Jiaqi Gong, PhD
Dr. Jiaqi “Jackey” Gong is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at The University of Alabama and the founding Director of the Alabama Center for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (ALAAI). A recognized leader in AI research, education, and innovation ecosystems, he has spearheaded initiatives that link advanced AI methods with pressing societal challenges, from rural healthcare resilience to environmental monitoring and entrepreneurship education.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Gong has established himself at the forefront of knowledge representation, machine learning, and responsible AI, leading multi-million-dollar projects funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. His research contributions span domains as diverse as AI scribes for clinical safety, knowledge graphs for public health, neuro-symbolic reasoning for hydrology, and adaptive learning frameworks for ethical AI.
An accomplished educator, Dr. Gong has been instrumental in shaping AI workforce development at Alabama and beyond, designing new degree programs, graduate certificates, and micro-credentials that prepare the next generation of AI practitioners. He has mentored dozens of PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduates, cultivating a pipeline of talent that bridges academia, industry, and public service. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Gong regularly engages with industry leaders, government agencies, and community partners to translate AI research into real-world impact, particularly in rural health systems, natural resource management, and economic development. His vision of AI as both an engine of innovation and a framework for responsible, inclusive growth has earned him recognition as one of the driving forces shaping Alabama’s AI ecosystem.
In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Gong is deeply committed to building collaborations that matter—bringing together universities, companies, policymakers, and communities to co-create sustainable solutions. His work embodies a lifelong mission to connect cutting-edge AI science with human-centered outcomes, ensuring that technology advances both knowledge and well-being.