Florida A&M University is positioning students and faculty at the center ofArtificial Intelligence driven change through the Department of Computer and Information Sciences’ Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Cluster, a campus wide initiative aligned with the goal of achieving Carnegie R1 research status. Led by Esteemed Scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning Richard A. Aló, the cluster is explicitly designed to reach beyond traditional STEM programs and into the humanities, social sciences and criminal justice, ensuring that conversations about technology, ethics and social impact include the entire campus. What began as a pilot workshop with just five participants has grown into a university wide effort that recently drew more than 100 students and faculty members to an Artificial Intelligence and data science workshop focused on literacy, research capacity and ethical use of emerging technologies.
The cluster frames Artificial Intelligence education through three connected lenses: talking about Artificial Intelligence, teaching with Artificial Intelligence and using Artificial Intelligence, so that students learn both the technical foundations and broader societal implications. Workforce readiness is a core priority, with updated coursework, certifications and research opportunities that give students hands on experience in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, data science and big data analytics, cybersecurity and digital forensics, and healthcare and scientific research applications. Psychology major My’Angel Jones described how Artificial Intelligence can support human centered disciplines by helping organize and restructure data so students can concentrate on deeper analysis, while emphasizing that tools cannot replace the emotional and mental dimensions central to psychology.
Faculty are rethinking classroom practice as well, using Artificial Intelligence to personalize learning and identify gaps, particularly in subjects like mathematics that have historically challenged many students. Mathematics instructor Erdell Maurice asks students to use Artificial Intelligence tools to diagnose strengths and weaknesses, aligning with the cluster’s mission to meet students where they are and build long term academic success. Ethical responsibility and sustainability are also focal points, with animal science industry scholar Kyla Rogers raising concerns about water and land use and arguing for more environmentally responsible Artificial Intelligence and its use as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. Interim department chair Jerry Miller highlighted how Artificial Intelligence is now embedded in teaching and research across fields including healthcare, cybersecurity, environmental studies and responsible Artificial Intelligence development.
FAMU’s Artificial Intelligence and data science expansion is supported by a $5.35 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which has expanded broadband capacity, strengthened research infrastructure and improved connectivity for neighboring economically underserved communities. Through a partnership with the University of California, San Diego, FAMU researchers now have access to the National Research Platform, which provides cloud and exascale computing power and thousands of graphical processing units for advanced research in climate modeling, healthcare innovation and drug development. Looking ahead to 2026, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences plans to broaden Artificial Intelligence literacy across campus, increase project based learning, deepen global and industry partnerships, and continue mentoring students into advanced degrees and technology driven careers, as Aló describes this moment as a “seventh wave” reshaping industry, research and society through Artificial Intelligence.
