Training and outreach

AI4RISE Lab shares its expertise beyond the laboratory through hands-on training in applied artificial intelligence, workshops, technical presentations and research showcases.
220+
HoT-AML participants
$78.5K+
NSF I-CREWS training award
8
Workshops, talks and showcases

Flagship program

Hands-on training in applied AI and machine learning

HoT-AML was the first program of its kind in Idaho. Funded by NSF Idaho EPSCoR I-CREWS, it gave faculty, researchers, students and staff practical, hands-on experience with applied AI and machine learning tools and methods.
NSF Idaho EPSCoR I-CREWSFall 2024

HoT-AML

Hands-On Training in Applied AI and Machine Learning

Dr. Tadesse G. Wakjira led HoT-AML as Lead Principal Investigator and instructor. Sessions ran every Tuesday and Thursday for two months, both in person and online. Registrations far exceeded expectations, with applicants from Idaho, across the United States and abroad, including Canada, and priority was given to Idaho residents. Participants who completed the program received a certificate.

Participants
More than 220 from institutions across Idaho
Funding
Over $78,500 through NSF Idaho EPSCoR I-CREWS
Format
Two sessions per week for two months, in person and online
Graduation
Idaho State University, Boise State University and Idaho National Laboratory
Program websiteRead the story
HoT-AML training session in a lecture hall
HoT-AML training session, fall 2024
Participants during a HoT-AML training session
HoT-AML participants working on laptops during a session
HoT-AML graduation ceremonies

  1. July 16, 2024

    Seed funding approved

    NSF I-CREWS approves the proposal “Training Students and Researchers in the State of Idaho on Applied Artificial Intelligence for Engineers within the I-CREWS Framework.”

    Read the story

  2. August–September 2024

    Program announced

    University news outlets and the Idaho State Journal feature the free training for students, researchers and faculty.

  3. October 1, 2024

    Training begins

    Twice-weekly hands-on sessions open in person and online for participants from across the state.

    Program website

  4. November 2024

    Graduation ceremonies

    Participants graduate at Idaho State University, Boise State University and Idaho National Laboratory.

    Read the story

Knowledge sharing

Workshops and talks

The lab shares its methods with researchers, practitioners and university leaders through workshops, technical presentations and research showcases.
  • Federal Highway Administration logoInvited talk

    July 1, 2026 · Federal Highway Administration

    AI-Enabled Resilient Infrastructure

    Invited talk at Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence and FAST NDE.

  • Standard Concrete Products logoIndustry talk

    December 15, 2025 · Standard Concrete Products

    AI-Enabled Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Precast Infrastructure

    Industry talk at Standard Concrete Products, Inc..

  • Kennesaw State University Bagwell College Research Week 2025 bannerInvited talk

    November 19, 2025 · SPCEET and Bagwell College of Education networking event

    Emerging Technologies for Resilient and Environmentally Efficient Civil Infrastructure

    Invited talk at SPCEET and Bagwell College of Education networking event, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia.

  • Participants of the 2025 SPCEET Author's Expo at Kennesaw State UniversityInvited talk

    October 1, 2025 · SPCEET Author's Expo 2025

    Hybrid Machine Learning-Enabled Multivariate Bridge-Specific Seismic Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment of UHPC Bridges

    Invited talk at SPCEET Author's Expo 2025, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, Georgia.

  • Dr. Wakjira presenting the CTGAN workshopWorkshop

    February 26–27, 2025 · University of British Columbia

    Harnessing Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Networks (CTGAN) for Engineering Research: Solving Data Limitations with AI

    A free two-part REWLI workshop at the University of British Columbia, offered in person and online. Participants explored how a conditional tabular generative adversarial network can overcome data scarcity in engineering research.

    Read the story
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory logoInvited talk

    2025 · Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

    Seismic Performance Evaluation of Additively Manufactured U-Shaped Flexural Plates

    Invited talk at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).

  • Research team with the President of Idaho State University in the structural laboratoryResearch showcase

    Idaho State University

    Research showcase for the President of Idaho State University

    Dr. Wakjira and colleagues hosted the President of Idaho State University at the Structural Lab and Disaster Response Complex and presented multidisciplinary research on artificial intelligence, machine learning, resilience, sustainability, smart materials and disaster response.

    Read the story
  • Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho State University researchers during the facility visitTechnical presentation

    2024 · Idaho State University

    Presentation to Idaho National Laboratory leaders and researchers

    Dr. Wakjira presented a machine learning and multi-objective optimization framework for environmentally efficient, cost-effective ultra-high-performance concrete to visitors from the laboratory's Energy and Environment Science & Technology Directorate and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies.

    Related paperRead the story

Collaborate

Invite a workshop or talk

The lab welcomes invitations for workshops, seminars and applied AI training from universities, agencies and industry partners, as well as inquiries from prospective students.

Contact the labTeaching and mentoring