University of Arizona Launches AI Core Workforce Development Program for Students
TUCSON, AZ – The University of Arizona is empowering students through its innovative AI Core program, offering them paid opportunities to develop artificial intelligence solutions. This initiative not only enhances learning but also equips students with essential skills for the evolving job market.
Ash Black, the program’s director and co-instructor, highlighted that the first tier involves a class where students access databases, explore AI integrations, and delve into virtual reality applications. Student Taoseef Aziz emphasized the program’s interdisciplinary approach, focusing on consumer behavior by creating a ‘digital twin’ of the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab. This digital representation is designed to analyze consumer interactions and preferences in a simulated retail environment.
Integral to this digital retail space is an AI assistant named Andres, which provides interactive capabilities while overhead cameras gather data analytics. Fellow participant Kavish Nedendle, a data science student, expressed his fascination with AI’s speed and its ability to produce results efficiently.
However, Black also addressed the potential dangers of AI, cautioning that over-reliance on technology could hamper individuals’ essential skills. He advocated for responsible engagement with AI, emphasizing, "It’s vital that our young students learn how to use it."
The AI Core program encourages all University of Arizona students, regardless of their major, to engage with AI coursework. Additionally, the program is actively hiring and often recruits students who have completed the course. Interested individuals can find more information by visiting the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) websites.
For more on the program, contact Athena Kehoe at KGUN 9 News.
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