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Engineering has always evolved alongside technology.
Today, artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant technological shifts in modern engineering. Across every discipline—from civil infrastructure and manufacturing to biomedical systems, computing, agriculture, and transportation—AI is changing how engineers design, analyze, predict, and innovate.
The College of Engineering recognized that AI should not exist as isolated research projects or individual classroom experiments. Instead, it should become a coordinated ecosystem that empowers every student, faculty member, researcher, and industry partner.
PRAIRIE was created to build that ecosystem.
Rather than simply promoting AI adoption, PRAIRIE focuses on responsible integration—ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances human creativity, strengthens engineering practice, accelerates discovery, and creates meaningful impact for Nebraska and beyond.
Guiding Principles
Meet people where they are
AI enthusiasts and skeptics. Technical experts and newcomers. Multiple pathways for engagement, not one-size-fits-all.
Learn by doing
Pilot before scaling. Test assumptions with evidence. Adjust based on what we learn.
Remove barriers before adding programs
Logistical obstacles get fixed first. Energy is often constrained by friction, not lack of interest.
Student success is the ultimate measure
When we evaluate tradeoffs, we ask what serves students best.
Integrate rather than isolate
AI competency belongs throughout the engineering curriculum. Research collaboration belongs across departments.
Collaboration over competition
Across departments, with partners, alongside peer institutions. We share what we learn.
Leadership
The Visioning and Inaugural Faculty Advisory Board includes faculty leaders from every department in the college and from across the NU System.
Governance
PRAIRIE operates through five standing advisory bodies that represent our core constituencies:
Industry Advisory Board (IAB)
Seven inaugural members from agriculture, defense, manufacturing, infrastructure, and financial services. Meets every other month.
PRAIRIE Visioning Committee (PVC)
Thirteen faculty members who shaped PRAIRIE's founding vision. Cross-departmental.
Student Advisory Board (SAB)
Fourteen students forming through Husker AI.
Curricular Advisory Team (CAT)
Eight faculty working on AI curriculum integration across the college.
Staff Advisory Committee (StAC)
Five staff members representing operational perspectives on AI adoption.
This governance structure is co-creative by design: students, faculty, staff, and partners shape PRAIRIE's direction together.