UBIT's crucial role in National AI Institute for Exceptional Education launch

By Michael Canfield
IT Communication Specialist

Located in 205 Lockwood, the institute opened on April 2, 2024, working to provide resources and tools for several projects involving teachers in exceptional education. 

The Institute is currently developing two innovative AI solutions: an AI Screener for universal early screening of all children, and an AI Orchestrator to collaborate with speech language pathologists and teachers in providing personalized interventions for children with Individualized Education Programs.

UBIT was crucial in equipping the institute with the latest technology needed to build-out these projects, said Srirangaraj (Ranga) Setlur, managing director of the institute.

“The new space for the institute is designed to showcase research being carried out, including a sandbox space that can be used to envision technology-infused classrooms of the future,” Setlur said. “The UBIT team helped to ensure that the space was well equipped from an IT perspective to facilitate this vision.”

UBIT was responsible for the design, installation and support of the entire audio/visual and information technology system within the institute, according to Zoe Lohnes, IT project manager for UBIT Customer Service. This included setting up 14 workstations, ensuring that the space is equipped with the necessary technology to support groundbreaking research and educational advancements.  

Additionally, UBIT is providing ongoing support for the standard technology in the facility, making sure that any repairs, replacements or in-depth troubleshooting needs are promptly addressed. 

The technology and support UBIT provide was important for the institute to conduct its research, Setlur said. It was also important in other ways.  

“Having cutting-edge technology in place not only helps to propel research, but also facilitates outreach activities such as research talks, meetings and seminars as well as broadening participation activities such as camps and educational outreach for K-12, undergrad and graduate students,” he said.  

The space was brought online using UB’s standard network, with only minor exceptions for the AV system. The rapid deployment of AV and network systems was made possible by the recently modernized telecom room, a key component of the Level Up project.  

“It’s...a testament of the flexibility and robustness of UB’s standards,” said Adam Pellittieri, audio/visual systems engineer for UBIT. 

While no additional servers or computing power were directly provided for research purposes, the infrastructure was intentionally over-sized to accommodate future growth, ensuring the space can evolve with researchers’ needs. 

The close proximity of Lockwood Memorial Library to the Computing Center facilitated efficient logistics management. However, the delivery and staging of large AV equipment required meticulous coordination between UBIT, vendors, the library and the design and construction teams. 

One example of this collaboration was the quick replacement of a damaged three-bay audio/visual credenza, ensuring the project remained on schedule, said Lohnes.

“UBIT’s Classroom Technology Support, Field Services, Network and Communication Services and public computing staff members all contributed internal resources to ensure this space was operational by April 2,” she said. 

UBIT's involvement in the institute aligns with its mission to advance UB’s excellence in research, teaching, and service through the innovative and effective use of information technology, according to Lohnes.  

“By providing a state-of-the-art research environment, UBIT is helping to position UB at the forefront of educational advancements powered by AI,” she said. 

UBIT was also able to cut down on the number of vendors needed on the project. “UBIT was the facilities design consultant, the AV/IT design team, and the AV/IT integrator,” Pellettieri said.

Typically, similar projects involve between two and four outside vendors, he said. Being able to reduce the number of vendors needed ensured the project was done quickly and save on costs. 

“We had finished our needs analysis, planned infrastructure requirements and begun construction before an outside consultant would have been contracted to begin discussions with the client for the project,” Pellettieri added.  

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we saved months on the project timeline,” he said.