July 16 is AI Appreciation Day, celebrating the profound impact and advancements of artificial intelligence while underscoring the critical importance of ethical AI management.
Capitol Technology University stands as an advocate for ethical AI usage and the need for education to properly navigate this evolving field. As the only university in Maryland to offer a Bachelor of Science in AI degree program, our commitment is further exemplified by the establishment of our new AI Center of Excellence (AICE). In collaboration with our dynamic partners, we aim to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem through AICE where individuals can explore, innovate, and leverage cutting-edge AI technologies for societal benefit. Through pioneering research, education initiatives, and industry partnerships, we strive to push the boundaries of AI and drive positive change globally.
Capitol Tech has also been accepted by the United States Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC), formed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) following President Biden's Executive Order. This prestigious consortium unites leading organizations from academia and industry to tackle the critical challenges of AI safety and ethics. As such, Capitol Tech is dedicated to championing responsible and safe AI development while exploring avenues to further AI advancement.
Additionally, Capitol Tech is a member of the Prince George’s County AI Task Force, District 6, for the State of Maryland. The task force was established for the purpose of ensuring that the county will stay competitive, prepare its 3 workforce, improve service delivery, and build public trust in the artificial intelligence era. Dr. Najam Hassan, Executive Director of AICE and Department Chair of Computer & Data Science, and Dr. Bill Butler, VP of Cyber Science Outreach and Partnerships, are the representatives for our university, which shares the county's commitment to harnessing AI technologies for innovation, improving government services, data-driven decision-making, and enhancing digital experiences for residents.
Dr. Hassan expressed his pride in our affiliations and the opportunity to partner with leaders in the AI industry. Current members of our AICE Leadership and Advisory Board include Dr. Atif Mohammad, Quantum Computing Dissertation Chair, Dave Cook, expert AI Engineer and Generative AI Developer, Dillon Plummer, Quality Assurance professional and AI Ph.D. candidate, Frank Neugebauer, Director of Generative AI at The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, Khalid Ahmed, Adjunct Professor and Enterprise Architect, Mo Medwani, Adjunct Professor and Sr. Data Scientist, and Dr. Emily Barnes, Sr. UX Content Strategist. Bringing years of experience and their wealth of knowledge to AICE, they emphasize our university as a thought leader in AI and give industry perspective on ways AI technologies are integrated across diverse systems and usage needs.
For this year's AI Appreciation Day, members share their insights on the industry and the transformative potential of AICE. And for next year, stay tuned for July 16, 2025 when we will be hosting a big, on-campus event!
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"As we celebrate AI Appreciation Day, we recognize both the incredible opportunities and significant challenges AI presents. At the AI Center of Excellence (AICE), we are committed to advancing AI technologies that drive innovation, improve lives, and address global challenges. We are forming dedicated teams of researchers, students, and industry partners to explore the vast potential of AI, from predictive analytics and machine learning to ethical AI and cybersecurity.
The rapid evolution of AI brings with it transformative opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and transportation. However, it also poses challenges we must address responsibly, such as ensuring fairness, transparency, and security in AI applications. At AICE, we are uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges head-on, leveraging our cutting-edge research, comprehensive educational programs, and robust industry collaborations.
Together, we strive to shape a future where AI is not only a tool for progress but also a force for good, fostering a more equitable, innovative, and connected world. On this AI Appreciation Day, let us celebrate our achievements and renew our commitment to harnessing AI's power responsibly and ethically."
Dr. Najam Hassan, PhD, Executive Director @AICE and Department Chair, Computer & Data Science @Captechu , LinkedIn
“AI, a double-edged sword, presents unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation, yet poses challenges in ethics, privacy, and job displacement. AICE, with its commitment to responsible AI, is poised to harness these opportunities, navigating the complexities with transparency, fairness, and a human-centric approach.”
Dr. Atif Farid Mohammad, PhD, Chief Advisor @AICE and Dissertation Chair @Captechu , LinkedIn
“Vendors such as Open AI, Google, and Microsoft have made for the world some of the most amazing AI in history, but they’re tools, and hammers don’t build houses. By assembling a group from both academia and industry, CapTech’s AICE has assembled a skilled team of ‘carpenters’ ready to show the world how to build houses. The advantages of AI are realized through the application, not the mere existence, of it.”
Frank Neugebauer, Member of the Advisory Board @AICE and Adjunct Faculty @Captechu , LinkedIn
“With the prominence, ubiquity, and power of AI in recent years, both government regulators and private companies are focusing on AI risk management. Businesses want to harness the competitive edge from AI implementation, while the government searches for regulatory measures. To accomplish this, business leaders must necessarily consider the ethical use of AI and provide solidly business-focused solutions to regulatory demands.
However, it’s not obvious why even ethical AI doesn’t extend into private industry, such as government-regulated manufacturing.
While both academia and industry are exploring artificial intelligence use cases at a rapid pace, regulated industries are slow adopters. The simple answer to what might be holding businesses back is managing the increased risk. For example, medical device manufacturers must demonstrate to the FDA that they are satisfactorily managing all risks, in all areas, at all times—this is the main reason why technological integration would be considered risky for this industry.
The AI Center of Excellence (AICE) at Capitol Technology University explores these problems of public-private interaction and partnership, pushing both industry and academia forward in a unique way. We are positioned as leaders in this field, and contribute to business development and serve as a panel of advisors for the development of government regulations on AI. This balance is critical to innovation and protection, and we will be at the forefront of any solutions. #WOAII without AI, industry and government wouldn't push each other to manage its inherent risk.”
Dillon Plummer, Member of the Advisory Board @AICE and PhD Candidate @Captechu , LinkedIn
"As a proponent of AI both in academia and municipal governance, I advocate for technology that propels our collective knowledge forward while steadfastly upholding the integrity of our community. It is imperative that each step we take in technological advancement is guided by a commitment to the privacy and trust of our citizens.
As an Advisory Board member of the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (AICE) at Capitol Technology University, I am dedicated to promoting an environment where AI embodies innovation, ethics, and community enrichment. AICE serves as a leader in progress, ensuring that every technological advancement respects our community's trust and rigorously protects the privacy of our community."
Khalid Ahmed, Member of the Advisory Board @AICE , LinkedIn
"AI offers vast opportunities to enhance human abilities, drive innovation, and create transformative advancements across various fields. However, it also presents challenges like ensuring equitable access and mitigating bias. We must have the courage to address 'who is left behind' and focus on ethical AI development. By promoting inclusion and responsible data practices, we can ensure that AI serves all of humanity, bridging societal divides rather than widening them. My commitment lies in harnessing AI's potential while addressing these ethical concerns to create a more inclusive and equitable future."
Dr. Emily Barnes, EdD, Member of the Advisory Board @AICE , LinkedIn
“AI is a powerful tool. At its core, this technology is neither inherently good nor evil. To quote a popular proverb: “with great power comes great responsibility.” In other words, whether an AI model is used or trained to do good or bad things rests entirely with either the group or individual in question.
AI can also be likened to Pandora’s Box—now that it has been opened, there is no turning back. In turn, with the future remaining uncertain, opinions on this technology range anywhere between fear and optimism.
At Capitol Technology University’s AICE, we seek to use AI in a way that creates a better future and to propel individuals to the forefront of this field. By creating an environment for critical dialogue on AI and through educating individuals via innovative and ethical research and development opportunities presented by both Capitol partners in industry, we strive to provide a great hands-on experience regarding AI to those who are willing to join us.”
Maxwell Rosenthal, Lab Manager @AICE and Computer Science and Cybersecurity Student @Captechu , LinkedIn
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Get Involved with AI at Capitol Tech
Capitol Technology University provides many avenues to explore in AI education, including the first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Science in AI offered in Maryland, and our Master or Research (MRes) in AI degree, which ranked within the top 10 as one of the “Most Affordable Master's in AI” programs by MastersinAI.org, as well as several other exciting degree options in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. There are also opportunities to join our AI Center of Excellence (AICE).
Whether you are a student seeking a career in AI, a researcher seeking collaboration opportunities, or an industry partner interested in leveraging AI for your business, there are many ways to get involved with AI at Capitol Tech. Join us in shaping the future of AI!
For more information, contact Dr. Najam Hassan or visit our website.
Upcoming AI Events
Stay tuned for AI Appreciation Day, July 16, 2025, for our big on-campus event! More information coming soon, follow us on social media for updates!
