From research to reality: How AI is shaping the future

by Joe Faith, assistant professor 

Artificial intelligence has vast potential to drive innovation and address complex challenges in health care and beyond. I am working to embrace this potential with research that not only pushes the boundaries of AI but also provides valuable insights to guide our Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence program that will launch in Fall 2025. Through this program, we aim to equip students with tools to build responsible, impactful AI models that make a difference across industries.

Pioneering research in AI for health care

My research centers on predicting chronic kidney disease progression using a temporal neural network — a type of AI model that can process sequential data to forecast future states. CKD is a complex and progressive condition, often complicated by other health factors like diabetes and hypertension. By developing a model that integrates these variables, including diabetes control and angiotensin blockage, I’m seeking to improve predictive accuracy, enabling a deeper understanding of patient risk profiles over time.

This model captures intricate patterns by using a transformer-based encoder which allows it to weigh key factors and relationships across multiple timelines, adapting as new data is introduced. This type of AI could provide clinicians with valuable foresight, alerting them to potential CKD progression up to a year in advance. These insights enable tailored interventions that may slow disease progression, ultimately leading to more individualized and effective patient care.

While the focus is health care, the broader significance lies in the model's design and adaptability. Temporal neural networks, especially those based on transformer architectures, are suited for any industry where data changes over time and predictions need to be precise. This research underscores how AI can model complex, evolving patterns — a skill set that we’re eager to pass on to students in our AI major.

Informing model-building in Harding’s AI major