U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited the University of Oklahoma to learn about AI-driven research projects funded by the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission.
NORMAN, Okla. —
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited the University of Oklahoma in Norman on Friday to see how researchers are using artificial intelligence to improve geothermal systems and advance quantum computing.
The projects are supported by the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission, a federal initiative launched last year to focus on AI and other technologies aimed at doubling American research and development productivity. OU has received $1.4 million in funding for these efforts.
“Huge merits to the state of Oklahoma; it’s been an energy powerhouse, it’s been an innovation powerhouse,” Wright said.
Wright led a roundtable discussion at OU, where he met with students and professors involved in the research.
“That’s why I’m here to meet the students and the professors who are going to take the funding from the Genesis Mission to drive advancements,” Wright said.
University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. emphasized the significance of the visit and the collaboration between institutions.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to see D.C. and D.C. to see us,” Harroz said. “The frontier and the places we’re going right now with AI, quantum physics as the next frontier, shows the need to have multiple colleges working together to solve really large problems.”
Wright also visited the Hamm Institute in Oklahoma City for a Q&A session.