Spotlight emphasizes impartiality in algorithm design and partnerships with Georgia Tech

Academic Spotlight Showcases Faculty Leadership

Charles Pierre, associate professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and principal investigator of AIHUB@CAU, was selected as an academic spotlight presenter to the CAU Board of Trustees. His presentation focused on CAU’s collaboration with the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT) through its Faculty Training Program (FTP) and the ExpandAI initiative, both of which aim to strengthen AI education and research capacity at minority-serving institutions. Board members responded enthusiastically, with one trustee calling the presentation “fantastic.”

Advancing Ethical and Inclusive AI

Pierre’s remarks highlighted CAU’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence research, particularly in the areas of impartial algorithm design and workforce development. Trustees expressed strong support for the university’s direction in AI, underscoring the importance of including different perspectives in algorithm development. Discussions also emphasized the need for ethical approaches to AI innovation.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

CAU President George T. French Jr. echoed the Board’s enthusiasm, noting his interest in deepening institutional collaboration with Georgia Tech, the lead organization for AI4OPT. Through partnerships like AI4OPT and ExpandAI, CAU is working to establish the university’s first AI graduate programs and expand research opportunities for students and faculty.

About AI4OPT and ExpandAI

The NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT), funded by the National Science Foundation and Intel, merges artificial intelligence with mathematical optimization to address large-scale societal challenges in sectors such as engineering, supply chains, energy, and manufacturing. ExpandAI, an NSF initiative, seeks to broaden participation in AI by supporting partnerships and capacity-building efforts at underrepresented institutions.