Ohio University Recognized for Excellence in Quantum Research as Engineering Faculty Propel AI Innovation

Ohio University is carving a significant niche for itself within the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI). The energy and enthusiasm surrounding AI on campus are palpable, highlighted by notable developments such as the launch of the state’s first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence by The Russ College of Engineering and Technology in 2024. This initiative is just the tip of the iceberg, as the college also introduced AI-focused electives within its Master of Science in Project Management and is gearing up to offer a graduate certificate in AI in Business through the College of Business in Summer 2025. These educational expansions reflect a sharp industry demand for graduates who are well-versed in both the technical aspects and the human implications of AI technologies.

Ohio University Explores National AI Trends at Inaugural EECS Workshop

This commitment to advancing AI education was prominently showcased at the first Workshop on AI in EECS (WISE) on August 20, organized by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The workshop aimed to bring faculty together to assess how AI is influencing education, research, and economic development while strategizing on how Russ College can lead in this fast-evolving arena.

The workshop kicked off with insights from the Stanford AI Index, which provided a common framework for discussing current trends. Faculty noted that AI systems are advancing at an unprecedented pace, with investment in this field rapidly increasing. Tools that were once prohibitively expensive are now more accessible, facilitating new avenues for research and classroom implementation. However, the faculty also acknowledged significant challenges, including the consistent difficulty in effectively teaching AI, the need to rebuild public trust in AI systems, and the ongoing struggles of AI in complex reasoning tasks. These discussions set a rich context for the variety of AI research taking place within EECS.

Diverse Research Areas in AI

Faculty from across the school showcased their diverse research initiatives, revealing the extensive spectrum of AI applications:

Security and Trust

• Ahmed Mahdad Tanvir demonstrated how AI leverages motion sensors for enhanced device authentication.
• Ahmed Oun highlighted the potential of deep learning in facilitating practical side-channel attacks, unveiling critical insights into system vulnerabilities.

Hardware, Materials, and Computing

• Savas Kaya and Ismail Tirtom explored utilizing memristors and FeFET devices for advanced in-memory computing.
• Wojciech Jadwisienczak examined the role of AI and machine learning in accelerating autonomous material discovery.
• Faiz Rahman showcased AI-driven tools designed to detect defects in semiconductor wafer processing.
• Avinash Karanth covered the application of silicon photonics in constructing neural networks that transcend conventional electrical designs.

Networking and Wireless Systems

• Animesh Yadav presented insights on how deep unfolding techniques could revolutionize next-generation 5G and 6G technologies.

Human-Centered and Applied AI

• Trevor Bihl discussed the concept of AI plus X, introducing cognitive exoskeletons that enhance human decision-making capabilities.
• Chad Mourning elaborated on image-based machine learning techniques for improved weather condition recognition.
• Chang Liu showcased the use of generative AI in developing engaging game-based agents.
• Xiangxu Lin illustrated how AI and robotics can foster intelligent learning environments in educational settings.

Healthcare AI

• Zhewei Wang explained a specialized medical AI model tailored for scalable coronary imaging projects.
• Ziyang Song presented pioneering work focused on establishing trustworthy generative AI models for healthcare applications.

Post-presentations, the faculty engaged in working groups concentrated on two primary areas: core AI, which includes deep learning and hardware, and applied AI, which encompasses health, cybersecurity, and robotics. These discussions delved into new collaborative opportunities, sharing of resources, and strategies for bolstering the college’s research impact.

The latter half of the workshop pivoted to AI education, guided by Professor David Juedes. Conversations focused on the evolving landscape of AI teaching nationwide, drawing from insights established during the CRA AI Summit. A panel discussion featuring Jundong Liu, Chad Mourning, Chang Liu, and Nasseef Abukamail, under Juedes’ moderation, focused on making AI education accessible to students from various disciplines. Collaborative groups set forth innovative ideas for new courses, certificates, and minors designed for both undergraduate and graduate students, reinforcing the college’s dedication to readying students for a future centered on AI.

Russ College Team Recognized for Breakthrough in Quantum Computing and Photonics

Aside from the workshop, Ohio University’s Russ College celebrated a landmark research achievement at IEEE Quantum Week 2025. The paper titled “Quantum Integrated Photonic Network-on-Chip for Manycore Architectures,” authored by Zach Takacs, Harsha Chenji, and Avinash Karanth, garnered the Best Paper Award in the Photonics track. This groundbreaking research illustrates how silicon photonics can facilitate secure quantum communication among cores within a chip while addressing critical concerns of energy efficiency and security vulnerabilities. It proposes a novel class of multicore architectures that fuse secure quantum communication with high-speed photonic links, paving the way for future chip designs.

These strides underline a clear trajectory of growth and innovation at Russ College, as it broadens its AI educational offerings, strengthens its research efforts, and fosters partnerships that keep pace with an ever-evolving technological landscape. With initiatives aiming to equip students for emerging career pathways and faculty striving to push the envelope in AI and quantum technologies, Ohio University is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation both regionally and globally.