Meet the Team
Behind the First State AI Institute

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world — revolutionizing industries, enhancing education, and transforming how we live and work. From diagnosing diseases and developing next-generation materials to optimizing operations and generating new forms of art, AI is unlocking extraordinary opportunities across every field.

At the University of Delaware, the First State AI Institute is at the forefront of this transformation. Built on a foundation of cutting-edge infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Institute is a hub for AI innovation, research excellence, and ethical leadership. It brings together experts in computing, education, business operations, and policy to ensure that AI serves the public good — transparently, responsibly, and inclusively.

Meet the people who are driving this vision forward. Led by Sunita Chandrasekaran, the David L. and Beverly J.C. Mills Career Development Chair in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, and supported by leaders Rudi Eigenmann, Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and John Huffman, Director of IT-Research Infrastructure, the Institute’s team represents a broad range of talent and commitment. Together, they are building the First State AI Institute into a national model for AI innovation and impact.

Sunita Chandrasekaran

Sunita Chandrasekaran

Institute Director

David L. and Beverly J.C. Mills Career Development Chair in UD’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences
EMAIL SUNITA
Rudi Eigenmann

Rudi Eigenmann

Co-Principal Investigator

Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
EMAIL RUDI
John Huffman

John Huffman

Co-Principal Investigator

Director, Research Cyberinfrastructure Information Technologies

EMAIL JOHN

Samantha Smith

Samantha Smith

Program Coordinator

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