AI Center of Excellence (AICE) | Washington D.C. & Maryland Area

At the AI Center of Excellence (AICE) at Capitol Technology University, we are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of artificial intelligence through innovative research, education, and industry collaboration. We aim to foster a dynamic ecosystem that empowers students, faculty, and industry partners to explore, innovate, and apply cutting-edge AI technologies for societal impact.

Our Vision

To be a leader in AI research, education, and industry collaboration, driving transformative advancements for the betterment of society.

Our Mission

At the AI Center of Excellence (AICE) at Capitol Technology University, our mission is to advance the frontiers of artificial intelligence through innovative research, education, and industry collaboration.

We are dedicated to:

Through our collective efforts, we aspire to be a global leader in AI research, education, and industry collaboration, driving positive societal impact and shaping a future where AI technologies empower and enrich the lives of people around the world.

Capitol Technology University Joins USAISI Consortium

We are thrilled to announce that Capitol Technology University has been accepted as a member of the USAISI (United States Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute) consortium, established by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) in response to President Biden's executive order. This prestigious consortium brings together leading organizations from industry and academia to address the critical challenges of AI safety and ethics.

As a leading institution at the forefront of technology education, Capitol Technology University is committed to promoting the responsible and safe development of artificial intelligence. Led by Dr. Najam Hassan, Department Chair of Computer & Data Science, we are proud to contribute to the advancement of AI safety initiatives.

Dr. Najam Hassan shared his perspective on joining the consortium:

Capitol Technology University recognizes the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future and is committed to ensuring its responsible and safe development. As the Department Chair of Computer & Data Science, I am proud to lead our institution in actively contributing to AI safety efforts. Joining the AI Safety Institute Consortium is a strategic move for us, as we believe collaboration is key to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Together with AISIC, Capitol Technology University aims to play a critical role in fostering a culture of responsible AI, where innovation goes hand in hand with safety, ethics, and societal well-being. Through our collective efforts, we aspire to set a standard for AI development that prioritizes not only technological advancements but also the ethical considerations necessary for a sustainable and beneficial impact on society.

We look forward to collaborating with USAISI and its members to advance AI safety research, promote ethical guidelines, and ensure that AI technologies benefit society responsibly.

For more information about the USAISI consortium and its members, visit the NIST website here.

Leadership and Advisory Boards

Dr. Najam UI Hassan

Chair

Dr. Najam Hassan is the Department Chair of Computer Science at Capitol Technology University and a professor. He has been in the IT field for about 35 years. He has a Ph.D. in Business Analytics & Decision Sciences from Capitol Technology University, a dual Master (MBA/MIM) from University of Maryland University College and a master’s in computer science from John Hopkins University. He earned his bachelor's in computer science from the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Dr. Atif Mohammad

Dissertation Chair

Dr. Atif Farid Mohammad is the Quantum Computing Chair at Capitol Technology University. He has a PhD in Cyber Security and a second PhD in Scientific Computing. Dr. Mohammad is an entrepreneurial-spirited, pioneering technologist with 30+ years of experience, out of which 16+ years are leadership experience identifying, qualifying, building consensus for, and implementing enabling technologies and enterprise systems that facilitate business processes and strategic objectives.

Dave Cook

Founder, Expert AI Engineer, and Generative AI Developer | Working on the Convergence of GEOINT, AI, and Cloud | Thwarter of data cascades!

I'm a leader with a 25+ year career and a pretty rare mix of expertise spanning sales and business development, technical management and team building, and deep hands-on technical aptitude in AI/ML, analytics, and GEOINT. Generative AI- I think I have a decent handle! Proven ability to build sales pipelines, close multi-million dollar deals with government agencies, and provide program management for delivery teams. Experience includes entrepreneurial initiatives and leadership roles within both startups and large consulting businesses. Effective communicator with experience as a university lecturer, conference presenter, and member of workgroups and committees. Active Top Secret/SCI Clearance with Poly.

Dillon Plummer

QA ✅ // Med Device 🦾 // AI 🤖

QA professional with experience in the manufacturing and medical device industries. Speaks English, Spanish, and Russian, and signs ASL. Python and Excel enthusiast. Ph.D. candidate in AI.

Frank Neugebauer

Director - Generative AI at The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Over 25 years in property and casualty insurance as both a technologist and executive leader, with deep AI/ML experience. Builds business-focused teams and uses the right tool for the right job. Able to help businesses express their needs effectively and then match those needs to practical solutions. Able to lead strategy and execution end-to-end.

Khalid Ahmed

A performance-driven leader with strong expertise in Architecture, policies, principles, and best practices. Leading cross-functional teams to develop and design complex technology solutions and exceeding service standards in several key strategic disciplines including performance management, succession planning and recruitment and coaching of staff. Recognized for being customer focused and a unique ability to manage multiple projects and navigate through complex challenges. A collaborative team player that can effectively work well within all personality types to find genuine consensus and creative solutions using strong analytical, decision making and problem solving skills.

Mo Medwani

Founder & CEO - Sr. Data Scientist - Adjunct Faculty

Sr. Data Scientist, passionate about transforming data into useful products. Self-motivated and able to effectively lead or participate as part of a team and with people from various disciplines with varying degrees of technical and business experience. Strong management skills as it relates to incident management, and problem management (ITIL Certified). Extensive experience in production support, data analysis, senior-level communication, user experience, and management of change activities.

Specialties: Data Science, Machine Learning, Big Data, Deep Learning, Data Analytics, Application Support and IT Service Delivery Management

Get Involved

Whether you are a student seeking a career in AI, a researcher seeking collaboration opportunities, or an industry partner interested in leveraging AI for your business, there are many ways to get involved with AICE. Join us in shaping the future of AI!

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about AICE? Feel free to reach out to us by emailing Dr. Najam Hassan at nuhassan1@captechu.edu.