FAMU School of the Environment to Launch Nexus Innovate Mobile Geospatial AI Lab
Florida A&M University’s School of the Environment to Launch Nexus Innovate Mobile Geospatial AI Lab
Tallahassee, FL — April 25, 2025 — Florida A&M University’s School of the Environment is proud to announce the official launch of the Nexus Innovate Geospatial AI Mobile Lab (GAML) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Frederick S. Humphries Science & Research Building parking lot. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m., demonstrating the lab’s cutting-edge capabilities and remarks from university leaders and key partners.
Funded through a U.S. Department of Energy grant (DOE), this mobile laboratory represents a bold leap forward in the integration of Geospatial Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) into environmental research and education. It is designed to enhance the Environmental Science curriculum and advance workforce development in strategic STEM fields.
The Nexus Innovate Mobile Geospatial AI Lab is a cutting-edge method for students
to learn.
(Photo special to FAMU)
“This mobile lab is more than just a classroom on wheels,” said Victor Ibeanusi, Ph.D., dean of the School of the Environment and the PI of this DOE grant. “It’s a dynamic, high-tech platform that empowers our students, researchers, and actively engages community partners to explore, innovate, and solve real-world challenges in the EnergyWaterFoodClimateNexus” “Let’s just go do it!” and “Let a New Science Enterprise Lead the Way.”
From Left to Right: Joel Blount Jr., coordinator, Student Success & Academic Programs
and Victor Ibeanusi, Ph.D., dean of the School of the Environment. (Photo special
to FAMU)
Through a powerful collaboration between Florida A&M University (lead institution), Kentucky State University, and Clark Atlanta University, the Nexus Innovate Mobile Lab will serve as the central hub for a new Geospatial-Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Curriculum (GAIEC). This transdisciplinary initiative is designed to expand academic offerings, foster student engagement, and accelerate research breakthroughs in environmental engineering, bioinformatics, geospatial science, and remote sensing.
Equipped with portable geospatial tools, satellite data access, interactive workstations, and Wi-Fi connectivity, the lab will travel to partnering institutions and high schools, creating a collaborative learning environment that breaks traditional classroom boundaries. It also plays a vital role in recruiting and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
The School of the Environment introduces a mobile method of learning to the FAMU community.
(Photo special to FAMU)
The Nexus Innovate Mobile Lab supports several FAMU Strategic Priorities, including:
- Exceptional Student Experience
- Academic Excellence
- High-Impact Research, Commercialization, Outreach and Extension Services
- Long-Term Fiscal Health and Sustainability
- Organizational Effectiveness and Transformation
- World-Class Faculty
- Leveraging the FAMU Brand
Media representatives, educators, students, and community stakeholders are invited to attend the launch event on April 30. Join us in celebrating this milestone as FAMU continues to lead the charge in transforming environmental education and innovation across the nation.
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
To RSVP for the Event:
Joel Blunt Jr.
Coordinator, Student Success & Academic Programs
FAMU School of the Environment
joel.blount@famu.edu
(850) 561-2641
