If there is one constant we can count on as engineering and technology educators, it’s that technology isn’t constant.
Just three years ago, AI chatbots like ChatGPT were barely known. Today, they’re used by hundreds of millions and are some of the fastest-growing apps ever. In a field defined by rapid change, I’m especially grateful to be part of FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing.
This semester, we’re excited about several key events, including two hackathons and a major AI conference in Miami. These aren’t just events—they capture the latest innovations in tech and engineering.
ShellHacks: Florida’s Premier Hackathon
From September 27th to 29th, FIU will host the eighth annual ShellHacks. This hackathon draws over a thousand students from across Florida and the nation, all eager to put their programming skills to the test. Using everything they’ve learned in and out of the classroom, participants will compete to create the best software solutions. Industry professionals and top companies will be there, not just to judge but also to recruit new talent for internships and careers.
ShellHacks is the brainchild of INIT, an organization founded in 2014 by FIU students and alumni from Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE). INIT’s mission is to empower students from underserved communities to launch successful tech careers. And, year after year, ShellHacks has been a key part of that mission.
AI Hackathon: Solving Real Problems with AI
Before ShellHacks kicks off, FIU will host another hackathon – The Artificial Intelligence Hackathon for T&E Professionals. From September 17th to 19th, AI experts will gather on campus to tackle real-world challenges using the latest in AI and digital tools. Organized by The Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), the Test Research Management Center (TRMC), Edaptive Computing, Inc. (ECI) and FIU, this event is tailored for Test & Evaluation (T&E) professionals looking to push the boundaries of what AI can do.
Artificial intelligence already shapes much of our daily lives. From the content you see on social media to breakthroughs in healthcare, AI is rapidly changing the way we live and work. At FIU, we recognize AI’s transformative power and are committed to preparing the next generation of engineers and computing experts to lead in this field.
EMNLP 2024: A Premier AI Conference Comes to Miami
Later this fall, one of the top AI conferences in the world will land in Miami. The 2024 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP 2024) will take place from November 12th to 16th at the Hyatt Regency Miami. EMNLP is a crucial stage for AI research, especially in Natural Language Processing (NLP)—the driving force behind apps like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
EMNLP is known for its high-impact research papers and for bringing together leading minds in AI. With so few journals dedicated to this emerging field, conferences like this are critical to advancing the conversation. FIU’s own professor, Mark Finlayson, is serving as one of the conference chairs, and we’re incredibly proud of his work and mentorship in NLP.
FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing is a proud sponsor of EMNLP 2024 and will be hosting a booth at the event. We invite you to stop by, meet our faculty and graduate students, and learn about our cutting-edge research, commitment to developing an AI-ready workforce, and opportunities for student admissions and faculty recruitment.
FIU: Leading the Way in AI and Engineering
Tech will always evolve, but at FIU, we have the right people, at the right place, at the right time to lead in research, education, and industry collaboration. I encourage you to join us at ShellHacks, the AI Hackathon, or EMNLP 2024 to witness firsthand the innovations shaping the future.
Sincerely,
Inés R. Triay
Interim Dean, FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing