The ability to create and harness advanced computing technology has ushered in an era of rapid problem-solving and advancement. It’s an exhilarating period for machine learning researchers like Ghassan AlRegib.

Students, however, have been largely left out — a limitation that’s long been on the mind of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) professor. Outside of research settings, students haven’t been able to access the transformative computing technology, leaving them no space to contribute to its future.

AlRegib has raised this question often with fellow faculty members and researchers. 

“How can we guide students in addressing real, practical artificial intelligence problems that currently only find solutions within the confines of a laboratory — the solutions urgently sought by society?” he asked.

The College of Engineering now has an answer. 

The Georgia Tech AI Makerspace is the nation’s first AI supercomputing hub dedicated exclusively to teaching students. The computing cluster provides a virtual gateway to the kind of high-performance computing environment typically prioritized for research. Students will use the hardware and software to tackle real-world AI challenges, develop advanced applications, and present their AI-driven ideas at scale.

“The AI Makerspace represents a significant advancement in technology for education,” said Arijit Raychowdhury, professor and Steve W. Chaddick School Chair of ECE. “To draw a comparison, the makerspace will provide a technological upgrade equivalent to switching from an Etch A Sketch to an iPad.”

The effort is bolstered by Georgia Tech’s Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment (PACE), which is providing sustainable leading-edge cyberinfrastructure and support, ensuring students have the necessary tools and assistance to best use the AI Makerspace cluster.

ECE undergrads began using the cluster this spring; all engineering students — including graduate students — will have access by the end of 2024.

Shortening the Post-College Ramp-Up

Raychowdhury estimated that the on-the-job learning curve for new AI systems professionals typically spans 12 to 24 months, primarily because they lack hands-on experience with heavy computing during college. 

Shanmathi Selvamurugan, a second-year computer engineering major, entered her studies knowing she wanted to pursue research in machine learning, often tracking down Raychowdhury to express her interest in taking an applied approach.

“As a student interested in working with AI, I’m discouraged by my perceived lack of hands-on experience to qualify for AI jobs,” Shanmathi said. “Access to this level of computing will allow me to meet the demands of the job market and research community.”

Ph.D. student Tyler Lizzo encountered similar limitations as an undergraduate. He wanted practical experience with AI but had limited options in advanced computing classes or research projects. He and his peers could work with faculty members to gain access to computing clusters dedicated to research on campus. Or they could choose to pay out of pocket for on-demand cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services.

“It was intimidating utilizing research resources on campus that logically weren’t made with students in mind,” said Lizzo, who finished his computer engineering bachelor’s in 2022 and now studies in Larry Heck’s ECE lab. “It also didn’t provide opportunities to explore or really learn from your mistakes, as the time was too valuable.

“I’m certainly excited, with maybe a touch of envy, for undergrads now having access to the AI Makerspace,” he added.

To break down the usability barrier students may face with the makerspace, PACE and AlRegib are developing interfaces and strategies to ensure that students from all backgrounds, disciplines, and proficiency levels can effectively use the computing power. 

This framework designed to provide easy entry to the AI Makerspace opens an entirely new way to teach AI — one where theory and application can be taught in unison. After all, that’s how students will encounter AI in their careers. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.

In a 2023 World Economic Forum report, more than 85% of employers identified increased adoption of new technologies and broadening digital access as the trends most likely to drive transformation in their organization. Additionally, many of the fastest growing jobs are technology-related roles, with AI and machine learning specialists topping the list.

“The global AI talent pool is expanding rapidly. Cultivating a workforce equipped with advanced AI skills is essential to ensuring our nation’s resilience and adaptability,” Raychowdhury said. “Georgia Tech students will be leading the charge, which is incredibly exciting for the evolution of AI education and innovation.”ƒ