Florida Atlantic University will launch a new Artificial Intelligence Lab to offer new experiential learning opportunities and prepare students to apply AI in their future careers.
The university received a $1 million donation from the Levine Family Foundation to open the lab within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, which they will name the “Michael R. Levine AI-Enabled Hands-On Engineering Lab.”
Its launch marks a further expansion of AI programming at FAU, which approved new bachelor’s and new business master’s degrees in AI in 2026.
FAU President Adam Hasner said in a news release that the new lab will prepare students “to succeed in a rapidly changing world” by focusing on the practical application of AI. The lab, the university says, will allow students to explore emerging technologies in partnership with faculty.
Students will have the opportunity to apply AI to their education and career interests, and work on experiential learning projects.
The lab’s work also will prioritize projects that dovetail with the Florida-Israel Institute, which is administered through FAU. The Florida-Israel Institute is one of eleven public linkage institutes between Florida universities and foreign countries, meant to promote closer ties and opportunities for joint research.
Exchanges related to Israel, the news release said, will “broaden global perspectives, foster collaborative research and teaching, and strengthen educational opportunities.”
Michael Levine, president of the Levine Family Foundation, said the lab will prepare students to be “at the forefront of AI technology innovation.”
The Levine Family Foundation, based in Lighthouse Point, has previously donated to regional Jewish and Christian organizations that sponsor missions, religious programming and local faith education, according to IRS filings made available by Propublica. Their donations reach across Florida, Michigan, New York and California and include other causes such as voting access, education and disability services.
Stella Batalama, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, called the new donation “an investment in student learning, mentoring and career readiness.”