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Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Fairfield

At Fairfield University, we equip students to thrive in an AI-driven world—fostering human flourishing through purpose, ethics, and innovation.

Student and professor working together through a complex problem during faculty office hours.
Discover how Fairfield empowers students to harness AI and technology as tools for meaningful impact.

Our Approach to Teaching and Learning

Faculty integrate artificial intelligence into teaching practices to enhance both instruction and learning. Whether you're participating in a “Build-Your-Own GPT Workshop” hosted by the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, or using technology in the classroom to enhance learning, notetaking, or graphing– AI is used as a tool for both students and faculty.

Lead in the Field

Faculty at Fairfield University are experts in the AI field, generating cutting-edge research and providing thought leadership in news outlets such as Forbes and the New York Times. Through their expertise, faculty encourage students to build knowledge and explore career pathways and AI-related research, often showcased at the annual Student Research Symposium.

Faculty Expertise

Dolan Professor Travels to Mongolia as AI Fulbright Specialist

The cultural and educational exchange between the two countries was probably the most important outcome of this project. I left Mongolia with many ideas and potential projects in the future.”

- Yasin Ozcelik, PhD
Image of Yasin Ozcelik, PhD, alongside former Prime Minister of Mongolia, Amarjargal Rinchinnyam

Rooted in Catholic Tradition: The Intersection of Ethics and AI

At Fairfield University, artificial intelligence is viewed through the lens of our Catholic and Jesuit mission: as a powerful tool that must ultimately serve the dignity of the human person and the common good. Informed by Pope Francis’ reflections, we recognize that while AI has great potential to enhance human life, it also demands thoughtful stewardship.

Fairfield’s faculty and students engage with AI not only for what it can do, but for how it should be used— with wisdom, discernment, and responsibility. Guided by Pope Francis’ call to safe-guard human decision-making and dignity, Fairfield integrates ethical inquiry across teaching, research, and innovation.

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, Fairfield prepares leaders who understand that true progress must be grounded in moral clarity — and that true progress begins with a commitment to serve others.

Through ethical engagement with AI, Fairfield empowers students and faculty not only to lead in their fields, but to do so with conscience, compassion, and purpose.

To speak of technology is to speak of what it means to be human and thus of our singular status as beings who possess both freedom and responsibility. This means speaking about ethics."

– Pope Francis, Address to the G7, June 2024

AI in Everyday Learning

Through Fairfield University’s mission-driven academics, students will encounter AI in their respective areas of study and engage with a student-centric community that offers programming and events from the moment they step on campus. The Fairfield University community offers AI-related events and future first-year experience credits (FYE) in the AI space.

The Class of 2029 will engage in a Common Read focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence. This year’s topic, Authentically Human: Who Are We in the Digital Age? invites students to explore how emerging technologies are shaping our identities, relationships, and society. Students were tasked with reading one of the below books:

  • I, Human by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (a nonfiction study of how AI impacts our psychology, relationships, and choices)
  • Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (a novel that provides an AI "companant’s" perspective on human connection and sacrifice)
  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (a memoir that details one person’s ability to find purpose in extreme adversity and the essence of human resilience)

The School of Engineering and Computing not only incorporates AI into its undergraduate and graduate programs but also fosters research through their AI lab, focused on real-world applications of artificial intelligence. Through ongoing research in the classroom, students have built robots and, as part of their coursework, developed their own GPT models.

Faculty regularly produce research in the School of Engineering and Computing including: “Collaborative Research: A Semiconductor Curriculum and Learning Framework for High-Schoolers Using Artificial Intelligence, Game Modules, and Hands-on Experiences,” as part of a recent National Science Foundation AI Grant.

The Charles F. Dolan School of Business incorporates AI into its undergraduate programs through an AI minor. At the graduate level, AI is integrated into coursework in the MS in Business Analytics program and the MBA program, which offers a concentration in AI. Fairfield Dolan also offers programming and in-house faculty experts through their AI & Tech Institute. Fairfield Dolan hosts expert speakers in the field as part of their Dean’s Executive Forum Series, who offer expertise in the field of AI and advise on the use of AI as part of the institute. Faculty publish thought leadership pieces in top research journals and publications on AI and machine learning.

Learn more about Fairfield Dolan’s AI Initiatives

The John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences provides students opportunities to leverage AI in their humanities related coursework through their wide array of programs. As seen through the Frederickson Innovation Lab’s robust workshops and offerings, AI research and innovation is fostered in the classroom. The lab is positioned with mobile workstations, HDTV screens, specialized computer software, and two sizable seminar rooms, the state-of-the-art facility offering ample space for collaboration on interdisciplinary research for both faculty and students.

The School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) focuses on the evolving role of AI in the field of education. Through initiatives like Ed Tech Day, which showcases AI tools used by educators, and by integrating AI modules into coursework, SEHD emphasizes preparing future teachers to effectively use AI in their classrooms.

Additionally, SEHD has signed the Alliance for Innovation in Teacher Education Pledge, showcasing the faculty’s commitment to innovation in teacher preparation.

Faculty at the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies are exploring how to integrate AI into the curriculum and how students can use AI tools in clinical and professional settings.

Additionally, AI tools and ChatGPT are being incorporated into Introduction to Professional Nursing 1110 to support care planning and to help students explore the advantages and disadvantages of using AI in nursing practice.

At Fairfield University, academic support is pivotal to the student experience. The Library offers weekly events including the “AI Salon Series” and “Building your own GPT workshops”, while offering students the space to leverage technology in the Academic Commons. Above all, the Library provides 1:1 support for students looking to excel in the classroom and learn more about AI applications.

Attend an upcoming event hosted by the Library

Through this shared experience, we hope to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how we can thrive—ethically, emotionally, intellectually, and professionally—in our rapidly changing world."

– Provost Christine Siegel, PhD

Shaping the Future of AI

Student cleaning the plexiglass container of a piece of equipment displayed at an annual on-campus research event.

State of Connecticut AI Alliance

Fairfield University is a member of the State of Connecticut AI Alliance with 16 other Universities, which focuses on five themes. These include research and development; workforce training; business and industry growth; innovation infrastructure; and community engagement.

As a student centric, values based, outcomes focused Jesuit institution, students at Fairfield will learn how to become men and women for others — and leverage AI for the greater good.

Resources

AI in the News

Business students, faculty, and staff posing for a group photo with a Zoom speaker after the launch of the new AI and Tech institute.

Fairfield Dolan Launches AI & Technology Institute

Dr. Paheding and student training Jackal

Transforming the Future

Image of people standing around table

SEHD Hosts Educational Technology Forum

More News

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  • (203) 254-4000

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