Date: October 9, 2025
Location: Mell 2550
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. CST
Title: Machines & Methods: AI for Research
On October 9, 2025, Dr. Jiaqi Gong from College of Engineering at the University of Alabama delivered a set of seminars titled “Machines & Methods: AI for Research”, a big, successful event co-hosted by the Biggio Center and the CHESS Center with support from the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and the College of Engineering. The event was well attended both in-person and on-line by around 150 people (out of 172 registrants) from Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and local community as well as participants from Texas, North Carolina, and other states.
Dr. Gong is the Director of the Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (ALAAI) and an Associate Professor of Computer Science at The University of Alabama. A recognized leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Dr. Gong’s research drives interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of ubiquitous computing, large-scale data science, and human-AI collaboration. His work spans the design of intelligent sensor systems, human-robot teaming, and the application of AI to real-world challenges in public health, education, and environmental resilience. Dr. Gong’s contributions extend beyond academia, shaping the broader societal impact of AI and setting new standards for translational research and ethical innovation.
The full day event began with warmhearted welcome messages from Dr. Mario Eden, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Dr. Janaki Alavalapati, Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. The seminar spanned nine hours and was marked by vibrant discussions, driven by numerous questions from faculty and students. Following the seminar, Dr. Gong engaged in an in-depth meeting with faculty, postdocs, and students at the Center for Human-Earth System Science (CHESS), offering valuable insights and suggestions for their research trajectories.
We are grateful to Dr. Gong for his engaging and informative presentation. His work offers promising avenues for collaboration in AI, deep learning, and related fields. We look forward to continued discussions and collaborative efforts to address human-earth system challenges.