Mission
Through education, credentialing, research, community engagement, and strategic partnerships,
the PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies is a dynamic
and inclusive hub for students, faculty, industry, and the broader community to encounter
and leverage the transformative power of AI and an ever-changing technological landscape.
Vision
The PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, located
at an innovative public regional university spanning and serving the entirety of Western
Pennsylvania, will be a higher education leader in preparing students, faculty, and
community partners to innovate and lead in the adoption and responsible use of AI
and emerging technologies.
Priorities
With a consistent focus on AI and emerging technology literacy, safety, responsible
use, and equitable access, the Center's priorities include the following:
- Enhancing PennWest’s ability to serve students and improve institutional effectiveness
through the strategic adoption of AI and emerging technology tools, policies, and
practices throughout the University.
- Supporting PennWest faculty in navigating the paradigm-shifting impacts of AI and
emerging technologies on teaching, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and training
to integrate AI effectively into their pedagogy.
- Preparing PennWest students, in a welcoming and inclusive environment, to be proficient,
adaptable, critical, and career-ready users of AI and emerging technologies in a world
of constant change and opportunity.
- Offering opportunities for meaningful dialogue and thought leadership to address the
pressing economic, ethical, cultural, educational, political, and legal challenges
and possibilities that have emerged with the rise of AI and emerging technologies.
- Helping community partners — including schools, nonprofits, governments, and industry
— meet the challenges of an AI-driven world.
Academic Offerings
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AI and Machine Learning Minor
This interdisciplinary minor gives students a foundation in AI concepts, machine learning,
and data analysis. Open to all majors, it combines technical knowledge with hands-on
applications and ethical perspectives, empowering graduates to use AI creatively across
disciplines.
Learn More |
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CMAC 1250 - AI for Everyone
Designed for all learners, this introductory course explores how artificial intelligence
is shaping industries, education, and society. Offered to PennWest undergraduates
and as a dual-enrollment course for high school students, it builds AI literacy and
awareness of responsible, human-centered use.
Learn More |
Presentations and Conferences
The Global Impact Forum
The Pittsburgh Global Impact Forum and Robotics and AI Discovery Day, brought together
leaders from education, technology, business, and policy to explore how innovation,
especially artificial intelligence, advances learning, equity, and workforce readiness.
Representing PennWest University’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging
Technologies (CAIET), Drs. Alawya Alawami, Vasuda Aravind, Jay Annadatha, Joseph Schwerha,
James Fisher, and Camille Dempsey, as well as Jennifer Williams and Nick Williams
(a Student AI and Technology Ambassador) participated in discussions, presentations,
and sessions focused on AI’s role in teaching, research, ethics, the environment,
and policy, and governance. Their participation reflects CAIET’s commitment to collaboration,
creativity, and the responsible integration of AI across higher education and society.
AI in Academia Conference
This AI Conference featured panels, presentations, and workshops showcasing how some
of our PennWest faculty and staff are leading efforts to integrate AI responsibly
and creatively at the institution. This included Drs. Pratibha Menon, Christopher
Wydra, Joseph Schwerha, Ryan Sittler, Everett, Jessica Harris, Lacey Fulton, and Camille
Dempsey, along with Jennifer Williams, attended the Shippensburg AI Conference, delivering
presentations highlighting AI’s transformative potential in higher education including
areas such as research, teaching, and academic innovation. Dr. Camille Dempsey served
as the keynote speaker, inspiring attendees with insights on AI, human presence, and
the evolving landscape of digital learning.
Advancing Business and Education with AI
Dr. Mark Lennon presented “Advancing Business and Education with AI: Innovations and
Insights” at the 1st International Conference of the International Association of
Technology and Management (IATM). Dr. Lennon’s presentation focused on how AI is transforming
entrepreneurial ecosystems, business decision-making, and educational models that
prepare future leaders for a data-driven economy.
The Association for Educational Communications and Technology International Convention
(AECT)
Dr. Camille Dempsey presented “PAECT: The Research Lens – Focusing Educational Technology
on What Matters Most” and with Dr. Lynn Hummel, a colleague at Commonwealth University
at AECT, that reflect Pennsylvania’s leadership in educational technology innovation
and teacher preparation.
Professional Trainings
The PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies offers a
range of professional training options aimed at enhancing AI skills in different environments.
These sessions provide practical knowledge, ethical insights, and innovative strategies
tailored to organizations. Workshops cover the history of AI, prompt engineering,
ethics, and practical AI tools with additional sessions on presentation design and
online training development forthcoming. Customized consultations are also offered.
Professional Development for School Districts
Professional Development for Organizations and Businesses
Communities of Practice
The PennWest Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies (CAIET)
fosters collaboration, innovation, and professional growth through seven dynamic Communities
of Practice (COPs). Each community brings together faculty, staff, students, and external
partners and stakeholders to explore the evolving impact of AI across education, the
workforce, research, and society. These COPs serve as hubs for dialogue, ideation,
research, and applied learning that advance PennWest’s leadership in responsible and
creative AI integration.
AI & Educational Technology Tools for Teaching, Working, and Advising
Focused on practical integration, this group helps faculty, staff, and advisors explore
and apply educational technology and AI-powered tools that support teaching, productivity,
and student success. Members share strategies, demonstrations, and examples that improve
efficiency and enhance teaching, learning, and advising.
AI Policy & Legal Issues
This community examines the rapidly evolving legal, regulatory, and policy landscape
surrounding artificial intelligence. Members engage in discussions about data governance,
privacy, intellectual property, and institutional policy development, helping ensure
AI use at PennWest remains ethical, transparent, and compliant.
AC072: AI Acceptable Use Policy
AI Literacy, Ethics, & Responsible Use
Dedicated to building awareness and understanding, this community focuses on AI literacy
and the principles of responsible innovation. Members explore frameworks for ethical
decision-making, algorithmic fairness, and human-centered design, supporting a culture
of informed and thoughtful AI engagement.
AI and Technology Student Ambassadors
This community brings together AI and student technology ambassadors from across PennWest’s
campuses to share ideas, showcase projects and other things they are involved in,
and promote AI literacy among peers and the larger community. Members have opportunities
to present and attend conferences and other events, as well as lead and participate
in other activities involving AI and other emerging technologies.
Women Exploring AI
This group provides a supportive space for women and allies interested in artificial
intelligence, innovation, and leadership. Members connect through mentorship, opportunities,
and dialogue that celebrate women’s contributions to technology while advancing inclusion
and other opportunities around AI in and outside the PennWest community.
Stakeholders Learning Community
The Stakeholders Learning Community brings together PennWest partners, industry leaders,
businesses, and community organizations to share ideas and opportunities around AI,
and network together. Members share insights, explore partnership ideas, and identify
opportunities that connect PennWest’s academic innovation with workforce development
and regional advancement across Pennsylvania and beyond.
AI Center Leaders
