Advancing AI at LSU

I am delighted to share with you the remarkable strides Louisiana State University is making in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the banner of the Scholarship First Agenda. The integration of AI and Machine Learning (ML) across our academic, research, and operational landscapes continues to flourish, showcasing the true essence of innovation at LSU. Below are some highlights of our ongoing and upcoming initiatives in AI.

Academic Integration:?Our curriculum this spring semester is enriched with more than 40 courses (at last count) embedding AI and ML principles across various disciplines. Some notable mentions include:

• BIOL 7800 Transcriptomics and BIOL 4800/7800 Foundations of Computing for Biologists, merging biology and AI.
• CHE 4230 Advanced Process Control, exploring ML in detecting plant operational anomalies.
• CSC 4343 Applied Deep Learning and CSC 4444 Artificial Intelligence delving into the core of AI technologies.
• ELRC 7503 Instructional Design, emphasizing AI's role in modern pedagogy.
• PHIL 4943 Problems in Ethical Theory, exploring questions around emerging technologies including AI.
• POLI 4062 Comparative Political Economy.

Several 1000-level sections of French, Spanish, German and Italian, and several sections of 2000-level English will also incorporate elements of AI. This is just a glimpse, with many other departments including Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Psychology, and Sociology also infusing AI into their coursework.

News Flash!?As many of you know, I am teaching a service-learning class with James Ghent and Henry Hays , focusing on AI-driven projects aimed at operational advancements for LSU and the business community. ?We will be teaching this again spring semester. If you have students who are intermediate or advanced python coders and are interested in the spring semester course, please send them my way at?[email protected]. If you are a business in the BATON ROUGE AREA interested in deploying AI in your company, please get in touch with me.

Research Endeavors:?Our faculty members are at the forefront of AI-driven research, and the following are a few examples.

• Assistant Prof. Nathaniel Gilbert is pioneering molecular structure prediction using AI.
• Prof. Supratik Mukhopadhyay is leading transformative projects on AI-driven drug discovery.
• Prof. Les Butler is harnessing AI in 3D image analysis, enhancing our operational processes in additive manufacturing.

Operational Innovations:?Our operational facets are also harnessing AI's potential:

• Mitchell Stolier of LSU Online and Continuing Education is leading efforts to utilize AI in instructional design.
• LSU’s Vice President and Chief Data Officer, Dr. Keena Arbuthnot, is leading several AI faculty fellows to develop tools to advance LSU’s operations and student success.

Working Groups on AI:?I have initiated?three working groups?comprised of faculty, staff and alumni on AI this semester to channel our strategic approaches in three broad areas.

• Research, Economic Development, and Intellectual Property, chaired by Prof. Prosanta Chakrabarty .
• Education, Curriculum, Workforce Readiness, Accessibility, and Inclusivity, chaired by Vice Provost Jackie Bach.
• Business and Operational Uses of AI in units reporting to academic affairs, student affairs, the research office and enrollment management, chaired by Dean Oliver Garden .

These groups will play instrumental roles in aligning our AI efforts with LSU policies, ethical standards, and broader societal impacts and provide advice on how best to move forward in this space.

The momentum we have gathered in AI is wonderful to see and signifies our commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and operational efficiency. I am immensely proud of the collaborative efforts of our faculty, staff, and external stakeholders in advancing AI at LSU. Together, we are not only embracing the future but actively shaping it for Louisiana, its people, and its economy.

Geaux Tigers!

P.S., the first draft of this newsletter was generated using ChatGPT 4.0 from a list of AI activities we are advancing at LSU.