This AI Appreciation Day, we take a closer look inside Capitol Tech's new artificial intelligence lab and meet the expert staff leading its development—all made possible through the generosity of a Capitol Tech alumnus.
Set to launch in fall 2026 and made possible by the generous support of alumnus and entrepreneur Ed Sealing, the Capitol Artificial Intelligence Learning and Innovation Environment (CAILIE) represents a major step forward in the university’s commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education. This new, state-of-the-art lab is designed not just to teach artificial intelligence, but to transform how students interact with it.
Sealing’s vision for CAILIE is forward-thinking: a remotely accessible AI lab environment for students, faculty, and researchers that will provide Capitol Tech with the high-end GPU and storage resources needed to perform advanced AI model training and inference research. "Since these technologies are important across numerous fields, we are looking to provide an environment that can serve both developers and non-developers," said Sealing, "with user-friendly tools and project templates that ensure everyone is able to learn about the different applications of AI.”
Behind the scenes, a small, talented team is bringing this vision to life and building an important foundation for what’s to come next fall.
Laying the Groundwork
As Director of CAILIE, Keith Michel is leading the effort to bring the lab from concept to reality. From planning resources to developing processes and partnerships, his role centers on ensuring the lab is ready to support students from day one.
“The opportunity to build and lead a next-generation AI lab from the ground up was especially compelling,” Michel says. “It’s been rewarding to contribute to something that will support future student work.”
Supporting that vision is Ejekeghachi (EJ) Agbo, who manages the infrastructure that will power the lab’s operations. As a Linux Cloud Engineer, Agbo is responsible for ensuring systems are secure, reliable, and ready to handle the demands of advanced AI work.
Drawn to Capitol Tech’s focus on applied learning, Agbo saw the role as an opportunity to work with real-world technologies while contributing to an educational mission. “It allows me to apply my technical skills in a meaningful way,” she says, “while continuing to grow in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.”
Khalid Shaheed is helping shape the lab’s technical vision. As an AI Engineer with experience across the federal and commercial job landscape, he focuses on the architecture and design of the environment itself. On just his second day, Shaheed began developing a 3D model of the lab setup that he envisioned. That early work reflects a larger mindset: building something new requires experimentation, iteration, and persistence. “We will try and fail,” he says, “while all along making our own path; this is what will make us unique.”
Building More Than a Lab
Now that construction and infrastructure are complete, the team’s work is centered on impact. CAILIE was designed as a space where students can move beyond theory by engaging directly with AI tools, systems, and challenges that mirror the real world. For Michel, it’s about creating access and opportunity.
“For students, that means providing structured pathways to participate in AI research, hands-on projects, and skill development,” he explains. “For faculty, it includes resources and support for managing student-led research projects and integrating AI into their teaching.”
The lab will also serve as a bridge to industry, helping ensure that what students learn aligns with evolving workforce needs.
A Hands-On Approach to AI
Capitol Tech’s approach to AI is rooted in application. The university’s emphasis on industry-focused learning gives students the chance to work directly with the technologies shaping today’s workforce.
The team is currently developing systems, tools, and workshops that will help users engage meaningfully with CAILIE and AI, whether they are just getting started or advancing into more complex work. And as AI continues to evolve, the team sees both opportunity and responsibility in preparing students to navigate it.
For those just entering the field, Agbo emphasizes the importance of strong fundamentals. “Learn Linux, networking, and programming,” she advises. “Then build something. Even small projects teach you more than passive learning.”
Shaheed offers a complementary perspective. “Trust but verify is a crucial approach to AI,” he said. “Ensuring that while leveraging AI for speed and data organization, the human user is ultimately responsible for outcomes.”
Together, their advice reflects a shared belief that AI is more about understanding technology than just learning how to use it.
Looking Ahead
With its fall 2026 launch on the horizon, CAILIE embodies Capitol Tech's continued investment in the future of technology education, and its impact will soon be visible across campus and beyond.
Learn more about our AI programs and our CAILIE lab.