The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been a cornerstone of scientific research and education across the United States. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is an initiative that fosters innovation and excellence in manufacturing technologies. This center plays a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the rapidly evolving landscape of manufacturing, particularly in the context of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Last week, the NCNGM had the opportunity to attend the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) AI Summit, held at Miami Dade College on the 19th and 20th of Febuary. The NAAIC AI Summit, titled "Building the AI Workforce through Community Colleges," was a significant gathering focused on the critical issue of AI workforce development within the context of community colleges, which are pivotal in providing accessible education and training to student populations.
On Thursday, the 19th, the summit featured a compelling presentation by Karen Wosczyna Birch and Paul S. Lavoie from the University of New Haven, who delivered an insightful talk on the subject of AI in Advanced Manufacturing: Educating the Technician Workforce. Their presentation emphasized the importance of integrating AI technologies into technical programs' curricula, ensuring that future technicians are well-versed in the tools and methodologies that will define the manufacturing landscape. The discussion highlighted the need for educational institutions to adapt and evolve their programs to meet the demands of an industry increasingly reliant on AI and automation.
On Friday, the 20th, Dr. Olga Pierrakos and Antonio Delgado Fornaguera led a discussion titled "Scaling AI Success: Navigating NSF Funding for Program Growth and Innovation." This session was particularly valuable as it provided insights into how institutions can leverage NSF funding to enhance their AI programs and foster innovation within their curricula. Dr. Pierrakos, who serves as the Program Director of the STEM Education Directorate for the Division of Undergraduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF), brought her extensive knowledge and experience in educational policy to the table. Meanwhile, Mr. Delgado, the Vice President of Innovation at Miami Dade College and a key leader at the NAAIC, shared practical strategies for implementing successful AI initiatives in educational settings. Together, they offered a roadmap for community colleges to navigate the complexities of funding and program development in AI.
In addition to the aforementioned presentations, the summit provided a platform for networking and collaboration among stakeholders in AI and education. Pictured alongside the abovementioned individuals are Cynthia Pereda, the Director of the NAAIC, who has been instrumental in driving the consortium's mission forward; and Eduardo Salcedo, the Principal Investigator of the NAAIC, who oversees research initiatives and ensures that the consortium meets its goals effectively; as well as Eric Flynn, a professor at CT State Gateway, who attended to learn AI applications in education. Their collective efforts underscore the importance of collaboration in advancing AI education and workforce development across community colleges, ultimately equipping students with the skills to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
