SUU Professor Receives Grant to Develop "Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning" Certificate
Published: November 11, 2024 | Author: Lawrence Mbaki and Jaydan Jensen | Read Time: 2 minutes
Dr. Masoud Malekzadeh, assistant professor of civil engineering at Southern Utah University (SUU), was awarded a grant from the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) in collaboration with their Deep Technology Advisory Council and Talent Ready Utah.
Dr. Malekzadeh was awarded $367,113 for a project that will result in the creation of a stackable certificate in “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Engineering Applications” that aims to better prepare students to enter engineering-related positions that require a background in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), as well as advanced sensing technologies (AST).
“This project is so timely,” said Dr. Jeffrey Miller, dean of the College of Engineering and Computational Sciences. “It will allow students to gain the knowledge necessary to succeed in the current technological landscape in the world.”
SUU students who graduate with this certificate will have a competitive advantage in the job market thanks to partnerships with industry partners, including SkyWest Airlines, Ram Aviation, and InnovaTech, with whom Dr. Malekzadeh collaborated on this project. These partners will offer students invaluable internship opportunities and practical experience in applying AI, ML, and AST in real-world scenarios.
“Witnessing the transformation of our students into skilled professionals empowered with AI and ML knowledge will be truly gratifying,” said Dr. Malekzadeh. He also noted that the recognition and validation received through this award will elevate the reputation of SUU as a leader in providing cutting-edge education in AI and ML.
Although his initial proposal for this certificate was not funded last year, Dr. Malekzadeh didn’t give up hope. He worked with Peter Reed of Talent Ready Utah to obtain reviewer feedback and further strategized with research administrators in the Sponsored Programs, Agreements, Research and Contracts (SPARC) office to revise and strengthen his application for the subsequent submission deadline. His persistence paid off with the successful funding of this proposal. Congratulations to Dr. Malekzadah and his students as their educational journey is enhanced through this exciting program.
“Artificial intelligence and machine learning are such important skills for so many programs that will provide our students with many additional professional opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Dr. Miller. “Dr. Malekzadeh has the expertise and drive to build a successful program.”
For more information on the details and progress of this new certificate, contact Dr. Malekzadeh at malekzadeh@suu.edu.
Contact the SUU SPARC Office to receive assistance for faculty, staff, and administrators seeking external funding for their projects and programs, from concept development and planning through implementation and management of funded projects.
Tags: Computer Science College of Engineering and Computational Sciences SPARC FacStaff Academic Engineering and Technology
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
4355865400
brookeheath1@suu.edu