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Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science

Transforming the future of engineering research and education through Applied AI.

At NC State’s College of Engineering, we have a bold vision to build on our strengths and become a preeminent center for Applied AI in engineering and computer science.

The AI revolution has the potential to fundamentally transform nearly every aspect of engineering and computer science. By integrating AI across teaching and research, we will elevate our research scholarship, transform our teaching, and better prepare our students for the careers and problem-solving of an increasingly AI-driven future.

Why Applied AI?

  • The AI revolution is increasingly impacting all engineering disciplines, and it’s only the beginning
  • Applied AI will enhance the education of our students, benefit our faculty who can apply these skills to their scholarly work, and enable our graduates to bring AI-related skills to their employers and industries
  • We have exceptional strengths at the COE and are uniquely poised for enormous productivity, growth and leadership in this space

Our approach

Organize Applied AI into COE-specific themes, leveraging our disciplinary strengths

Infuse all undergraduate and graduate degree programs with elements of Applied AI

Nucleate teams of researchers to lead AI work that will address the Engineering Grand Challenges and guide future generations to achieve that work

Our Think and Do mindset: putting AI to work!

We want to equip our faculty and our graduates to become global leaders in developing AI solutions that empower decision-making in complex, real-world situations for individuals, organizations and communities.

Events

View speakers, videos, photos and more from upcoming and past events.

Resources

Learn more about the faculty members leading this initiative.

News and updates

More AI news and updates
a pair of eyeglasses rests on a desk in front of a computer screen that is running code

New Attack Can Make AI ‘See’ Whatever You Want

The research shows that the new technique, called RisingAttacK, is effective at manipulating all of the most widely used AI computer vision systems.
photo shows two stacks of different colors of towels seen from their edges

AI can help cut down on waste, improve quality in dyed fabrics

A new study finds that machine learning can help reduce textile manufacturing waste by more accurately mapping how colors will change during the dyeing process.  Fabrics are typically dyed while wet, and their colors change as they dry. This can make it difficult to know what a piece of fabric will end up looking like…
Stock image of a highly enmeshed neural network of data points connected in an elaborate grid.

Exploring Deep Learning AI for Cancer Treatment

Researchers at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill are exploring how to potentially use AI to match anti-cancer drugs to a patient’s specific DNA. 
Group looking at a small, dog-like robot

Extension Agents Explore AI for Agriculture

Artificial intelligence promises to transform agriculture, and a recent workshop at NC State’s Plant Sciences Building aims to position agricultural agents as key links in ensuring that farmers benefit.
Stock image of AI as part of a neural computer network.

Navigating AI at the 2025 University Research Symposium

NC State’s 2025 University Research Symposium “Research With AI: Navigating A New Age” was a hit, bringing together faculty and researchers across disciplines to share how they’re using the technology — and learn more about what is next in AI.
An illustration of self-driving labs surrounding planet Earth.

Could Self-Driving Labs Lead to a New Era of Scientific Research?

An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers is arguing the research community should make a concerted effort to capitalize on advances in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite work that addresses sustainable energy, emerging diseases and other global challenges. “Self-driving labs (SDLs) will serve as collaborators for human researchers, significantly reducing the time and cost required…

Latest videos

Applied AI Futures Seminar: Maria Gini

On March 18, 2025, we welcomed Dr. Maria Gini, Engineering and Computer Science Distinguished Professor, University of Minnesota. The title of her seminar was “Can I Trust My Teammates? Are They Friends or Foes?” where she proposed measuring trust using a model of trust that has been put forth in the agents’ community and presented preliminary results.

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Applied AI Futures Seminar: Markus J. Buehler

Following the success of the College’s Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science symposium, we introduced the inaugural event in our Applied AI Futures Seminar Series. On November 4, 2024, we welcomed Dr. Markus J. Buehler, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT, to the College of Engineering.

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Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium: Greg Mulholland

Greg Mulholland ’07, CEO of Citrine Informatics, was the morning’s keynote speaker during the college’s 2024 Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC.

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Image of James Lester

Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium: James Lester

James Lester, Goodnight Distinguished University Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, was the day’s second keynote speaker during the college’s 2024 Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC.

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Image of Radhika Venkatraman

Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium: Radhika Venkatraman

Radhika Venkatraman ’95, ’96, Senior Managing Director at Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., was the day’s third and final keynote speaker during the college’s 2024 Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC.

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Image of moderator and roundtable panelists for the Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium

Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium: Industry Roundtable

Several industry leaders participated in a roundtable discussion during the college’s 2024 Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC.

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Image of Jim Pfaendtner

Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium: Jim Pfaendtner

Jim Pfaendtner, Louis Martin-Vega Dean of Engineering, gives closing remarks during the college’s 2024 Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science Symposium held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Hunt Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC.

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Composite image of Dr. James Lester, left, behind blue tinted, computer generated overlays and text.

Ask an Engineer: What is Artificial Intelligence?

Engineering Communications recently spoke with Dr. James Lester, Distinguished University Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Center for Educational Informatics, to learn more about Artificial Intelligence, what it is, what it isn’t and what to look for in the months and years to come.

Watch now