TL;DR:
- Senator Joe Manchin announces $9 million funding for two new Master’s programs in AI and machine learning.
- Collaboration between DARPA, West Virginia University, Marshall University, Florida International University, Dakota State University, and Arizona State University.
- Programs aim to develop trustworthy AI, address AI robot systems cybersecurity, and leverage AI for operational cybersecurity.
- Online options are expected to reach thousands of students when programs launch in the fall 2025.
Main AI News:
In a significant development for West Virginia’s academic landscape, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, has unveiled a substantial investment of $9 million. This funding is earmarked for the establishment of two cutting-edge Master’s programs in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) development and practical machine learning. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University (MU), Florida International University (FIU), Dakota State University (DSU), and Arizona State University (ASU), handpicked by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Senator Manchin expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement, highlighting the transformative potential of these Master’s programs. “I’m thrilled to announce these two new Master’s programs in artificial intelligence and practical machine learning, which will be designed in partnership with DARPA,” he stated. Manchin emphasized the critical role of AI in shaping the modern world and stressed West Virginia’s imperative to be at the forefront of these technologies. He underlined the importance of education as the foundation for this endeavor and expressed his commitment to collaborating with DARPA and the selected universities, including WVU and Marshall, to establish these cutting-edge programs.
The integration of AI into the cybersecurity landscape presents formidable challenges, but it is an obstacle that DARPA’s grant seeks to overcome. Dr. Anurag K. Srivastava, Raymond J. Lane Professor and Chairperson of the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at West Virginia University, elaborated on the significance of the forthcoming online graduate program. He emphasized that it would empower students not just within the state but also beyond, equipping them to address cybersecurity concerns related to AI. This, in turn, would reshape potential threats and contribute to a more secure digital landscape, with a substantial impact on critical infrastructure for the future.
Marshall University is equally enthusiastic about its participation in this groundbreaking initiative. Dr. David Dampier, Dean of Engineering and Interim Director of the MU Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University, commended Senator Manchin’s relentless efforts to position West Virginia as a hub for innovation. He stressed the importance of preparing students to be at the forefront of transformative technologies and expressed excitement about developing a cutting-edge master’s degree program in Artificial Intelligence.
The funding for these groundbreaking programs was secured by Senator Manchin in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The efforts at WVU, MU, FIU, DSU, and ASU will focus on various aspects of AI, including development, security, and applications addressing cybersecurity and power grids. These pioneering programs, set to launch in the fall of 2025, will offer online options, providing access to thousands of students within the first year. West Virginia’s stride towards excellence in AI education and cybersecurity is poised to have a significant impact on both the state and the nation’s technological landscape.
Conclusion:
The investment of $9 million in AI Master’s programs in West Virginia, supported by DARPA, signifies a significant step in positioning the state as a hub for AI innovation and cybersecurity education. These programs will equip students with crucial skills to address cybersecurity challenges in the era of AI and contribute to a more secure digital landscape. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the market by fostering a highly skilled workforce in AI and cybersecurity, enhancing West Virginia’s competitive advantage in these domains.
