AIX Summary
The AI Exploration Center (AIX) at SUNY Polytechnic Institute focuses on driving artificial intelligence (AI) research and practice. We aim to deepen exploration with AI, identify innovative AI techniques and develop practical applications, all while facilitating collaboration across academia, industry, and international partners. The center’s three key programs—the Laboratory, the Accelerator, and the Studio—create a continuous cycle of research and development. The Lab works on the creation of scalable AI models. The Accelerator transforms AI theory into practical AI applications. The Studio offers a dedicated space for participants to engage with AI and researchers to explore those experiences.
Research
AIX Laboratory
The AIX Lab focuses on developing and evaluating large neural networks and language models to advance theoretical AI knowledge. The lab focuses on developing AI models, including advanced computer image processing and large language models as they relate to human cognition. By fostering collaboration with international partners, the laboratory aims to build advanced AI systems while ensuring responsible AI development.
AIX Accelerator
The Accelerator will bridge the gap between AI research and real-world business applications. Initiatives include developing and delivering training programs and providing resources to support AIX partners, with a focus on small organizations facing challenges integrating AI into their business models. Future programs will focus on workforce training, collaboration with several local and international partners, as well as integrating graduate students with area businesses and organizations.
AIX Studio
The Studio establishes a demonstration studio and testbed for research focused on human interaction with AI systems. Researchers will examine how participants engage with generative AI tools, documenting and analyzing these interactions. One of its flagship projects, ChatArchivist, is being developed to collect participant interactions with AI models and help participants organize and analyze the generated data. This project is intended to assist researchers and businesses in knowledge management and ethical AI application development. The launch of ExploreAI, a series of workshops to explore and evaluate a range of generative AI tools, will provide an opportunity to engage SUNY Poly students, faculty, staff and the wider community. The goal is to provide insights into participant behavior and use this data to improve the design and implementation of future AI tools and applications.
Research Professionals
Dr. Steven M. Schneider
Co-Director and Principal Investigator
steve@sunypoly.edu
Dr. Schneider is a Professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute with over 30 years of experience in political science and communication. He has led numerous interdisciplinary research projects and has a strong background in web archiving and AI. Dr. Schneider’s expertise lies in ethical AI development, and he has been integral in leading the ongoing ChatArchivist project, which helps professionals manage knowledge produced by AI interactions. He also spearheads the AIX studio which oversees the user experience research program, ensuring that participants are actively engaged in AI exploration.
Dr. William Thistleton
Co-Director and Principal Investigator
thistlet@sunypoly.edu
Dr. Thistleton is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, specializing in computational mathematics, applied statistics, generative AI and cognitive science. His research spans machine learning, image processing, and the effects of architecture on long-term care. Dr. Thistleton has served as Department Chair and Program Coordinator for the Applied Math major, as Coordinator for both the MS in Data Science and Analytics and the Graduate Advanced Certificate in Data Analysis. He is an experienced consultant, applying advanced algorithms in industries ranging from healthcare, information theory, and to market research. At the AI Exploration Center, Dr. Thistleton leads the AIX Lab which focuses on developing AI models that promote innovative and responsible AI use.
Dr. Matthew Brigida
Associate Professor and Co-Principal Investigator
brigidm@sunypoly.edu
Dr. Brigida is an Associate Professor of Finance with a background in data analytics and AI integration in business environments. He has led numerous projects in AI-driven financial analysis and decision support systems, combining expertise in finance with advanced data science techniques, including machine learning, time series analysis, and econometric modeling. He has a strong industry background, having consulted for organizations such as Huntington Bank and NextEra Energy, where he applied quantitative methods to optimize financial strategies. His work at the AI Exploration Center focuses on developing applications for AI in business contexts.
Dr. Nick LeJeune
Assistant Professor and Co-Principal Investigator
lejeunc@sunypoly.edu
Dr. LeJeune is an Assistant Professor specializing in interactive media and game design. His expertise in creative AI systems and human-AI collaboration brings a unique perspective to the center. His work focuses on developing educational tools and platforms that enhance learning through interactive design. Dr. LeJeune contributes to the AIX Studio, where he explores AI’s role in creative industries and how participants interact with AI-powered design tools.
Dr. Rebecca Weldon
Assistant Professor and Co-Principal Investigator
weldonr@sunypoly.edu
Dr. Weldon is an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology, with a focus on decision-making and human cognition. Through her research and teaching, Dr. Weldon contributes to understanding the neural mechanisms behind decision-making and cognitive control. She is responsible for leading the research on participant engagement with AI, particularly within the AIX Studio. Dr. Weldon’s research seeks to understand how participants adapt to and reflect on AI systems, ensuring ethical practices and meaningful participant involvement.
Dr. Asela Abeya
Lecturer and Co-Principal Investigator
abeyaa@sunypoly.edu
Dr. Abeya is an applied mathematician whose research explores how complex mathematical theories can explain real-world phenomena. His work focuses on solving partial differential equations, particularly in understanding waves and patterns in nature. He has also contributed to understanding solitons, which are special waves that maintain their shape over long distances, useful in fields like fiber optics and fluid dynamics. Through his teaching and research, Dr. Abeya connects theoretical mathematics to practical, tangible problems, making his findings relevant to AI research.
Dr. Andre Villela
Assistant Professor and Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Vilela is an Assistant Professor of Statistical and Computational Physics, and former Distinguished Visiting Scientist at the Center for Polymer Studies at Boston University. His research focuses on unveiling the underlying mathematical mechanisms that drive the behavior of agents in groups within social networks and financial markets. By using advanced mathematical models, Dr. Vilela's work has helped to reveal hidden patterns in complex data, providing insights that can improve decision-making in fields like public health, finance, and technology.
