Project Next 2018 Initiative

Project Next 2018 Initiative is a collaborative project initiative of Hub for Innovation, Research, and Development at Technology Services and Faculty Research partners in discovering and adopting new emerging innovations for technological advancements in education with Artificial Intelligence and Cloud technology. Ultimately, in support of Fresno State High Impact Practices toward Student Success. The initiative is under the executive leadership of Orlando Leon (CIO) and led by Max Tsai (Innovation Architect).

Theme

Digital Transformation in Higher Education with Artificial Intelligence and Cloud technology

Research Initiatives:

  • Artificial Intelligent / Conversational Chatbot
    • Virtual Learning Assistant
      Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Nef, Vice Provost, Orlando Leon, CIO
      Primary Investigator: Max Tsai
      Faculty Researcher: Dr. Alex Liu (Computer Science)
      Student Intern Developer(s): Michelle Salomon
    • Virtual Conversation Partner / Natural Language Process
      Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Nef, Vice Provost, , Orlando Leon, CIO
      Primary Investigator: Max Tsai
      Business Partners: Cheryl Chen (AEI)
      Faculty Researchers: and Dr. Jaydene Elvin, Dr. Alex Liu (Computer Science), Dr. Laura Huisinga
      Student Intern Developer(s): open
    • Technology Services Help Assistant / Conversational Chatbot
      Sponsor: Orlando Leon, CIO
      Primary Investigator: Max Tsai
      Business Partners: L.
      Student Intern Developer(s): Adrian H.
  • AgIoT – Smart Faring with Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics with Cloud Technology (under-development)
    Collaboration Partner: Thomas Esqueda, AVP in Water and Sustainability
  • BOT-nage – Future Digital Communication Hub (Bot) with A.I. and IoT
    Faculty Researcher: Dr.Colin Stewart (Leadership)
    Sponsor: Dr. Carolyn V. Coon, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
    Student Intern Developer(s): open
  • Outcome Assessment and Analytics with Big Data and Predictive Analytics
    Faculty Researcher: Dr. Melissa Jordin, (Director of Assessments)
    Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Nef, Vice Provost
    Student Intern Developer(s): open
  • Accessible Video Content Streaming
    Faculty Researcher and Sponsor: Dr. Brent Auernheimer and DAT
    Sponsor: Orlando Leon, CIO
    Grant: CSU-AWS 50K Credits (in process of applying)
    Student Intern Developer(s): open
  • Immersive Learning with VR/AR/MR
    Faculty Researcher: Dr. Laura Huisinga (UX and Graphic Design)
    Student Intern Developer(s): Chris Gonzalez
  • Campus Alert Buttons with AWS IoT Enterprise Buttons
    Project Sponsors: Orlando Leon, CIO and David Huerta, Chief – FSPD
    Student Intern Developer(s): Victoria Fall (later hired as staff)

The successful development of the project will support several areas of Fresno State Strategic Plan 2016-2020:

  • Embrace technology to support innovation, teaching and learning. (Transformational)
  • Enhance teaching and learning through innovative programs toward the CSU’s central strategic objective – Graduation Initiative 2025 (Enterprise Impact)
  • Through hiring student intern developers and the course research work designed by the faculty researchers, support HIPs of Undergraduate Researches and Internship (Research and Education)

Please contact Max Tsai, Innovation Architect, if you need additional information.


Hub for Innovation, Research, and Development at Technology Services is a Technology Innovation effort established in September 2016 under the leadership of Chief Information Office, Orlando Leon.