Feb. 11, 2026
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) is proud to announce the establishment of the Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence. This new initiative is designed to serve as the university’s central hub for AI integration, spearheading the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) across the curriculum, faculty and staff research, and campus-wide operational activities.
The AI Institute is guided by a multidisciplinary leadership team tasked with overseeing strategic activities and facilitating the integration of AI technologies throughout the institution. The team includes:
- Michael Smith, Director of the Institute for Complex Additive Systems Analysis (ICASA),
- Dr. Jun Zheng, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
- Dr. John Naliboff, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science.
“AI is a critical tool for analyzing complex systems. Our AI Institute allows us to bridge the gap between theoretical AI and its practical application in national security and complex data analysis, providing our students with unparalleled hands-on experience,” said Smith.
Reporting to Dr. Lique Coolen, Vice President of Research and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs at New Mexico Tech, the leadership team ensures that AI initiatives remain closely aligned with the university’s broader research and academic mission. The Institute will focus on building talent, boosting research, enhancing infrastructure, and securing partnerships.
“The Raul Deju Institute for Artificial Intelligence represents a pivotal step in ensuring New Mexico Tech remains at the forefront of technological innovation,” said Dr. Coolen. “By integrating AI into our curriculum and research operations, we are preparing our students, staff, and faculty to solve the complex challenges of the future.”
Dr. Zheng highlighted that the Institute will provide flexibility for students to engage in various degrees, minors, and certificates in AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
“We are excited to continue to expand our curricular offerings and prepare students for the workforce and fast-changing landscape of AI and other emerging fields, including quantum and cybersecurity,” he said.
Dr. John Naliboff, overseeing New Mexico Tech’s High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, emphasized that the combined AI capabilities of the new Institute and HPC infrastructure will provide students hands-on opportunities. This experience is essential for critical workforce and economic development, while also aligning researchers across campus for emerging research frontiers and associated funding opportunities.
The launch of the Institute was made possible through the visionary support and philanthropy of distinguished alumnus Dr. Raul Deju, whose contributions provide the foundation for the AI Institute’s immediate and long-term sustainability as a leader in AI education and application.
“New Mexico Tech is a special place that propelled me to a successful entrepreneurial career, and I believe it is uniquely positioned to lead in this new technological era,” said Dr. Deju. “By investing in the AI Institute, we are providing the tools for the next generation of ‘Techies’ to drive global innovation. It is my privilege to help launch this endeavor and ensure our students remain the most competitive and inspired problem-solvers in the world.”
Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, a New Mexico Tech Regent and a global authority on the intersection of cybersecurity and AI, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch for the state, nation, and industry.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a peripheral technology; it is the cornerstone of our future global security and economic resilience,” said Dr. Mukkamala. “As an alumnus and Regent, I am thrilled to see New Mexico Tech take this bold step. Through this AI Institute, we are ensuring that our research remains at the cutting edge and that our graduates are prepared to lead with integrity and innovation in an AI-driven world.”
“This initiative represents another major collaborative milestone for our faculty, research staff, administration, and alumni,” said New Mexico Tech Interim President Dr. Michael Jackson. “Our comprehensive, robust strategy will embed AI into every facet of our mission, ensuring New Mexico Tech will be a leader in the AI revolution. I am excited to see our campus community advance this initiative—from educating the STEM workforce and tackling complex research challenges, to positively impacting the quality of life for all New Mexicans.”
To learn more about the AI Institute’s current initiatives and future plans, please visit the website.
