Artificial intelligence lab, program debuts at Lone Star College-University Park

A new artificial intelligence associates degree and lab have launched at Lone Star College-University Park, according to a Sept. 18 news release from the college system.

What’s happening?

LSC-UP’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Lab was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 17. The campus is also offering an associate's of applied science degree in artificial intelligence/machine learning. According to the release, the program will:

• Focus on AI’s “transformative potential” for industrial use and how AI can enhance “productivity, efficiency and quality”
• Offer students theoretical knowledge, hands-on work and practical experience
• Be based in the new Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Lab

“The inauguration of the [AI lab and] degree program will provide hands-on experience to prepare our students to lead and excel,” said Steven Kahla, LSC-UP’s vice president of instruction, in a statement.

Diving deeper

Kahla has been working with LSC-UP’s Division of Computer & Engineering Technology since 2022 to create the campus’s new AI lab, according to the release. The lab is partially funded by Society for Information Management-Houston, the local chapter of a national information technology member organization.

“We wanted to make a multi-year commitment where we can do something that’s really significant within LSC that will make a difference not just in their ability to educate and empower [students] but get gainful employment when they get out,” SIM-Houston President George Crawford said in a statement.