Making the AI MakerSpace with Joe Finnegan

Presenter: Joe Finnegan of the AI Makerspace | College of Science and Engineering

Joe Finnegan will join the March AICOP Sharetime meeting to talk about how the newly opened CSE AI Makerspace space serves the university community, upcoming projects, and how we can contribute to improving AI and data science fluency at the University of Minnesota. Joe manages this space which is located in Walter Library 125 on the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. This dedicated space empowers students to explore, learn, and innovate with artificial intelligence by providing access to cutting-edge tools, hands-on resources, and guided support.  

On its webpage, The MakerSpace promises an “open collaborative lab and study environment where students can engage with AI concepts and technologies, access powerful computer resources and cloud services, do activities and projects, attend events, and more.” 

More? YES! 

• Powerful software and environments (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure)

• In-studio access to NVIDIA DGX Spark technology

• Staff technology specialists interested in natural language processing, machine learning, DevOps, model development, and more!

• A curated share drive of guides, notebooks, and datasets for exploration and experimentation

Read all about the MakerSpace services on their handy one-page guide or visit their MakerSpace resources and ongoing projects pages.

About Joe Finnegan

Joe Finngegan manages the CSE AI Makerspace, where he promotes hands-on AI programming and partnerships that support research and instruction. Previously, he supported College of Science and Engineering researchers by designing and operating advanced AI infrastructure—including GPU servers, NVIDIA DGX systems, and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure). He brings deep experience in high-performance computing and research computing enablement and looks forward to contributing practical, campus-spanning perspectives on the cutting edge of AI research and application.

About AICOP and AICOP Sharetime:

AICOP is an informal community of UMN Staff, Faculty, and students that shares resources regarding the impact of Generative AI on research, administration, teaching & learning, and culture. Join our Google Group! AICOP Group members are invited to every Sharetime event.

ShareTime is a community space for faculty, instructors, and staff across the University of Minnesota System to share and discuss projects, challenges, and opportunities related to Generative AI. This Zoom-only meeting features a presentation by an invited guest speaker or group. Each presentation has time for open discussions and follow-up questions.  

Got an idea for a future Presenter or topic for Sharetime? Contact [email protected]