![computer generated composite image of a human hand and arm on the left touching index fingers with a white robotic hand on the right. a burst of light is showing between their fingers. the background is darkish blue with white highlights of digital measurements.](https://engr.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/applied-ai-header.jpg)
Upcoming Events
Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science
Applied AI in Engineering & Computer Science Symposium | September 18, 2024
Join us as we gather for a day-long event with poster sessions, presentations, keynotes and lunch, when you will hear more about the work underway across the College and contribute your ideas to help shape our AI Initiative.
See below for more information on the event, how to register and how to participate in the Applied AI poster session.
Faculty and Industry Keynote Speakers
![James Lester](https://engr.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/James-Lester.jpg)
James C. Lester
Goodnight Distinguished University Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
![Greg Mulholland](https://engr.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Greg-Mulholland.jpeg)
Greg Mulholland ’07
CEO Citrine Informatics
Event Details and Registration
- When: Wednesday, September 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Duke Energy Hall, James B. Jr. Hunt Library
- Who: NC State faculty members, staff members and graduate students
Agenda
![](https://engr.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Applied-AI-Symposium-Agenda-screen-capture.png)
Morning Breakout Sessions: The Future of AI and Instruction in the COE
Earlier this year, Dean Pfaendtner established an Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science faculty advisory group. This group is helping shape a bold vision for the College to build on our strengths and become a preeminent center for Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science. The faculty advisory group has proposed an initial set of strategic goals to infuse AI into our research and curriculum. To further shape those goals, provide input on objectives and to help identify next steps, we are inviting faculty to participate in facilitated sessions during our September 18 Applied AI in Engineering & Computer Science Symposium. During the morning breakout session, faculty members are invited to attend and participate in one of the following sessions:
Best practices for the use of AI tools for teaching engineering and CS
The availability and access to an ever-expanding list of AI tools for faculty and students is driving a significant change in how we teach and learn. During this session we will gather feedback on the types of AI tools faculty members are already using or plan to use to make them more effective educators, discuss how we might manage the expansion of AI tools in teaching, and brainstorm how to ensure our students use AI tools in the classroom ethically.
Core AI topics all engineering students should learn
AI is transforming countless aspects of society, fundamentally and dramatically impacting all areas of engineering and computer science. Faculty, students, and graduates of all engineering and computer science disciplines must be able to understand and harness its potential to remain competitive and contribute to the advancement of their fields. This shift requires evolving the engineering curriculum. In this session, participants will discuss which AI-related topics all engineering students should learn and how to structure a learning path that provides both a broad AI knowledge and depth of Applied AI within engineering disciplines.
Imagining the Future Instructional Space and Resources
Just as AI is transforming teaching and curriculum, it is creating a change in the spaces where learning occurs. Growth in the College, aligned with Engineering NC’s Future, is being fully informed by the Applied AI initiative. New buildings aligned to expansion will not be department specific but will be designed around collaborative Applied AI research and teaching. Instead of traditional classrooms and research labs, we can envision new instructional spaces that allow for experiential learning and further integrate teaching into research. Participants in this session will provide feedback on this future space and the resources needed – giving input on how to structure and equip new instructional spaces.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Collegewide Research Thrusts
Foundational to achieving the College’s vision to become a preeminent center for Applied AI in Engineering and Computer Science is faculty working together on collaborative interdisciplinary research aligned to established strengths in Applied AI. On the afternoon of Sept. 18, faculty members are invited to attend and participate in breakout sessions to discuss and identify collaborative research opportunities in the following areas:
Robotics and Automation
The multidisciplinary field of Robotics and Automation encompasses the design, development, and application of robots and automated systems. Already in use across a wide spectrum of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, the rapid advancement of applied AI presents the opportunity to improve robots’ ability to make complex decisions and adapt to dynamic environments.
Smart Systems and Integration
Focused on developing and refining technologies that enable systems to operate intelligently and seamlessly integrate with each other, research in Smart Systems and Integration has application across multiple domains including smart cities, healthcare, and transportation. New technologies are expected to present opportunities for researchers to examine how technologies like advanced AI will enhance the capabilities and efficiency of smart systems and their integration processes.
Sensors and Measurement
The field of sensors and measurement is critical for gathering data and making informed decisions in a wide range of applications. With the growth of AI, the need to make sensors smaller, more energy-efficient, and more cost-effective while fusing their information across modalities to enable widespread adoption and integration into various applications is increasing. Research in this area will push the boundaries of what is possible in detecting and quantifying physical phenomena, enabling better data collection, analysis, and application across numerous fields.
Materials and Macromolecules
Materials and macromolecules research is broad and interdisciplinary focused on understanding, developing, and applying different materials and macromolecular substances. Research is crucial for advancing technology, improving quality of life, and addressing global challenges. The application and use of AI in materials and macromolecular research is enhancing predictive capabilities, optimizing processes, and uncovering new insights that will drive innovation across various scientific and industrial domains.
Fundamental AI Algorithms and Theories
Research in fundamental AI algorithms and theories involves exploring and developing the core principles and techniques that underpin artificial intelligence systems. This research is foundational to advancing AI technology. Areas of research include advanced machine learning algorithms, algorithmic fairness and ethics, algorithmic interpretability and explainability, and AI safety. Research in these areas is crucial for advancing the state of AI, improving the performance and application of AI systems, and addressing ethical and societal challenges associated with AI technology.
Poster Session
Purpose
The Applied AI in Engineering & Computer Science poster session will provide College of Engineering faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students with an opportunity to learn more about the breadth of AI-related research currently underway in the College.
We encourage posters that demonstrate the applications of AI in interdisciplinary areas. We cannot ensure that every submission will be accepted. Our aim is to feature posters that cover a broad spectrum of applications and AI tools utilized.
Information
The Graduate Student Poster Session is open to any COE graduate student who is currently enrolled in an engineering program or postdoctoral researcher conducting research in an AI-related field or using AI to advance research. Anyone selected to participate in the poster session will be required to be present at a predetermined time to discuss their research with interested faculty members.
Details
- Who participates: Graduate students and Post Docs from all engineering programs
- Date: September 18, 2024
- Location: Duke Energy Hall – Hunt Library
- Topic: Research on AI or its application
- Abstract: Abstracts should be 500 words or less and are due before August 23, 2024. Those accepted will be notified and poster guidelines sent by August 30, 2024.
- Contact: For additional information contact Edgar Lobaton.
Thank you to the advisory committee: