Key Takeaways:
- The University of South Florida (USF) has a long history of innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) research, dating back to the 1980s.
- The university’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is a pioneering institution that aims to produce job-ready professionals in these fields.
- The college uses a "hub and spoke" model, with foundational research in computer science, cybersecurity, and AI, and specialized areas of study in various disciplines.
- The college’s success is expected to have a significant impact on the Tampa Bay area, attracting companies and creating a hub for AI research and cybersecurity.
- USF’s early adoption of AI research has paved the way for the university’s current status as a leader in the field, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Research at USF
The University of South Florida (USF) has a rich history of innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) research, dating back to the 1980s. Lawrence Hall, a distinguished university professor and associate dean of research innovation at USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, was one of the university’s earliest AI researchers. Hall’s colleagues nicknamed him a "mad scientist" during his early years working in AI, but today he is recognized as a pioneer in the field. As Hall noted, "Everybody’s using it, touching it… You probably have it on your phone." The university’s early adoption of AI research has paved the way for its current status as a leader in the field.
The Early Days of Computing and Community
Hall’s journey in AI research began in the 1980s, when he was hired by USF two years after Kevin Boyer, who is credited with being the university’s first AI researcher. At the time, technology was scarce, and the internet was still in its infancy. Hall recalled that checking email felt like it took "three days," and data had to be manually entered into the system. Despite these challenges, Hall and his colleagues were driven to advance AI research. As Hall said, "Some younger faculty wanted to do research, and we sort of banded together and worked with each other in a sense of backing up each other’s ideas." USF was also ahead of the times, dedicating resources to AI research and creating a unique environment for innovation.
The Establishment of the Bellini College
The pioneering work of Hall and his colleagues led to the launch of the Bellini College three decades later. The college is charged with producing job-ready professionals in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computing. Its strategic, interdisciplinary focus is an important part of its mission. Faculty aim to work collaboratively across all USF colleges to produce graduates who can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance their work. As Hall noted, "We’re going to be producing a cadre of graduates who can go on to help regional companies." The college’s "hub and spoke" model, with foundational research in computer science, cybersecurity, and AI, and specialized areas of study in various disciplines, is designed to facilitate this collaboration.
The Impact of the Bellini College
The Bellini College’s success is expected to have a significant impact on the Tampa Bay area, attracting companies and creating a hub for AI research and cybersecurity. As Hall said, "It’s going to be a nexus for artificial intelligence research as well as producing people who can do cyber security." The college’s research is geared toward benefiting various disciplines, and its success is expected to ripple across the region. Students like Michelle McAveety, a junior computer engineering major and captain of USF’s CyberHerd team, are already experiencing the benefits of the college’s innovative approach. McAveety noted, "I’ve always been so impressed by professors and their continued dedication to their craft, their continued investment in research and continuing to give back to their communities, taking their knowledge and inspiring the next generation."
The Future of AI Research at USF
As USF celebrates its 70th anniversary, the university is looking toward the future of AI research. The Bellini College is expected to play a key role in shaping the university’s future, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. Hall noted, "We can always think back into the past and think about how computing has changed over time and how things have evolved." The university’s early adoption of AI research has paved the way for its current status as a leader in the field, and the Bellini College is poised to take this research to the next level. As McAveety said, "To be on the cutting edge of it and to see AI emerging, to see what the future of our education looks like and the future of our world of safety, our security, it’s very inspiring to get to be a part of that story."
https://www.usf.edu/news/2025/from-mad-scientist-to-ai-pioneer-the-bellini-college-is-shaping-usfs-future.aspx