FAMU Positions Students and Faculty at the Forefront of AI and Data Science
Artificial intelligence is changing how research is done, how courses are taught, and how students prepare for careers. Florida A&M University is answering with the AI and Data Science Cluster in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences - a strategic push that supports FAMU's goal of achieving Carnegie R1 status.
The cluster blends advanced research, ethical responsibility, and student success. It's a campus-wide effort that brings AI into disciplines far beyond traditional STEM.
A Cluster Built for Breadth
Richard A. Aló, Ph.D., FAMU's Esteemed Scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning, is clear about the mandate: "Infuse these technologies across the curriculum - in the humanities, social sciences and criminal justice, as well as STEM." The goal is to make AI part of the common language of scholarship at FAMU.
What started as a five-person pilot is now a university-wide workshop with 100+ attendees. The cluster frames AI through three lenses that keep the work grounded and practical:
- Talking about AI - context, policy, and societal effects
- Teaching with AI - pedagogy, feedback, and assessment
- Using AI - research workflows and applied projects
Preparing Students for Real-World Careers
Workforce readiness is central. Updated courses, certifications, and research experiences put students on the same tools used by leading labs and industry partners. Core skill areas include:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data science and big data analytics
- Cybersecurity and digital forensics
- Healthcare and scientific research applications
For psychology major My'Angel Jones, AI is a force multiplier - not a replacement for human insight. "With psychology, a lot of what we do involves emotion and mental regulation. AI can't replace that, but it can help with research," she said. Tools that organize and restructure data free students to spend more time on analysis and interpretation.
If you're building formal credentials in this space, curated AI certification paths can help you scope the next step. See an overview here: Popular AI certifications.
AI in the Classroom: Meeting Students Where They Are
Faculty are rethinking instruction with AI to close learning gaps and build confidence. Mathematics instructor Erdell Maurice, Ph.D., uses AI to personalize practice and diagnostics. "Students come in with different gaps and different strengths. I ask them to use AI to identify where those gaps are and then help fill them," he said.
For many students, mathematics has been a pain point. With targeted feedback and stepwise support, that pain point becomes a growth area.
Ethics, Sustainability, and Responsible Use
Ethics and environmental impact are core to the conversation. Animal science industry scholar Kyla Rogers, a third-year student from Tallahassee, is focused on resource use and classroom practice. "I wanted to learn more about the ethics of AI. It uses a lot of water and land resources, so I'm interested in how we can make AI better environmentally and use it responsibly in classrooms," she said.
Her stance is pragmatic: treat AI as a learning tool, not a shortcut. Use it to unpack the steps, then apply judgment and domain knowledge.
Research That Reaches Beyond Campus
Jerry Miller, interim chair of Computer and Information Sciences, notes that AI is now embedded across instruction and research. Teams are working on healthcare, cybersecurity, environmental studies, and responsible AI development - with shared methods and shared infrastructure.
A $5.35 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration expanded broadband capacity and strengthened research infrastructure. The upgrades also improved connectivity for nearby underserved communities.
Through a partnership with the University of California, San Diego, FAMU researchers have access to cloud and exascale-scale resources and thousands of GPUs to support work in climate modeling, healthcare innovation, and drug development. Learn more about the partner institution here: University of California San Diego. As Aló puts it, the team is inviting faculty and students to step into "the seventh wave" - the surge of AI that is changing research and industry practice.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The department plans to widen AI literacy across campus, expand project-based learning, and grow global and industry partnerships. Faculty will continue mentoring students into advanced degrees and technology-driven careers.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete, Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
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