To prepare students for the artificial intelligence workforce, Cal State Fullerton has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create an AI Hub, develop AI-focused curriculum, promote inclusive and ethical practices, and build partnerships with industry.
“This project will catalyze AI initiatives on campus by creating a centralized, interdisciplinary platform that connects students, faculty, industry partners and research organizations,” said Yu Bai, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Bai will lead the development and integration of the grant project “CAP: INSPIRE — Inclusive Strategies for Promoting AI Research and Education, Empowering Underrepresented Students and Faculty.”
“Overall, the AI Hub will be a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures AI talent, fosters interdisciplinary learning, and establishes CSUF as a leader in inclusive AI education and innovation,” Bai said.
Bai, whose research interests include AI — machines that think like humans — from unmanned robots to improving academic performance in STEM and machine learning, said that the project will advance the growth and development of underrepresented students in AI fields.
The grant is funded through NSF’s Expanding AI Innovation Through Capacity Building and Partnerships program. The ExpandAI program supports projects that help broaden participation in artificial intelligence research, education and workforce development.
Campus leaders hailed the need for an institutional approach to bolster AI infrastructure, develop AI-related curricula, courses and programs, and equip students for AI careers.
“Promoting AI technologies in both the educational landscape and research space is essential for our campus to thrive in the 21st century,” said Binod Tiwari, associate vice president for research and sponsored programs.
“This grant project will allow Cal State Fullerton to create meaningful partnerships and provide the resources our students and faculty need to succeed in the AI workforce.”
Amir Dabirian, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the grant project will remove barriers and cultivate an equitable learning environment.
“CSUF can serve as a model for other academic institutions to expand the student talent pool and contribute to developing more ethical, fair and socially responsible AI systems,” Dabirian said.
Co-leading the CAP: INSPIRE project are Jidong Huang, chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering; Kiran George, College of Engineering and Computer Science associate dean for graduate programs, faculty research and innovation; Sam Behseta, professor of mathematics; Jessica Jaynes, associate professor of mathematics and director of the Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics; and Joshua DiPaolo, associate professor of philosophy.
The grant project allows faculty and students to work together on real-world AI applications, innovative research and industry-sponsored projects through hands-on, project-based learning.
Students will also gain machine learning and data science skills and develop technical competencies to thrive in the AI workforce.
Bai said that the rapid advancement of AI technology is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, creating a challenge for universities to keep their curricula up-to-date.
The project’s interdisciplinary nature will bring together students from STEM and other majors, allowing them to explore AI’s applications across different fields and build versatile skill sets.
“Key courses in various disciplines, including computer science, engineering, business, biological science, mathematics and philosophy, will expose students to multiple aspects of applications of AI and prepare them for a wide range of AI-driven career pathways,” Bai said.
“By fostering technical skills and ethical awareness, the project prepares students to meet the evolving demands of the AI workforce and make meaningful contributions in a fast-changing, AI-driven job market.”