As artificial intelligence reshapes the global technology landscape, STEM educators must be more vigilant than ever to keep their students’ skills at the cutting edge. A $500,000 grant from Google is supporting Florida Polytechnic University faculty as they work to make that happen.
The one-year grant supports the University’s Faculty Innovation Lab, which provides essential resources for the University’s educators. The funding will assist the lab’s efforts to drive meaningful integration of AI-infused curriculum into every Florida Poly academic program. Florida Poly is the state’s only public university exclusively dedicated to STEM education.
“Artificial intelligence is shaping far more than computer science and engineering – it’s transforming how we approach every discipline,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen, provost at the University. “This initiative ensures our students graduate skilled in STEM fundamentals and fluent in the technologies defining the future.”
The first group of 20 professors is participating in training to develop AI-integrated courses. They will teach their new classes and lead workshops to prepare a second group of faculty members to do the same.
In its first year, 40 faculty members will develop AI-integrated courses that will impact more than 1,000 students each year. Once complete, every Florida Poly academic program will include AI literacy or proficiency components, ensuring students gain experience with the transformative technology.
Dr. Asai Asaithambi, chair of Florida Poly’s departments of computer science and electrical, computer and cybersecurity engineering, was one of the grant’s primary architects. He said the effort will foster mastery of AI within disciplines and help graduates use its tools ethically and effectively.
“The support we provide through this funding will help fuel further growth in AI-intensive educational and research activities in all disciplines across campus,” Asaithambi said.
Long term, the effort aims to enhance AI-enabled research, spark interdisciplinary conversations about new courses, and fortify the pipeline of graduates in all disciplines who are well-prepared for the new era of technology and transformation.
While many of the industries benefiting most from AI today include manufacturing, energy, health care, finance, and transportation, studies show its rapid expansion is increasingly evident in fields such as retail, agriculture, media, and professional services like law and human resources.
“We’re grateful for Google’s investment in Florida Poly, which we intend to utilize for our Faculty Innovation Lab and the faculty driving this work forward,” said Seth Spencer, the University’s director of development. “This support will drive our already innovative research in AI and provide students with critical AI skills for the future, contributing directly to Florida’s economy.”
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