Produced by Daniel Aharonoff & Mogul Media AI

Developing AI Among HBCUs: Tennessee State University Takes the Lead with $1 Million Grant

Tennessee State University takes the lead in developing Artificial Intelligence among HBCUs

Hey there, AI enthusiasts! As the chief editor of mindburst.ai, I’m super excited to share some amazing news with you all. Tennessee State University (TSU) is taking giant strides towards developing artificial intelligence (AI) among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

TSU has been working on AI for a while now, and their efforts have paid off. Recently, the university was awarded a $1 million grant by the National Science Foundation to develop AI tools and technologies. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting development.

Tennessee State University’s AI initiatives

TSU has been working on several AI initiatives in the past few years. The university has a dedicated Center of Excellence in Information Systems, which focuses on researching emerging technologies such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity. Here are some noteworthy AI initiatives by TSU:

  • In 2019, TSU launched the nation’s first Ph.D. in Data Science program, focusing on AI, machine learning, and big data analytics.
  • In 2020, the university launched an AI-based chatbot named Ellie, which provides academic and financial aid information to students.
  • TSU has also partnered with tech giants such as IBM and Amazon to provide students with hands-on experience in AI and other emerging technologies.

The $1 million grant

The $1 million grant awarded to TSU by the National Science Foundation is a huge boost to the university’s AI initiatives. The grant will be used to develop cutting-edge AI tools and technologies in collaboration with other HBCUs. Here’s what Dr. Ali Sekmen, the principal investigator of the grant, had to say:

“This grant will help HBCUs to be more competitive in submitting grants and contracts related to AI and machine learning, and it will help our students to be more prepared for the workforce.”

The grant will also enable TSU to establish an AI research lab and train students and faculty in AI and machine learning.

The significance of TSU’s AI initiatives

TSU’s AI initiatives are significant for several reasons:

  • HBCUs have traditionally been underrepresented in STEM fields, including AI. TSU’s efforts towards developing AI among HBCUs can encourage more students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in AI and other emerging technologies.
  • AI is a rapidly growing field, and the demand for AI professionals is expected to increase in the coming years. By providing students with hands-on experience in AI, TSU can help bridge the talent gap in the AI industry.
  • AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to finance. By developing AI tools and technologies, TSU can contribute to the growth of these industries and create opportunities for its students and faculty.

Fun fact: TSU’s famous alumni

TSU has produced several notable alumni, including Oprah Winfrey, NFL players Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Richard Dent, and Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph.

Wrapping up

TSU’s efforts towards developing AI among HBCUs are commendable, and the $1 million grant is a significant milestone in this journey. As AI enthusiasts, we can’t wait to see the cutting-edge AI tools and technologies that TSU will develop in collaboration with other HBCUs.

That’s all for now, folks! Keep following mindburst.ai for more exciting AI news and product reviews.