Launching the WPI AI Initiative
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Office of the President| Dear WPI Community, WPI has been at the forefront of technological advances since the beginning of our university. Today, as artificial intelligence (AI)—particularly generative and applied AI—continues to penetrate many sectors of our economy and various aspects of our daily life, we must meet the challenges and opportunities of this important inflection point. While an AI economy is burgeoning, AI as an academic field is not new. WPI has a long history in this space and is uniquely positioned to harness its potential, while continuously discovering, exploring and advancing AI research frontiers and technologies. It is within this context that WPI has launched a comprehensive AI initiative, as outlined below. AI and the Future of Work AI is driving a rapid industrial shift that is changing some existing jobs and creating entirely new jobs, while enabling new products, services, and business models. This shift is not without challenges. Ethical, socially responsible AI, and understanding AI implications on security, privacy, bias, explainability, and policies, become even more critical. At WPI, we aim to prepare our students for the AI era as they strive to learn, innovate, and lead to better people’s lives, society, and the environment. Jean King, Peterson Family Dean of Arts and Sciences, and John McNeill, Bernard M. Gordon Dean of Engineering, are leading this important initiative. Elke A. Rundensteiner, William Smith Dean’s Professor of Computer Science, a large group of faculty colleagues, and faculty governance worked together to launch a new master’s degree program in AI as well as a BS/MS option in AI for current WPI undergraduate students. Supported by WPI’s strength in project-based education, students in the MS in AI degree will undertake an authentic team-based project experience sponsored by industry mentors. In addition, there are more than a dozen specialized graduate certificate programs designed for students who want to utilize AI technologies in real-world applications. Learn more about all the AI programs we have to offer. AI Research and Innovation While research into AI itself continues to advance, the application of AI is also changing how we do research in many areas and, more importantly, what new research questions we can ask. WPI boasts formidable expertise in AI research. Building on existing strengths, we will continue to support our faculty to drive AI research frontiers and develop new AI technologies. Bogdan Vernescu, Vice Provost for Research, recently announced the donor-supported President’s Research Catalyst Grants Program, providing seed funding to support faculty in pursuing center-scale, extramural funding in critical research areas, including AI. We are certain that more exciting and innovative work will be stemming from these awards. AI Pedagogies and Technology Infrastructure Within higher education, AI is spurring changes in how we learn and how we teach, calling for pedagogical innovation and concerted efforts to explore new academic technologies. The continuing growth of AI utilization is expected to increase needs in both capacity and capability for computing and data storage. It is imperative that we build the infrastructure to support this anticipated rapid growth. The development and implementation of new AI pedagogies will be led by our faculty members and supported by Arne Gericke, Interim Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and the Morgan Teaching & Learning Center. Faculty can apply for Summer Sandbox grants, participate in Professional Learning Communities, workshops, and a new summer micro-course. Professors Gillian Smith, Director of Interactive Media and Game Development, and Yunus Telliel of Humanities & Arts have been leading collaborative efforts to develop a pedagogical framework for critical AI literacy that honors and extends our existing values. This work leverages an internal study, led by Kimberly LeChasseur, Sr. Research and Evaluation Associate, about WPI faculty’s pedagogical values, practices, and concerns related to generative AI. Vijay Menta, Chief Information Officer, is leading the AI technology taskforce. In collaboration with faculty governance and in consultation with faculty and staff experts, the taskforce will develop a comprehensive AI technology enhancement strategy aligned with WPI’s academic, research, and operational goals. The taskforce will assess, analyze, and strategically plan for our emerging research, education, and administrative needs, with emphasis placed on security and ethical considerations. The advent of any disruptive technology—particularly one with the potential that AI has shown—may spark hyperbole. At WPI, we must thoughtfully focus on the fundamentals and new research frontiers of AI, as well as on the true value that AI can generate that benefits teaching, learning, research, the future of work, and ultimately our society. WPI is an innovative community, and this is an exciting moment. Let’s continue to work together and meet the moment with creativity and agility. Sincerely, Grace J. Wang, President Art Heinricher, Provost, ad Interim |
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