Our Mission

NIU AI is committed to exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning through collaborative learning, engaging presentations, and innovative research projects. Our goal is to foster a vibrant environment where students, faculty, and external researchers can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on cutting-edge topics.

What We Do

  • Presentations & Talks: We host regular presentations featuring students, faculty, and external researchers. Topics can include:

    • Your own research and findings
    • In-depth overviews of specific research fields
    • Detailed discussion of influential research papers
    • Emerging technologies, methods, and trends in AI/ML

    This platform allows students to practice presenting, but its value goes far beyond presentation skills. Preparing a talk encourages deep learning of a subject, and delivering it provides a chance to test your understanding. Presentations also foster academic collaboration by helping participants understand each other’s work and explore potential partnerships. Most importantly, they promote discussion, sparking new ideas and expanding perspectives.

  • Research Projects: Collaborative projects exploring AI applications and innovative research across disciplines.

  • Community Building: We cultivate a supportive environment for learning, discussion, and networking.

  • Educational Outreach: Extending AI/ML education beyond the university, inspiring the next generation of learners.y

Leadership & Participation

The community was founded by Drs. Lei Zhang and Zhishuai Guo, faculty members in the Department of Computer Science at Northern Illinois University, with the support of the department.

We welcome other faculty and students to take leadership roles, contribute presentations, or organize events, helping sustain and grow the community. Everyone is encouraged to engage, collaborate, and share knowledge.

Get Involved

Contact us at contact@niuai.org

Location: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois