Professor empowers students with cutting-edge AI training

April 14, 2025

EEd Faculty Profile: Andrea Ramirez-Salgado

Growing up in a family of civil engineers sparked Andrea Ramirez-Salgado’s curiosity about, well, everything.

“I’ve always been drawn to engineering, though I didn’t know exactly what kind at first. I was naturally exposed to the field, and it sparked my curiosity. Over time, that curiosity grew into a passion for using engineering to solve real-world problems and help others,” said Ramirez-Salgado, Ph.D., an instructional assistant professor with the Department of Engineering Education (EEd).

Ramirez-Salgado also is one of the faculty members for two new EEd master’s degree programs designed to up the ante for artificial intelligence training at the University of Florida: Artificial Intelligence Systems (AIS) and Applied Data Science (ADS).

Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled AI professionals, the ADS and AIS master’s programs were launched in fall 2024. Students use UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer and state-of-the-art research facilities to prepare them for careers such as healthcare, finance, robotics and aerospace.

In addition to helping shape new AI graduate programs, Ramirez-Salgado is helping younger students through a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant called Engaging High Schoolers in Integrated Computer Science and Engineering Through Hands-On Experiences with Microelectronics and Artificial Intelligence.

“With this project, we aim to help grow the next generation of engineers and computer scientists by expanding access to microelectronics and edge AI education in high schools. As our world becomes increasingly reliant on smart, connected systems, there’s a growing need for skilled talent who can design and deploy the technologies that power them,” she said.

She and her team will engage about 500 students and 25 teachers from Florida, Kansas and Texas for the project.

“Using cutting-edge but affordable tools like Tiny Machine Learning and low-cost microcontrollers, students will explore real-world applications of edge AI in ways that are hands-on, relevant and community-focused,” she added.

Here is more on this researcher on the forefront of AI education.

Question: How will your research be used in practical application?

Ramirez-Salgado: Through partnerships with the Scientists in Every Florida School network and industry collaborators, we’re creating a comprehensive, no-prerequisites curriculum that brings computer science and engineering together in a way that’s accessible and inspiring. All materials will be open source and freely shared on platforms trusted by K–12 educators — broadening impact and helping prepare the future creators and problem-solvers of tomorrow’s tech-driven world.

Q: Describe your research field?

Ramirez-Salgado: I work at the intersection of engineering and education. My technical research focuses on edge AI, and I use it as a tool for social good — to spark interest and build self-efficacy in computer science and engineering. My work engages a wide range of audiences, including K–12 students, informal learners, college undergraduates and graduate students.

Q: What have been the biggest moments in your research?

Ramirez-Salgado: I also contribute to other projects that engage different audiences in edge AI applications for social good:

• Undergraduate students: Through NSF Award #2142473, Gamified Learning of Computing Hardware Fundamentals, we developed and implemented a gamified curriculum to introduce first-year engineering students to applied edge AI and foundational hardware concepts.
• Informal education: With support from the NSF, we are developing a two-week summer camp focused on hands-on microelectronics for children. The camp will be hosted at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in July.
• International education: As part of the 100K Strong in the Americas initiative and supported by the U.S. Department of State, we are collaborating with Universidad Icesi in Cali, Colombia. This project engages senior engineering students in applying edge AI to strengthen the chili pepper supply chain.

Q: How long have you been at UF?

Ramirez-Salgado: I am currently completing my first year as a faculty member in the Department of Engineering Education. Joining this department has been a dream come true for me.

Q: As a researcher and professor, how would you like to change the world?

Ramirez-Salgado: I aim to advance technology — especially in edge AI — while empowering students to use it for social good. Through research and education, I strive to inspire the next generation to become innovators who create meaningful impact in their communities.

Q: What made you want to be a researcher/scientist?

Ramirez-Salgado: I became a researcher because I believe in the power of technology to change lives — and in the power of education to open doors. Working with edge AI lets me explore innovative solutions while inspiring students to see themselves as creators and change-makers.

For more information on Ramirez-Salgado, go to https://education.ufl.edu/aihardware/.