Mission
Applied AI Innovation Initiative
UCF School of Public Administration
Mission
The Applied AI Innovation Initiative provides a space for creative thinking and action, generating research-driven solutions that address challenges in educational and behavioral interventions and provide solutions through interdisciplinary perspectives. Our mission is reflected in our four pillars: student engagement, strategic partnerships, community-driven research-based products, and an innovative approach to artificial intelligence. By fostering innovation, we strive to develop sustainable, impactful solutions that utilize GenAI tools.
Pillar 1-Student Engagement: The Creative Lab
Creative Tools
Our Creative Lab provides students with access to cutting-edge GenAI tools for storytelling, serious games, and other innovative approaches to developing and evaluating behavioral and educational interventions.
Responsible AI
Students are guided by UCF's Center for Distributed Learning guidelines to ensure responsible and ethical use of GenAI applications.
Local and Global Collaboration
The Creative Lab facilitates the exchange of ideas with students outside UCF and from around the world with similar interests.
Pillar 2- Strategic Partnerships
Domestic and International Partnerships
The Applied AI Innovation Initiative fosters partnerships with universities around the globe, sharing best practices in using GenAI.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
We engage with representatives from diverse sectors to share knowledge and best practices in harnessing GenAI.
Pillar 3-Community Driven Research: Creating Impact
Co-Creation
The Applied AI Innovation Initiative involves end-users and stakeholders in every phase of research, ensuring solutions meet real needs.
Interdisciplinary Approach
We leverage a global, interdisciplinary perspective to develop behavioral and educational interventions using GenAI, addressing challenges from a holistic view.
Pillar 4-The AI Approach: Leveraging Technology
1
Global Challenges
2
Increased Productivity
3
Resource Optimization
4
Ethical Guidelines
Meet the Applied AI Innovation Initiative Leaders:

Affiliated Faculty

L. Trenton Marsh, Ph.D. Angela White-Jones, Ph.D. Terry Henley, Ph.D. Maria Elena Villar, Ph.D. Student Fellows Mohammad Newaz Sharif Ketty Dones Community Fellows Jackson Brown

Applied AI Innovation Initiative Projects:
Graphic Novels
Targeting hurricane preparedness, combining storytelling and education.
Serious Games
Enhancing financial management capacity building through engaging gameplay.
AI for Nonprofits Course
A non-credit course providing essential knowledge and skills in using AI for nonprofits.
Product Examples (Serious game and Graphic Novel)
GenAI in Action: Transforming Education Through Innovation
GenAI-Powered Learning: The Story Behind the 'Cho!ces' Board Game
Community Participatory Action Research and Storytelling with AI
Join Us: Partnering for a Better Future
Connect with us to explore how we can collaborate on leveraging AI for educational and behavioral interventions.. If you have any questions, you can email us at AppliedAI@ucf.edu.
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APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE

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