New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology takes another step toward global innovation with the launch of a new initiative.
New Mexico Tech recently announced the establishment of the Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence. The new initiative will serve as the university’s central hub for AI integration. It will spearhead the advancement of AI across the curriculum, faculty and staff research, and campus-wide operations.
The AI Institute supports research and education with AI infrastructure, cultivates talent pipelines, and ignites partnerships to solve real-word problems.
New Mexico Tech revealed that distinguished alumnus Dr. Raul Deju made the Institute’s launch possible through his visionary support. Deju’s contributions provided the foundation for the Institute’s immediate and long-term sustainability as a leader in AI education and application.
“New Mexico Tech is a special place that propelled me to a successful entrepreneurial career, and I believe it is uniquely positioned to lead in this new technological era,” said Deju. “By investing in the AI Institute, we are providing the tools for the next generation of ‘Techies’ to drive global innovation. It is my privilege to help launch this endeavor and ensure our students remain the most competitive and inspired problem-solvers in the world.”
Leadership Team of the AI Institute
A multidisciplinary leadership team guides the AI Institute, overseeing strategic activities and facilitating AI technology integration throughout the institution. The team includes:
- Michael Smith, Director of the Institute for Complex Additive Systems Analysis (ICASA),
- Dr. Jun Zheng, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
- Dr. John Naliboff, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science.
“AI is a critical tool for analyzing complex systems,” said Smith.
Smith said the Institute bridges the gap between theoretical AI and practical applications in national security and complex data analysis. It provides students with unparalleled hands-on experience.
For Zheng, the Institute offers students flexible opportunities to pursue degrees, minors, and certificates in AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
“We are excited to continue to expand our curricular offerings and prepare students for the workforce and fast-changing landscape of AI and other emerging fields, including quantum and cybersecurity,” Zheng said.
Additionally, Naliboff emphasized that the “combined AI-capabilities of the new Institute and HPC infrastructure will provide students hands-on opportunities to engage in areas of critical workforce and economic development, while aligning researchers across campus for emerging research frontiers and associated funding opportunities.” He oversees New Mexico Tech’s High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure.
The leadership team reports to Dr. Lique Coolen, Vice President of Research and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs. They ensure AI initiatives remain closely aligned with the university’s broader research and academic mission.
The Institute will focus on building talent, boosting research, enhancing infrastructure, and securing partnerships.
“The Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence represents a pivotal step in ensuring New Mexico Tech remains at the forefront of technological innovation,” said Coolen.
Coolen said that integrating AI into the curriculum and research operations prepares students, staff, and faculty. It equips them to solve the complex challenges of the future.
Why The Initiative Matters
Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala stressed the strategic importance of this launch for the state, nation, and industry. He serves as a New Mexico Tech Regent and is a global authority on the intersection of cybersecurity and AI.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a peripheral technology; it is the cornerstone of our future global security and economic resilience,” said Dr. Mukkamala. “As an alumnus and Regent, I am thrilled to see New Mexico Tech take this bold step.”
Mukkamala said that through the AI Institute, New Mexico Tech ensures its research remains at the cutting edge. He added that the Institute prepares graduates to lead with integrity and innovation in an AI-driven world.
Interim President Dr. Michael Jackson said the initiative marks a major collaborative milestone for faculty, research staff, administration, and alumni.
“Our comprehensive, robust strategy will embed AI into every facet of our mission, ensuring New Mexico Tech will be a leader in the AI revolution. I am excited to see our campus community advance this initiative—from educating the STEM workforce and tackling complex research challenges, to positively impacting the quality of life for all New Mexicans,” he said.