James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence for Every SDSU Student

The James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence (JSBCAI) is an interdisciplinary innovation hub where SDSU students explore, build, and apply AI to real-world challenges.

Whether your focus is on business, engineering, psychology, public health, computer science, or the social sciences, the Center provides opportunities to engage with artificial intelligence through hands-on research, collaborative projects, and emerging technology initiatives.

From social robotics and healthcare applications to student-led innovation proposals, JSBCAI empowers students across all majors to participate in shaping the future of ethical, human-centered AI.

Student Research & Innovation

Collaborate on applied AI projects addressing healthcare, mental health, robotics, and societal challenges.

Social Robotics Development

Support the design and advancement of AI-driven robotic systems focused on human well-being and quality of life.

researcher testing virtual reality equipment

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Partner with faculty and students across SDSU colleges to bring diverse AI concepts to life.

Ethical AI Leadership

Promote responsible AI development grounded in inclusion, ethics, and societal impact.

Our Mission

Advance artificial intelligence through cutting-edge foundational research while fostering innovative applications in social robotics. We are pushing the boundaries of AI understanding, developing ethical and intelligent systems that enhance human quality of life in impact areas such as healthcare and education. By bridging theoretical breakthroughs with real-world impact, we aim to create AI solutions that are socially responsible, inclusive and transformative for communities worldwide.

Our Vision

Looking ahead, we envision a future where AI is an integral part of solving some of the most pressing societal challenges. We are looking to create a future where AI-driven robots are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, acting as creative collaborators and trusted partners. We aspire to empower individuals and communities by developing intelligent systems that augment human creativity, enhance productivity, and foster new possibilities for innovation. Through cutting-edge research and ethical design, we envision a world where humans and robots work together harmoniously, contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and enriched society.

Source: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/videos/researchers-at-sdsu-develop-ai-robot-to-help-people-with-mental-health-concerns/3540205/

Director Spotlight

Associate Professor Dr. Aaron Elkins

Dr. Elkins is an associate professor at San Diego State University (SDSU) under the Fowler College of Business and our very own director here at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence.

Learn more about Dr. Aaron Elkins and His Work

Opportunities for Students

JSBCAI offers SDSU students multiple pathways to get involved with artificial intelligence, regardless of major or technical background:

AI Healthcare Research Internships
Students in psychology and behavioral sciences are contributing to AI-enabled diagnostic and patient management tools supporting conditions such as lung cancer, depression, and bipolar disorder.

ASHER Robotics Program
Engineering and computer science students collaborate on the development of AI-powered social robots planned to support patients in home care environments.

AI Education & Workshops
Periodic learning sessions introduce students to AI concepts, tools, and real-world applications.

Student-Proposed AI Projects
Have an idea? Students from any SDSU major may propose AI-related projects for Center review and potential support.

Interested in participating or proposing an idea? Contact the Center to start the conversation.

Contact the Center

JSBCAI brings together faculty leadership, researchers, and student innovators committed to advancing ethical artificial intelligence. Meet the individuals driving the Center’s research, partnerships, and student engagement initiatives.

Director