhere. Winslow had already worked with image-generation tools in the past, building a foundation that gave her the confidence to take on the contest’s creative challenge.
“I had previously experimented with generating images using various AI tools, but through this competition, I was able to deepen my understanding and push creative boundaries,” she said.
Young Do Kim, associate professor of sport management, encouraged Winslow to participate in the contest, knowing she had previous experience with AI-generated content. And he wasn’t surprised to see the sophomore garner praise.
“Lauren represented the School of Communications very well, and I am immensely proud of her creativity and hard work to use and leverage AI,” he said.
Winslow encourages her fellow students to also embrace digital tools, but to be patient when doing so.
“Becoming skilled at leveraging AI takes practice,” she said. “It shouldn’t be a tool you’re afraid to embrace. When used thoughtfully, AI has the power to elevate your creativity. That said, it’s important to recognize when its use is appropriate for the setting. Whenever you incorporate AI into your work, transparency is key. Make sure to always acknowledge where your digital creation originated.”
Winslow’s reflection on her artwork
Where Acorns Become Oaks
This artwork draws deeply from the spirit of Elon University’s alma mater, weaving themes of reverence, growth, and enduring community into a symbolic emblem of place and purpose. The hands reaching gently into a basket of acorns represent the promise and potential nurtured beneath Elon’s storied oaks. Above, the academic building, set upon a gentle rise, stands beneath the vast Carolina blue sky, echoing the “halls of learning” that invite students toward wisdom and service.
Framed by a border of oak leaves and acorns, the image honors the university’s name and the strength found in both its natural landscape and academic mission. At its heart, this piece reflects the belief that Elon is a home for all who seek to grow with integrity, purpose, and belonging.
The university’s Data Nexus hosted DataFest from April 10-14 with a variety of events and programs, including a two-part music and data workshop, hack-a-thon and alumni networking event, AI and scholarship panel, and a keynote titled “AI’s Music Problem and Music’s AI Problem,” featuring Christopher White, associate professor of music theory at UMASS Amherst.