French scientist visits NSU to discuss AI technology in buildings and international exchange opportunities

November 5, 2024

By Dr. Damien Tristant

Assistant Professor of Physics

NATCHITOCHES - In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) contributed to Nobel Prizes in Chemistry for AI-driven protein structure prediction and in Physics for computational methods that enabled the development of neural networks. These achievements underscored AI's transformative impact on scientific discovery, while also highlighting its potential to improve building performance by focusing on indoor comfort and energy efficiency. This aligns with Northwestern State University's effort to create smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.

In a spirit of progress and collaboration, NSU, along with the College of Arts and Sciences, STEM School, Department of Physical Science and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), welcomed Vincent Mathieu, president of the French Building Federation (FFB) of Aube and president of 4.0 Built Heritage Cluster (CPB 4.0), from Troyes, France. During his visit, Mathieu highlighted the growing partnerships between NSU, the FFB, the CPB 4.0, the NCPTT and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT), emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing technology and fostering international collaboration. The goal of these partnership is to use AI to enhance our understanding of buildings, particularly how indoor comfort factors such as temperature respond to changing outdoor weather. This knowledge will help optimize energy consumption using automated sensors and identify building strengths and weaknesses for improved renovation and insulation.

Mathieu and Andy Ferrell, deputy director of NCPTT,also toured the recently renovated Natchitoches Train Depot, which now hosts exhibitions from the apartheid era, as well as Oakland Plantation, a preserved historic site managed by the National Park Service.

Mathieu gave a presentation to students, staff and faculty about the Internet of Things (IoT) in Built Heritage Research and Training, demonstrating how AI and IoT are transforming historic building preservation. He showcased innovative solutions to optimize energy efficiency, enhance indoor comfort and maintain architectural integrity while reducing energy consumption by 40 percent through the use of sensors. His presentation concluded with the announcement of a student exchange program between NSU and UTT, which will bring a group of NSU students to Troyes in March 2025. The program aims to immerse students in French culture while exploring how AI can benefit society.

Mathieu met with members of the AI Club at NSU, directed by Dr. Nabin Sapkota, which includes staff and faculty who meet every Wednesday afternoon to learn about AI and machine learning through hands-on coding in Python. The goal of the club is to understand AI tools and apply them across various fields, such as science, linguistics and building maintenance. Club members will share their new knowledge with students next semester, empowering them to explore AI's potential in their studies and projects.