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Institute for Applied Practice in AI & Machine Learning

IAAM — the Institute for Applied Practice in AI and Machine Learning — is NMSU’s home for AI that makes a real-world difference. We bring together researchers, students, industry partners, and government agencies to tackle the challenges that matter most to New Mexico: agriculture, water, energy, cybersecurity, and workforce development.

IAAM is New Mexico State University’s hub for applied artificial intelligence — where research, education, and real-world impact come together. We don’t just study AI. We put it to work for New Mexico’s farms, watersheds, energy grid, and communities, connecting NMSU’s expertise with the partners and problems that need it most.

Mission

To integrate the diverse and interdisciplinary expertise of NMSU students, faculty, and partners to drive applied AI and machine learning solutions for real-world challenges that foster economic growth and enhance social well-being across New Mexico.

Vision

To be the premier collaborative  AI hub in New Mexico where integrated applied AI and machine learning expertise from students, faculty and partners converges, creating a data-driven ecosystem that generates innovative solutions for real-world challenges, significantly contributing to economic growth and overall social well-being for New Mexico.

Goals

  • Develop an institution-wide network of educators, researchers, and practitioners to advance applied AI.
  • Expand the AI talent pool at NMSU through targeted faculty cluster hires.
  • Empower NMSU faculty and instructors from any discipline in mastering and teaching AI concepts and tools.
  • Develop, assess, and disseminate cutting-edge curricula on AI and its ethical implications.
  • Establish NMSU as a national leader in applied AI research and inclusive AI education.

Leadership

Dr. Enrico Pontelli

Special Assistant for AI
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
IAAM Director

A computer scientist with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, Dr. Pontelli has spent his career at the intersection of foundational AI research and its practical application to real-world challenges.

Under his leadership, IAAM is building the infrastructure, partnerships, and programs needed to make NMSU a national leader in applied AI — and to make sure that leadership translates directly into opportunity for New Mexico.

AI Council

  • Shannon Bradley, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Doña Ana Community College
  • Huiping Cao, Professor, Computer Science
  • Kevin Comerford, Dean, Library
  • Robbie Grant, Executive Director, Academic Technology
  • Michael Hout, Associate Dean, Education, College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation
  • Lizely Madrigal, Director, Technology Support Services, Information Technology
  • Satyajayant Jay Misra, Associate Dean, College of Engineering
  • Carlo Mora-Monge, Associate Dean, College of Business
  • Lara Prihodko, Associate Director, Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Gianna Sanchez, Program Manager, Arrowhead Center
  • Tanner Schaub, Assistant Vice President, Research Cores Program
  • Marshall Taylor, Associate Professor, Sociology
  • Steven Sandoval, Associate Professor, Electrical Computer Engineering