{"id":142729,"date":"2026-02-04T01:11:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/142729\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T01:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:11:16","slug":"famu-positions-students-and-faculty-at-the-forefront-of-ai-and-data-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/142729\/","title":{"rendered":"FAMU Positions Students and Faculty at the Forefront of AI and Data Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u202f\u2014 From classrooms to research labs, artificial intelligence is redefining how knowledge
\n is created, taught and applied. At\u202fFlorida A&M University, that transformation is being met with strategic investment and campus-wide collaboration
\n through the Department of Computer and Information Sciences\u2019 Artificial Intelligence
\n and Data Science Cluster \u2014 a key initiative supporting the university\u2019s goal of attaining
\n Carnegie R1 research status.<\/p>\n

Richard A. Al\u00f3, Ph.D., FAMU\u2019s Esteemed Scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science
\n and Machine Learning, said the cluster was intentionally designed to extend beyond
\n traditional STEM boundaries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMy charge is to infuse these advanced technologies across the curriculum \u2014 not just
\n in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in the humanities, social
\n sciences and criminal justice,\u201d Al\u00f3 said. \u201cArtificial intelligence is having a major
\n impact on society, and we have a responsibility to bring all of our students and faculty
\n into that conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\u201cRichardRichard Al\u00f3, Ph.D., shares a moment with event MC Adam Ramgeet during the AI & Data
\n Science Workshop. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)\u00a0<\/p>\n

What began as a pilot workshop with just five participants has quickly grown into
\n a university wide effort, drawing more than 100 students and faculty members to FAMU\u2019s
\n latest AI and Data Science Workshop. The expansion reflects growing demand for AI
\n literacy and underscores the university\u2019s commitment to strengthening research capacity,
\n interdisciplinary collaboration and workforce readiness, while preparing students
\n to lead the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.<\/p>\n

Al\u00f3 said the cluster approaches AI through three connected lenses \u2014\u202ftalking about AI, teaching with AI and using AI\u2014 ensuring students understand both the technology itself and its broader societal
\n implications.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"FAMU<\/p>\n

\"\u201cFAMUFAMU attendees participate in a full day of learning during the AI & Data Science
\n Workshop hosted by the Department of Computer and Information Sciences.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Preparing Students for Real-World Careers\u00a0<\/p>\n

Workforce readiness is a central focus of the cluster. Through updated coursework,
\n certifications and research opportunities, students gain hands-on experience with
\n tools and platforms used by leading research institutions and industry partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Students develop skills in:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Artificial intelligence and machine learning\u00a0<\/p>\n

Data science and big data analytics\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cybersecurity and digital forensics\u00a0<\/p>\n

Healthcare and scientific research applications\u00a0<\/p>\n

For psychology major\u202fMy\u2019Angel Jones, the workshop prompted meaningful discussion about how AI can support \u2014 rather than
\n replace \u2014 human-centered disciplines.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really about FAMU being on the forefront of AI and getting students to keep
\n up with the times,\u201d Jones said. \u201cWith psychology, a lot of what we do involves emotion
\n and mental regulation. AI can\u2019t replace that, but it can help with research.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jones added that AI tools can assist with organizing and restructuring data, allowing
\n students to focus more deeply on analysis and interpretation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"LockedHands-on learning as FAMU attendees dive into collaboration and discovery. (Photo
\n Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

AI in the Classroom: Meeting Students Where They Are\u00a0<\/p>\n

While students are building career-ready skills, faculty members are also rethinking
\n how artificial intelligence can enhance learning inside the classroom.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For mathematics instructor\u202fErdell Maurice, whose research focuses on mathematics education, AI is helping students build confidence
\n in a subject area that has historically challenged many learners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAI has the ability to personalize your education,\u201d Maurice said. \u201cStudents come in
\n with different gaps and different strengths. I ask them to use AI to identify where
\n those gaps are and then help fill them. Traditionally, mathematics has been an area
\n of weakness for many students, but with these tools, it can become an area of strength.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Maurice said the approach aligns with the broader mission of the AI and Data Science
\n Cluster \u2014 meeting students where they are while supporting academic growth and long-term
\n success.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ErdellErdell Maurice, Ph.D., engages with attendees during the AI & Data Science Workshop.
\n (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ethics, Sustainability and Responsible Use\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ethical responsibility and environmental impact were also central themes of the workshop.
\n Animal science industry scholar\u202fKyla Rogers, a third-year student from Tallahassee, attended with a focus on sustainability and
\n ethics.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to learn more about the ethics of AI,\u201d Rogers said. \u201cIt uses a lot of water
\n and land resources, so I\u2019m interested in how we can make AI better environmentally
\n and use it responsibly in classrooms.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rogers emphasized that AI should serve as a learning tool rather than a shortcut.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s helpful when you use it to understand the step-by-step process of why things
\n work the way they do, instead of relying on it for answers,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Research That Reaches Beyond Campus\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jerry Miller, interim chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences,
\n said the workshop highlighted how artificial intelligence is being implemented across
\n both teaching and research at the university and extending beyond campus, addressing
\n challenges in healthcare, cybersecurity, environmental studies and responsible AI
\n development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAI has permeated nearly everything we\u2019re doing,\u201d Miller said. \u201cWe\u2019re using it in
\n the classroom and in research to help faculty and students understand how these tools
\n can strengthen learning and advance scholarship across disciplines.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

FAMU\u2019s efforts are supported by a\u202f$5.35 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which has expanded broadband capacity and strengthened research infrastructure.
\n The initiative has also enhanced connectivity for neighboring, economically underserved
\n communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"FAMUFAMU attendees collaborate on applied learning during a hands-on AI & Data Science
\n Workshop session. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Through a partnership with the University of California, San Diego, FAMU researchers
\n now have access to the National Research Platform, providing cloud and exascale computing
\n power, along with thousands of graphical processing units to support advanced research
\n in areas such as climate modeling, healthcare innovation and drug development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been building this quietly,\u201d Al\u00f3 said. \u201cNow we\u2019re inviting faculty and students
\n to step into what I call the seventh wave \u2014 the wave reshaping industry, research
\n and society through artificial intelligence.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead to 2026 <\/p>\n

As the university looks toward 2026, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences
\n plans to expand AI literacy across campus, increase project-based learning, strengthen
\n global and industry partnerships and continue mentoring students into advanced degrees
\n and technology-driven careers.<\/p>\n

\"FocusedFocused faces, future-forward thinking. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/p>\n

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Back to Stories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u202f\u2014 From classrooms to research labs, artificial intelligence is redefining how knowledge is created, taught and applied.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":142730,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[232,234,233],"class_list":{"0":"post-142729","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tallahassee","8":"tag-tallahassee","9":"tag-tallahassee-headlines","10":"tag-tallahassee-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142729"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142729\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}