TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — From classrooms to research labs, artificial intelligence is redefining how knowledge
is created, taught and applied. At Florida A&M University, that transformation is being met with strategic investment and campus-wide collaboration
through the Department of Computer and Information Sciences’ Artificial Intelligence
and Data Science Cluster — a key initiative supporting the university’s goal of attaining
Carnegie R1 research status.
Richard A. Aló, Ph.D., FAMU’s Esteemed Scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science
and Machine Learning, said the cluster was intentionally designed to extend beyond
traditional STEM boundaries.
“My charge is to infuse these advanced technologies across the curriculum — not just
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in the humanities, social
sciences and criminal justice,” Aló said. “Artificial intelligence is having a major
impact on society, and we have a responsibility to bring all of our students and faculty
into that conversation.”
Richard Aló, Ph.D., shares a moment with event MC Adam Ramgeet during the AI & Data
Science Workshop. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
What began as a pilot workshop with just five participants has quickly grown into
a university wide effort, drawing more than 100 students and faculty members to FAMU’s
latest AI and Data Science Workshop. The expansion reflects growing demand for AI
literacy and underscores the university’s commitment to strengthening research capacity,
interdisciplinary collaboration and workforce readiness, while preparing students
to lead the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.
Aló said the cluster approaches AI through three connected lenses — talking about AI, teaching with AI and using AI— ensuring students understand both the technology itself and its broader societal
implications.
FAMU attendees participate in a full day of learning during the AI & Data Science
Workshop hosted by the Department of Computer and Information Sciences.
Preparing Students for Real-World Careers
Workforce readiness is a central focus of the cluster. Through updated coursework,
certifications and research opportunities, students gain hands-on experience with
tools and platforms used by leading research institutions and industry partners.
Students develop skills in:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Data science and big data analytics
Cybersecurity and digital forensics
Healthcare and scientific research applications
For psychology major My’Angel Jones, the workshop prompted meaningful discussion about how AI can support — rather than
replace — human-centered disciplines.
“It’s really about FAMU being on the forefront of AI and getting students to keep
up with the times,” Jones said. “With psychology, a lot of what we do involves emotion
and mental regulation. AI can’t replace that, but it can help with research.”
Jones added that AI tools can assist with organizing and restructuring data, allowing
students to focus more deeply on analysis and interpretation.
Hands-on learning as FAMU attendees dive into collaboration and discovery. (Photo
Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
AI in the Classroom: Meeting Students Where They Are
While students are building career-ready skills, faculty members are also rethinking
how artificial intelligence can enhance learning inside the classroom.
For mathematics instructor Erdell Maurice, whose research focuses on mathematics education, AI is helping students build confidence
in a subject area that has historically challenged many learners.
“AI has the ability to personalize your education,” Maurice said. “Students come in
with different gaps and different strengths. I ask them to use AI to identify where
those gaps are and then help fill them. Traditionally, mathematics has been an area
of weakness for many students, but with these tools, it can become an area of strength.”
Maurice said the approach aligns with the broader mission of the AI and Data Science
Cluster — meeting students where they are while supporting academic growth and long-term
success.
Erdell Maurice, Ph.D., engages with attendees during the AI & Data Science Workshop.
(Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
Ethics, Sustainability and Responsible Use
Ethical responsibility and environmental impact were also central themes of the workshop.
Animal science industry scholar Kyla Rogers, a third-year student from Tallahassee, attended with a focus on sustainability and
ethics.
“I wanted to learn more about the ethics of AI,” Rogers said. “It uses a lot of water
and land resources, so I’m interested in how we can make AI better environmentally
and use it responsibly in classrooms.”
Rogers emphasized that AI should serve as a learning tool rather than a shortcut.
“It’s helpful when you use it to understand the step-by-step process of why things
work the way they do, instead of relying on it for answers,” she said.
Research That Reaches Beyond Campus
Jerry Miller, interim chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences,
said the workshop highlighted how artificial intelligence is being implemented across
both teaching and research at the university and extending beyond campus, addressing
challenges in healthcare, cybersecurity, environmental studies and responsible AI
development.
“AI has permeated nearly everything we’re doing,” Miller said. “We’re using it in
the classroom and in research to help faculty and students understand how these tools
can strengthen learning and advance scholarship across disciplines.”
FAMU’s efforts are supported by a $5.35 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which has expanded broadband capacity and strengthened research infrastructure.
The initiative has also enhanced connectivity for neighboring, economically underserved
communities.
FAMU attendees collaborate on applied learning during a hands-on AI & Data Science
Workshop session. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
Through a partnership with the University of California, San Diego, FAMU researchers
now have access to the National Research Platform, providing cloud and exascale computing
power, along with thousands of graphical processing units to support advanced research
in areas such as climate modeling, healthcare innovation and drug development.
“We’ve been building this quietly,” Aló said. “Now we’re inviting faculty and students
to step into what I call the seventh wave — the wave reshaping industry, research
and society through artificial intelligence.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the university looks toward 2026, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences
plans to expand AI literacy across campus, increase project-based learning, strengthen
global and industry partnerships and continue mentoring students into advanced degrees
and technology-driven careers.
Focused faces, future-forward thinking. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu