Faculty Nominations

Applications for the 2025 awards open this spring. Check back soon!

Get to Know the 2024 AI Award Winners

These accolades honor individual accomplishments and underscore the university’s commitment to pioneering AI education and research across various fields.

This year’s diverse group of award winners leveraged AI to enhance teaching methodologies, deepen research insights, and improve practical applications in their respective areas. Each recipient uniquely contributes to the advancement of their fields, demonstrating the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on both the university and the broader global community.

AI Educator of the Year

Dr. Sanethia Thomas is a master at leading and cheering students simultaneously. Her teaching philosophy provides students with project-based learning experiences using real-world scenarios. She provided valued assistance with the AI Days Hackathons, UF Career Showcase, and UF’s first AI study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Thomas is an assistant instructional teaching professor in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

More About Sanethia

AI Educator of the Year

Diego Alvarado’s tireless efforts to make AI knowledge accessible to all students exemplify his passion for inclusive education. He has empowered more than 2,000 students from varied academic disciplines to delve into AI. Mr. Alvarado is an instructional assistant professor in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

More About Diego

AI Teaching Integration

Dr. Kaitlin Alexander developed a unique drug information/AI activity that she piloted with her APPE (Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences) learners in fall 2023. Students appreciated comparing their responses against AI-generated content, which helps to educate students on information literacy and responsible use of AI. Dr. Alexander is a clinical associate professor in the UF College of Pharmacy.

More About Kaitlin

AI Across the Curriculum Ambassador

Garrett Beatty provided extensive leadership and involvement in AI activities across campus, including integrating the use of AI in courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and service on the AI Curriculum and AI Scholars Review committees. He helped organize AI Days events and student competitions part of this UF weeklong showcase of all things AI at UF. Dr. Beatty is director of academic technology and innovation and instructional associate professor in the College of Health and Human Performance.

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AI Course Award

Dr. Ruogu Fang’s course, BME4931, Medical Artificial Intelligence, stands out for its innovative curriculum, exceptional teaching methodologies, and significant impact on students from diverse academic backgrounds. Dr. Fang is an associate professor and Pruitt Family Endowed Faculty Fellow in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering.

More About Ruogu

AI Rising Star

Dr. Mickie MacKie has been instrumental in enhancing UF’s AI education by designing two AI courses: Data Science and Machine Learning Methods in the Geosciences, and Quest 2:AI in a Changing Climate. These courses empower students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in AI. She also regularly involves undergraduate researchers in her work. Dr. MacKie is an assistant professor in geological sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

More About Mickie

Contact AI at UF

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 113175
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611

Physical Address
105 Ayers Building at Innovation Square
720 SW Second Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601

Call us: (352) 294-1895