New Jindal School Lab Harnesses the Power of AI

The new Artificial Intelligence & Analytics Laboratory at The University of Texas at Dallas represents more than just technology; it is a space where innovation can meet opportunity.

Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) recently made a $100,000 gift to the Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) for the purchase of 10 workstations with graphics processing units (GPUs) - high-powered circuits originally designed for digital-image and parallel processing, now widely used for complex analytics on large datasets in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The computers in the new laboratory will be managed by the Jindal School's Center for the Management of Financial and Digital Asset Technologies (FD-Tech Center).

"It's a testament to what's possible when industry and academia unite with a shared vision for the future," said Angela Faust BS'10, MBA'18, senior vice president and chief operations officer of CUTX. "We're proud to play a role in shaping the next generation of AI leaders and look forward to seeing how their work transforms the financial industry and beyond."

At the lab's December ribbon-cutting, Dr. Hasan Pirkul, Jindal School dean and the Caruth Chair, said the initiative will advance education and research in the AI field.

"We have been making significant investments in curriculum and other resources in financial technology and AI," he said. "This particular lab will be incredibly important for all of our students as we implement AI concepts throughout all our curricula. Students will heavily use these machines to study these new courses and concepts."

Dr. Vijay Mookerjee, professor of information systems and the Charles and Nancy Davidson Distinguished Chair in Information Systems, said the gift from CUTX is the first phase of a larger plan for the lab, which will have its own dedicated space when Phase 3 of the Jindal School complex is completed in 2026.

Mookerjee, director of the FD-Tech Center, said, "We started this center because we wanted it to be driven by what the industry needs from us."

Faust said the gift came about while the company was working with Jindal School faculty to explore opportunities to enhance its customer-service experience with AI.

Dr. Zhiqiang (Eric) Zheng, Ashbel Smith Professor of information systems and associate director of the FD-Tech Center, said the CUTX representatives asked him what the center needed and how they could help.

"One thing we agreed on is that AI is now the key to driving all aspects of the business," he said. "At JSOM, we didn't have enough GPU-caliber computing power, and we wanted something both for research and for teaching students. Vijay and I mentor PhD students. We are working on projects that require massive computing power. This gift provides us with exactly that."

CUTX also recently donated $15,000 to the Jindal School to support two Lean Six Sigma projects and two workstations in the FD-Tech Center.

"Credit Union of Texas has always sought innovative ways to serve our members," Faust said. "As AI reshapes industries, it's essential to leverage this technology to enhance the member experience. Partnering with UT Dallas, a university renowned for its emphasis on research and innovation, was a natural fit. When we learned about the FD-Tech Center's need for resources and hands-on projects, we saw an opportunity to contribute meaningfully by providing AI-powered computers and collaboration opportunities for students."

The new lab benefits CUTX, the financial industry and academia, Faust said, because it fosters an innovation ecosystem where academic research directly informs industry practices, driving advancements that benefit both sectors.

"It creates a talent pipeline, preparing UTD students with real-world skills while giving CUTX and the financial industry access to well-trained graduates ready to lead in AI-driven finance," she said. "This partnership also ensures sustainable collaboration, allowing both academia and industry to adapt to technological changes and continuously innovate."

Faust said her UT Dallas undergraduate and graduate education instilled in her a love for technology and a mindset of curiosity.

"I've always asked, 'Why do we do it this way?' and 'Is there a better way?'" she said. "Those principles have guided my career and align perfectly with CUTX's commitment to education and innovation. I'm especially proud to see CUTX's support for UTD, an institution that sparked my passion for innovation."