{"id":346,"date":"2023-01-13T12:30:43","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-multi-dev.utk.edu\/energy-dev\/?page_id=346"},"modified":"2026-04-14T16:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:33:16","slug":"education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/education\/","title":{"rendered":"Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group iamm-page-header has-ai-systems-bottom is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3e11f4e0 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:60px;margin-bottom:60px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h1 class=\"has-iamm-outline wp-block-post-title\">Education<\/h1>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\"><em><em>Preparing the workforce to use and benefit from AI<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\">AI is transforming how we learn, teach, research, and work. UT is equipping both current and future generations of professionals to interact with and advance AI\u2014ethically, efficiently, and for the greatest positive impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\">Through partnerships with community and industry leaders, we design strategic educational programs that address critical societal challenges and meet anticipated workforce demands.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center iamm-skew-image-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2200\" height=\"1238\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2.jpg\" alt=\"Two researchers works with a farm bot at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.\" class=\"wp-image-189965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2.jpg 2200w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/AI_Education_Lead_Image-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2200px) 100vw, 2200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-779a9ae6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-b108c007 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0;flex-basis:100%\"><style>@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {.gb-6a0b1de8bd22f{}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"gb-6a0b1de8bd22f wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Academics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">UT offers students unrivaled access to real-world opportunities in AI research and application across practically every field of study. UT is investing in new faculty, courses, and degree programs that integrate AI and enrich students\u2019 experiences in each college and department.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Undergraduate students, including those in their first year, take part in internships, co-ops, and experiential learning related to AI through the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/urf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Graduate students benefit from UT\u2019s unique interdisciplinary programming and hands-on experiences as well as traditional graduate research and teaching assistantships through the<a href=\"https:\/\/gradschool.utk.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> UT Graduate School<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center thoughtHero\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--orange);border-top-width:8px;border-bottom-color:var(--wp--preset--color--orange);border-bottom-width:8px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;min-height:350px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-smokey-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group thoughtCardContainer alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group thoughtCard has-smokey-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">My PhD journey at UT taught me many valuable lessons for pursuing research, including a philosophy of exploring interdisciplinary fields in robotics and AI-assisted health care. Securing a tenure-track assistant professor position was the culmination of my time spent at UT, the resources provided to me, and the training, advice, support, and inspiration I received from UT faculty, mentors, and staff.\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote me-0 thoughtIntroText has-medium-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-ee4e8a728d300a7956c55fecf311241a\"><em>Fengpei Yuan, PhD alumna, Mechanical Engineering<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull iamm-student-experience-gallery has-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f7aef2d6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:100px;padding-bottom:100px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore Student Experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Tyler-Morris-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A PhD student assesses a robot\u2019s user perception in a lab at the University of Tennessee.\" class=\"wp-image-190505\" style=\"width:706px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Tyler-Morris-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Tyler-Morris-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Tyler-Morris-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Tyler-Morris-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Tyler-Morris.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart-ai.utk.edu\/workshop\/poster-presentations\/\">Innovation<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In spring 2024, graduate students from four colleges presented research to scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers during the SMART Workshop sponsored by AI Tennessee.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/smart-ai.utk.edu\/workshop\/poster-presentations\/\">Watch students\u2019 poster presentations.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-c4677a31 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-3d072ba8 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/sanchez.jpg\" alt=\"Sheryl Sanchez, a PhD student at the University of Tennessee\" class=\"wp-image-187596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/sanchez.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/sanchez-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mse\/sanchezs-algorithm-reveals-future-materials-discovery\/\"><strong>Discovery<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>PhD student Sheryl Sanchez helped create a physics-informed algorithm to accelerate discovery of new perovskites\u2014materials with exceptional promise for LEDs and solar panels.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mse\/sanchezs-algorithm-reveals-future-materials-discovery\/\">Learn more about Sanchez\u2019s research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Fengpei-Yuan.jpg\" alt=\"University of Tennessee, Knoxville PhD student Fengpei Yuan in a robotics lab\" class=\"wp-image-187755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Fengpei-Yuan.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Fengpei-Yuan-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/bme\/news\/mabe-prepared-fengpei-yuan-24-for-immediate-faculty-role\/\"><strong>Preparation<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Fengpei Yuan\u2019s experience at UT studying socially assistive robots enabled her to become a tenure-track assistant professor in robotics engineering directly after completing her PhD.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/bme\/news\/mabe-prepared-fengpei-yuan-24-for-immediate-faculty-role\/\">Read about Yuan\u2019s experience<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-3d072ba8 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Digital-Engagement-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Digital-Engagement-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Digital-Engagement-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/artsci.utk.edu\/faculty-using-digital-engagement-teach\/\">Connection<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Students are creating connections between AI and diverse fields of study, from physics to literature and philosophy, as professors integrate AI into experiential interdisciplinary learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/artsci.utk.edu\/faculty-using-digital-engagement-teach\/\">See samples of classes involving AI.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Olaya-2023-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Iniversity of Tennessee PhD student Paula Olaya \" class=\"wp-image-190507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Olaya-2023-2-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/Olaya-2023-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eecs.utk.edu\/olaya-represents-gclab-at-international-conference\/\"><strong>Experience<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>PhD student Paula Olaya represented UT\u2019s Global Computing Laboratory at the International Conference on Utility and Cloud Computing, where she presented research on two AI-related systems.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/eecs.utk.edu\/olaya-represents-gclab-at-international-conference\/\">Learn more about Olaya\u2019s research.<\/a><br><br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center thoughtHero\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--orange);border-top-width:8px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;min-height:350px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-gray-2-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group thoughtCardContainer alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group thoughtCard has-gray-2-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-smokey-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">By harnessing the power of transdisciplinary research, pioneering new learning opportunities, and forging strategic partnerships, we empower a new generation of AI leaders shaping global industries and advancing the future of the knowledge economy.\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote me-0 thoughtIntroText has-smokey-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c6bd8655d9c1e026f91db54b94a12529 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<p class=\"has-smokey-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-3eeee679192e6f9c396fa21e6de11063\"><em><em>Vasileios Maroulas, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of AI Tennessee<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-carbon-pattern has-orange-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull iamm-student-experience-gallery has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f7aef2d6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:100px;padding-bottom:100px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Workforce Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tennessee needs a workforce that remains at the forefront of emerging technologies and evolving practices. To meet community and industry needs, AI Tennessee invests in continuing education, upskilling, reskilling, and other targeted workforce development initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore AI Tennessee\u2019s Development Efforts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-c4677a31 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-3d072ba8 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-47e5a185 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/UT-MRSEC.jpg\" alt=\"Attendees at the annual UT-MRSEC Conference\" class=\"wp-image-187801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/UT-MRSEC.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/UT-MRSEC-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/camm.utk.edu\/education-outreach\/\">CAMM Community Outreach<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Staff and students from the UT Knoxville Materials Research Science and Engineering Center\u2019s Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, which promotes AI-enabled discovery and innovation, conduct STEM lessons and outreach in collaboration with local schools and nonprofits.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/camm.utk.edu\/education-outreach\/\">Learn more about CAMM\u2019s education and outreach initiatives.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/acei-opening-700x396-1.jpg\" alt=\"Staff members talk at the Anderson Center at the University of Tennessee.\" class=\"wp-image-187807\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/acei-opening-700x396-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/acei-opening-700x396-1-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/haslam.utk.edu\/anderson-center\/\">Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses&nbsp;<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, housed in UT\u2019s Haslam College of Business, guides UT students and alumni in transforming ideas into viable products and services. Programs like the Startup Studio help participants bring their AI innovations to life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/haslam.utk.edu\/anderson-center\/\">Learn about the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Accelerate-Fund-Header.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic for the UT Researh Foundation Accelerate Fund.\" class=\"wp-image-187810\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Accelerate-Fund-Header.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Accelerate-Fund-Header-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/utrf.tennessee.edu\/utrf-accelerate-fund\/\"><strong>UT Research Foundation Accelerate Fund<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The UT Research Foundation\u2019s Accelerate Fund connects UT innovators with funding opportunities and guidance to start, grow, and retain viable startups. The fund\u2019s portfolio includes start-ups in the medical industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/utrf.tennessee.edu\/utrf-accelerate-fund\/\">Learn how we\u2019re bringing more UT innovations to the world.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-3d072ba8 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Ut_Extension.jpg\" alt=\"A barn in a field with the University of Tennessee logo painted on it.\" class=\"wp-image-187803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Ut_Extension.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/Ut_Extension-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/utextension.tennessee.edu\/\">Extending AI and Digital Skills into Communities&nbsp;<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>UT Extension provides research-based programming for all ages in every Tennessee county. Tennessee 4-H Youth Development, for example, features programs and activities related to digital literacy, robotics, and smart agriculture such as its AI in Ag Camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/utextension.tennessee.edu\/\">Learn more about UT Extension.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns iamm-experience-gallery-teaser is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/UTRP-photos-49.jpg\" alt=\"A UT student who is part of the Sparks Scholars Program works works at the Spark Innovation Center.\" class=\"wp-image-187809\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/UTRP-photos-49.jpg 750w, https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/aitn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/UTRP-photos-49-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-343acf9e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tnresearchpark.org\/spark\/\">Spark Innovation Center<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Spark Innovation Center at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm focuses on developing entrepreneurs and commercializing technology-based startups in the Southeast and Midwest. The center\u2019s portfolio of companies includes startups related to AI.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tnresearchpark.org\/spark\/\">Learn how the center supports entrepreneurs.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center thoughtHero\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--orange);border-top-width:8px;border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;min-height:350px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-smokey-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group thoughtCardContainer alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group thoughtCard has-smokey-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">&#8220;AI continues to evolve. Our goal is to ensure students and workers are prepared not only for the current moment but for long-lasting careers. We\u2019re thinking ahead to understand future skill demands\u2014in three years, five years, and further\u2014so when people make career-related decisions today, their decisions carry greater likelihood for long-term success.&#8221;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote me-0 thoughtIntroText has-medium-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-53f37a48a82713f3705c3bd133f0bc10\"><em>Chuanren (Charles) Liu, Associate Professor, Beaman Professor of Business, and Sampson Enterprises Faculty Fellow<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Preparing the workforce to use and benefit from AI AI is transforming how we learn, teach, research, and work. UT is equipping both current and future generations of professionals to interact with and advance AI\u2014ethically, efficiently, and for the greatest positive impact.&nbsp;&nbsp; Through partnerships with community and industry leaders, we design strategic educational programs that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":true,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-346","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry","6":"has-post-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Education - 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