Unlocking Solutions: How University of Alaska Anchorage Researchers are Harnessing AI to Tackle Alaskan Challenges

Researchers at the University of Alaska Anchorage are on a quest to tackle community issues with artificial intelligence. Kenrick Mock, the dean of the College of Engineering, explained their broad approach to find out what problems might benefit from AI.

“What we’re doing is asking the community, ‘What challenges do you face that AI could help solve?'” Mock said. They are reaching out to businesses and community groups to develop project proposals together.

Currently, this initiative is part of the Alaska AI Solutions Consortium, backed by funding from the National Science Foundation. Mock believes AI shines when large amounts of data are involved.

“The more data we have, the better we can train our models to uncover useful insights,” he noted. However, not all projects require vast datasets; sometimes, the focus is just on exploring solutions. He encourages anyone curious about AI’s applications to connect with the team.

Social service groups have shown significant interest, with professor Masoumeh Heidari investigating the link between depression and diabetes in Alaska Native elders. Heidari has observed that those reporting poor mental health often check their blood glucose levels less frequently. This vital insight can lead to personalized treatment plans that consider Alaskan life.

One of the challenges, she mentioned, is that much of the data is national. “We aim to make our findings more relevant locally by respecting cultural perspectives,” Heidari added. Collaborating with community partners is essential to deepen their understanding and improve their models.

If you’re intrigued by AI research and think you have a problem to solve, the university encourages you to connect with their team. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that genuinely reflect community needs.

In recent years, many institutions across the U.S. are leveraging AI to address local issues. For example, a study by the Pew Research Center shows that 70% of organizations believe AI can significantly improve community services. This trend highlights the growing recognition of AI’s potential to drive positive change in various sectors.



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