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Collegiate associate professor of computer science at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Najam Hassan, PhD, has been selected as a National Science Foundation National AI Research Resource () AI Education Fellow, one of 25 in the inaugural cohort.

This national honor recognizes Hassan’s long-standing leadership in artificial intelligence education, from helping launch Maryland’s first bachelor’s degree in AI to contributing to statewide efforts on responsible and ethical AI. NAIRR fellows are tasked with shaping how students, educators, and institutions across the country access and learn with emerging AI technologies.

For UMGC learners, this year-long fellowship will translate to even stronger alignments between what they learn in the classroom and what today’s employers need. Through the NAIRR community, Hassan will bring back insights, resources, and best practices to help keep UMGC programs current, practical, and grounded in responsible innovation. 

His appointment also underscores UMGC’s growing role as a leader in accessible, workforce-ready AI education, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of an AI-driven world. 

“As an NAIRR AI Education Fellow, my goal is to bridge the gap between national AI research and the classroom,” said Hassan. “By championing responsible innovation and workforce upskilling, we are ensuring that t �������� learners are not just prepared for the AI-driven future but are ready to lead it.”