Southern Miss Professor Presents at Congressional AI Showcase on Capitol Hill
Thu, 10/03/2024 - 02:35pm | By: Ivonne Kawas
Dr. Nick Rahimi
Sharing his vision for advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, Dr. Nick Rahimi, assistant professor in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering (CSCE) and director of the Cyber Innovations Lab at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), represented the University at the Congressional AI Education Showcase. The event was held by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in conjunction with the House and Senate AI Caucuses on Capitol Hill this past month.
As one of only 14 NSF awardees invited to present at the event, Dr. Rahimi shared his contributions in the field in a panel titled, "Empowering the AI Talent of Today and Tomorrow: NSF Investments in AI Education and Development.” He showcased his proposal for the NSF-funded National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot initiative, which aims to provide advanced AI resources to his students at Southern Miss, offering hands-on experience in machine learning and solving real-world cybersecurity challenges.
“I felt incredibly honored to represent the University at the Congressional AI Education Showcase,” said Dr. Rahimi. “I was able to highlight our NAIRR Pilot initiative on a national stage, demonstrating USM's commitment to advancing AI education, particularly in cybersecurity. It provided a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers and fellow educators, showcasing the important work we’re doing to prepare graduates who are ready for life. In the ever-evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity, having access to advanced computational resources in the classroom is key to fostering practical, industry-relevant skills.”
Dr. Rahimi noted that the showcase also provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with key leaders in AI and science policy, including Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional AI Caucus, and Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the NSF.
“It was a privilege to engage with notable figures and share insights about our work at the University while gaining perspectives on national priorities in AI education and research. Such conversations are invaluable for aligning our educational efforts with broader policy goals and highlighting the impact that NSF investments have on institutions like ours.”
Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, expressed his gratitude for Dr. Rahimi’s leadership in shaping a future-ready workforce and for his impact on education.
“In just a few short years at Southern Miss, Dr. Rahimi has built a sterling reputation as an educator in both AI and cybersecurity,” said Dr. Winstead. “His work helps to ensure that our students are receiving the best possible training in these areas that are so critical to the future of our state and nation. We are extremely proud that NSF has recognized his contributions at this national level. His efforts are not only benefiting our students here at Southern Miss but are also making a positive impact on students across the country.”
Spearheading several innovative initiatives, Dr. Rahimi serves as the University's point of contact for the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, awarded by the National Security Agency (NSA). He also serves as the co-Principal Investigator on the INtegrated Cyber Instructor Training Ecosystem (IN-CITE) project, funded by the Department of Labor, through which new cyber warfare curricula are being developed to address rapid changes in cybersecurity issues. This initiative aims to equip National Guard soldiers with the latest cybersecurity practices and techniques to respond effectively to emerging threats, while also providing students with opportunities to interact with cybersecurity experts and prepare for careers in this rapidly evolving field.
Dr. Rahimi has also been instrumental in expanding research opportunities at the University. With generous funding from the Jimmy Payne Foundation, he established the Computing Research Center (CRC) within the School of CSCE. This center aims to foster new research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, engaging them in meaningful projects and equipping them with essential skills to ensure a successful transition from college to career.
With its robust cybersecurity curriculum, USM’s School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering has been elevating its reputation as a leading institution in cybersecurity education and attracting top-tier students.